From the impact of orthopedic consolidation to predictions on surgery in 2031, here are four surgeon quotes that caught the attention of Becker's readers this week:
1. "There, public health is paramount." — Brian Gantwerker, MD, of The Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles, on what the U.S. healthcare system can learn from New Zealand.
"From the beginning of the pandemic, they hunkered down, banded together and kept the integrity of their system. I think we have a lot to learn from them. If we can all agree all patients should have health insurance of some kind, and that physicians should get paid a reasonable (i.e., not discounted) rate, and realize we are getting gouged by a very large, but somehow still obscure, third party and that is what is driving up healthcare costs, we will be OK."
2. "After spending years in training, the city became part of me, and I did not want to leave all the relationships I created behind." — George Galvan, MD, on why he chose to work at San Antonio-based Texas Neurosurgical Spine.
"I interviewed all over the West Coast because that is where I thought I wanted to be. However, in the end, after evaluating all my options it came down to knowing for years the group I was going to join since I rotated with them, continuing to grow and develop existing relationships and the comfort of living in a city where I felt part of the community."
3. "Given the current state of medicine, unless deeply rooted, well established and very busy, I think it will be difficult to survive long term as a smaller practice." — Tim Ekpo, DO, of Detroit-based Henry Ford Health System, on how orthopedic supergroups could affect small practices.
"To be clear, it’s not only a matter of surviving but more-so thriving.
Many of the supergroups that have formed understand the leverage that exists when it comes to referrals and contracting with insurances and payers. With such a large network of physicians and facilities, they are better able to control access, cost, quality and outcomes."
4. "Ten years from now all joint replacement will be done robotically. The implants will have a chip in them to monitor patients' range of motion, strength and activity. We will also be able to measure porous ingrowth digitally." — Jason Snibbe, MD, of Los Angeles-based Snibbe Orthopedics, on the future of orthopedic surgery in 10 years.
"In arthroscopic surgery, the scopes and instruments will become smaller. There will be less tissue damage and faster recovery.
The use of biologics and supplements will transform recovery. We will use preoperative testing to determine what biologics works best for the patient. We will use diet and supplements for every surgical patient to optimize the recovery."