Orthopedic surgeons say some of their greatest lessons have come not from textbooks or mentors, but from their patients. From communication and compassion to precision, teamwork and recovery psychology, here’s how patients have reshaped how leading physicians approach surgery and healing.
Editor’s note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What’s one lesson or perspective you’ve gained from your patients that’s changed how you approach surgery or recovery?
Vinay Aggarwal, MD. Chief of Adult Reconstructive Surgery Service at NYU Langone Health (New York City):Every patient recovers differently. Understanding each person’s goals and fears before surgery helps tailor care and align expectations. Whether a patient wants to walk without pain or return to sports, those conversations guide surgical planning and improve satisfaction.
Gregory Berlet, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon at Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center (Worthington, Ohio): Patients want to know you understand their lifestyle and goals. I start by focusing on what they hope to regain, then repeat what I heard to show I listened before discussing diagnosis or treatment. Every recovery is unique, and if surgeons don’t clearly define outcomes and timelines, patients fill in the blanks themselves. Recovery expectations must be based on effort, patience and pre-injury status, not generalizations.
Adam Bitterman, DO. Chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Northwell Health Huntington Hospital (New York): No two recoveries are alike. I’ve learned that healing is deeply personal — influenced by mindset, pain tolerance and life circumstances. Early in my career, I blamed variation on technique or compliance, but I now appreciate that every patient’s recovery is its own journey.
Lisa Cannada, MD. Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon at Novant Health (Charlotte, N.C.): Trauma patients don’t choose surgery, so understanding and communication are critical. I explain injuries in simple language, show them their X-rays and provide printed copies to take home. Clear recovery milestones — when they’ll walk again, return to work or resume daily life — turn fear into focus and build trust.
Samuel Cho, MD. Chief of Spine Surgery at Mount Sinai West (New York City): I teach my residents to treat every patient like their own family member. Surgery involves far more than what happens in the OR — preparing the home, managing pain and planning recovery are equally important. Empathy and foresight are as vital as technical skill.
Patrick Denard, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon and Shoulder Specialist at the Oregon Shoulder Institute (Medford): You can’t talk about biology without considering the host. I now screen all my patients for nutritional risk, including vitamin D deficiency, because optimizing those factors before surgery clearly improves outcomes.
Bassel George Diebo, MD. Spine and Scoliosis Surgeon and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedics at the Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University (Providence, R.I.): Patients with failed spine surgeries taught me that precision isn’t optional — it’s the foundation of success. Their experiences pushed me to develop AI-driven planning and digital twin technologies that predict implant contours and spinal alignment before surgery, improving accuracy and reproducibility.
Yale Fillingham, MD. Hip and Knee Replacement Surgeon and Vice Chair of Research at Rothman Orthopaedics (Philadelphia): As joint replacements shift to same-day procedures, patients sometimes underestimate recovery. I emphasize that although logistics have evolved, the biology of healing hasn’t. Younger, active patients need to balance early activity with the long-term health of their implants.
Tyler Gonzalez, MD, Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of South Carolina (Columbia): One of the most important parts of the surgeon-patient relationship is setting clear expectations and goals. Being open and honest about outcomes, pain and recovery helps ensure both the surgeon and patient are on the same page before and after surgery.
Andrew Geeslin, MD, and Dan Farnham. University of Vermont Medical Center (Burlington): Complex reconstructions succeed when communication is seamless among the surgeon, physical therapist and patient. Clear collaboration allows early troubleshooting and maximizes recovery.
Brian Grottkau, MD. Chief of Pediatric Orthopedics and Surgical Services at Holtz Children’s Hospital (Miami): A mother once told me, “Your hand isn’t on the doorknob.” That stuck with me. Patients value presence, not speed. Slowing down to listen transforms care — and reminds me I’m treating the entire family, not just the patient.
Amit Jain, MD. Spine Surgeon and Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore): My patients have taught me the power of the human spirit. While I focus on correcting deformities, their mindset and resilience often determine recovery. Sharing hope is an essential part of healing — it fuels both patients and physicians.
John Kennedy, MD. Chief of the Division of Foot and Ankle Surgery at NYU Langone Health (New York City):Through in-office needle arthroscopy, my patients can watch their procedures and ask questions in real time. Seeing their pathology firsthand empowers them and strengthens the patient-surgeon relationship. This has changed how I view patient engagement and innovation in orthopedics.
Elizabeth Matzkin, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon at Mass General Brigham (Boston): My female athletes recovering from ACL tears have shown me that recovery is as psychological as it is physical. Fear of reinjury and loss of identity are real. Integrating mental health support with physical rehab has made me a more complete physician.
Augustus Mazzocca, MD. Chief of the Division of Sports Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston):Preoperative optimization has completely changed my shoulder practice. We now address nutrition, comorbidities, pain expectations and sling use before surgery. Consistent communication across the entire team — from surgeon to nurse — is crucial. Patients retain what’s reinforced, not what’s said once.
Volker Musahl, MD. Chief of Sports Medicine at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Society has become fast-paced, but great care requires slowing down. I make a point to sit, listen and ask if there are any final questions — addressing both the patient and their family. Reading patient feedback, even critical comments, has improved my bedside manner and reminded me that “patients come first.”
Surena Namdari, MD. Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon at Rothman Orthopaedics (Philadelphia): Every operation carries risk, even when clearly indicated. I’ve learned that comorbidities, home support and social factors must be weighed as carefully as surgical skill because they can turn a perfect operation into a poor outcome.
Kanu Okike, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon at Hawaii Permanente Medical Group (Honolulu): Shared decision-making is empowering. When multiple treatment paths exist, I explain each option thoroughly and let patients express their preferences. Engaged patients are more satisfied and motivated throughout recovery.
Kwadwo Owusu-Akyaw, MD. Orthopedic Sports Surgeon at OrthoVirginia (Richmond): As elective surgeries become more common, I remind patients that every operation is a life event. Even a “simple” arthroscopy changes one’s life trajectory. I encourage patients to embrace that change and commit to maintaining lifelong mobility and functional strength.
Christopher Palmer, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon at Signature Orthopedics (St. Louis): Early in my career, I focused solely on surgical technique. My patients taught me that listening — to their fears, goals and daily realities — is just as important. Surgery is one chapter in their story, not the whole book.
Kevin Plancher, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon and Founder at Plancher Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine (New York City): Recovery is both physical and mental. Listening carefully to each patient’s end goals — whether walking pain-free or returning to golf — helps me design a rehab plan that matches their priorities. Personalized care leads to better outcomes and satisfaction.
Matthew Provencher, MD. Complex Shoulder, Knee and Sports surgeon at The Steadman Clinic (Vail, Colo.): My patients taught me to think holistically. Recovery depends not just on the joint but on the whole person — their bone density, inflammation, nutrition, strength and mental health. Optimizing those factors leads to better surgical success.
Stephen Thompson, MD. Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon at Northern Light Orthopedics (Bangor, Maine): Every patient has their own philosophy of care. Learning to honor their preferences has deepened my connection with them and improved recovery outcomes.
Alex Vaccaro, MD, PhD. President of Rothman Orthopaedics (Philadelphia): Our experience with enhanced recovery after surgery has changed my approach. Surgery isn’t something we do to patients — it’s something we do with them. Educating, engaging and empowering patients through every stage leads to faster, fuller recoveries.
Brian Waterman, MD. Chief and Fellowship Director of Sports Medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine (Winston-Salem, N.C.): Surgical success hinges on clear expectations and teamwork. Open conversations about goals, setbacks and rehab timelines — combined with nutritional and psychological support — create the best foundation for recovery.
Jeffrey Zilberfarb, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon at New England Baptist Hospital (Boston): Sports injuries are emotionally draining. Encouraging patients to stay active with safe alternative exercises maintains fitness and morale, helping them cope and return stronger.
Joseph Zuckerman, MD. Chair of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Langone Health (New York City): Technically, many operations look the same — but every patient is different. Each brings unique expectations, priorities and personal circumstances that shape the outcome. Recognizing and understanding those factors leads to better results and more satisfied patients.
