Ask Spine Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to spine surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting spine care. We invite all spine surgeon and specialist responses.
Next week’s question: What do you wish you had known before deciding to specialize in spine?
Please send responses to Anuja Vaidya at avaidya@beckershealthcare.com by Wednesday, July 22, at 5 p.m. CST.
Question: What are some of your favorite activities/hobbies?
Kern Singh, MD, Minimally Invasive Spine Institute, Chicago: I gave up on hobbies and activities once I had my second child. My son, 3, and my daughter, 1, now occupy almost all my free time. On the few occasions I can sneak out, I head to the golf course.
Bruce V. Darden II, MD, OrthoCarolina, Charlotte, N.C.: I enjoy reading and listening to R&B music. However, I would much rather spend my time outdoors. I enjoy golf and tennis, as well as riding a road bike. When I need to relieve stress, I prefer the solitude of gardening.
Kenneth Pettine, MD, Founder, The Spine Institute, Johnstown, Colo.: I enjoy reading, gardening, golf, skiing and, above all, playing with my only grandson who is about a year old.
Brian R. Gantwerker, MD, The Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles: Bicycling along the water with my son.
Richard Kube, MD, Founder, CEO, Prairie Spine & Pain Institute, Peoria, Ill.: For mental stimulation I am involved with two other businesses outside of the medical industry. One, Twisted Sun Innovations, centers around hydrogen energy storage and the other, V2E, provides military grade data transfer that achieves point-to-point tunneled transfer without the infrastructure. Outside of that, time with the family, lifting weights and tending the BBQ pit.
More articles on spine:
Surgeon Scorecard — Good or bad for spine? 5 things to know
5 things to know about quality of life after spinal fusion and disc replacements
Horizon Spine and Pain Specialists adds PA: 3 quick notes
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.