Dr. Vaccaro holds several leadership positions, including:
• President, Rothman Institute
• Chairman, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University
• Co-Director, Spine Fellowship Program, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
• President, Association for Collaborative Spine Research
Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
Fellowship: University of California, San Diego
Dr. Vaccaro discusses his success as a leader, the biggest milestones in his career and where he sees healthcare headed in the future.
Q: As the leader of a top orthopedic practice in the country, what are your top three keys to success?
Dr. Alexander Vaccaro: Engaging all members of the orthopedic group, working to ensure success and promotion of all faculty members of the group, commitment to resident and fellow education.
Q: What is the craziest case you’ve had?
AV: Patients that have horrible spinal deformities and are doing okay but require surgical intervention to prevent future neurologic decline due to deformity progression.
Q: What are your favorite activities outside of the office?
AV: Caring for the Eagles football team, traveling with the family, stamp collecting and reading.
Q: What professional accomplishment or milestone are you most proud of?
AV: I married above my head and have a beautiful baby boy to show for it.
Q: What issues in healthcare continue to keep you up at night?
AV: The need to continue a robust academic mission as resources for research continue to dwindle. Collaboration and philanthropy have worked to offset traditional funding sources.
Q: How do you see healthcare evolving over the next 10 years? What are the top changes you expect to see over time?
AV: Population health initiatives, insurance for all for basic healthcare needs, insurance for elective care, tiered hospital care centers based on acuity of care.
Q: How is Rothman Institute preparing for the future? What changes is the practice making with centers to prepare for challenges or take advantage of new opportunities?
AV: Developing orthopedic bundle care initiatives.
Q: Who were your mentors and how did they impact your career so far?
AV: Dick Rothman for leadership and integrity, Jerome Cotler for hard work, integrity, Steve Garfin for how to be a spine surgeon and integrity.
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