Retaining autonomy, gaining mentorship and personal development and continued technological innovation are three goals that future orthopedic surgeons look to achieve in their profession.
Six orthopedic surgeons connected with Becker’s to share their thoughts on the career goals they believed the next generation of orthopedic specialists will prioritize for their own careers.
Ask Orthopedic Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to orthopedic surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting orthopedic care. Becker’s invites all orthopedic surgeon and specialist responses.
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Please send responses to Cameron Cortigiano at ccortigiano@beckershealthcare.com by 5 p.m. CST on Sept. 15.
Editor’s note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What do you believe the next generation of orthopedic surgeons will value most in their careers?
James Chen, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon at DISC Surgery Center (Newport Beach, Calif.): I believe the next generation of orthopedic surgeons will continue to value what has always been at the heart of our profession: the ability to restore mobility, function and quality of life for patients. While technology, innovation and practice models will inevitably evolve, the fundamental motivation remains unchanged. The greatest reward in our field is the intangible satisfaction of helping others regain independence and live without pain. That sense of purpose has drawn us into medicine, and it will continue to inspire future generations of surgeons.
Ronald Gardner, MD. Founder of Gardner Orthopedics (Fort Myers, Fla.): Future orthopedists will sharply divide along two paths: Those who are content with being corporately employed and those few who are fiercely independent. Most of these decisions will be made by economic pressures, though work-life balance considerations are becoming more pertinent.
Andrew Hsu, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon at UCI Health (Irvine, Calif.): I believe the next generation of surgeons will most value the ability to have a multi-faceted career that integrates autonomy, focused patient care, continuing education, technological innovation and outside personal interests to create a work environment that aligns with their personal values and lifestyles. More than total compensation, practice-type, case volume or vacation time, I think future surgeons will prioritize having meaningful experiences such as mentorship and personal development that draw from their individual knowledge base and skill sets. I think orthopedics as a career will continue to diversify and be refined to reflect the cultural and social values of the next generation of surgeons.
David Kugelman, MD. Joint Replacement Surgeon at Rothman Orthopaedics (Philadelphia): They will prioritize continued innovation, particularly in technology and implant design, as well as long-term outcomes and work-life balance through increased efficiency.
Madhish Patel, DO. Orthopedic Surgeon at Gardner Orthopedics (Fort Myers, Fla.): The next generation of orthopedic surgeons will value their online presence.
Richard Yoon, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon at RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group (Jersey City, N.J.): The next generation of orthopedic surgeons will value the opportunity and access to be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology to treat their patients and manage their practices. This can include advances in robotics, enabling technologies and artificial intelligence. They will desire these technologies to help support them not only in the operating room, but also to make their day-to-day work in the office more efficient and supportive. With a focus on work-life balance and wellness as well, the next generation will desire the very best, not only to provide the best value-based, quality care for their patients, but also to help maintain a healthy home life as well.
