In this must-listen episode of Healthy Careers, host Maddie Traylor sits down with Mike Harvey, Director of Clinical Operations at Forte Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, to explore the expanding role of Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in orthopedic practices. With over 20 years of hands-on experience as a PA and a background as an athletic trainer, Mike shares his career journey and how he’s helping reshape orthopedic care through team-based models, regenerative medicine, and clinical leadership.

This episode offers tactical insights for healthcare professionals, practice administrators, executives, and recruiters looking to understand how advanced practice providers are driving efficiency, improving access, and supporting scalable care delivery in orthopedic settings.

Whether you're managing a private practice, scaling an MSO, or preparing for future workforce needs, this conversation delivers real-world lessons on clinical integration, practice growth, and strategic leadership in modern musculoskeletal care.

Key Takeaways:

• How PAs and NPs are expanding their scope in orthopedic surgery

• Why regenerative treatments like PRP are changing non-operative care

• Tips for blending clinical duties with administrative leadership

• The role of business education in advancing healthcare careers

• Building high-performing provider teams in musculoskeletal care

• Navigating recruitment and retention in a competitive job market

• Why collaboration and networking are non-negotiables in healthcare

Episode Highlights:

00:50 Meet Mike Harvey: PA-C and Clinical Leader

01:34 From Athletic Trainer to Orthopedic Operations

04:07 Key Changes in the Orthopedic Care Landscape

05:58 The Power of Team-Based Patient Management

08:58 APPs in Surgery: Scope, Skills & Scalability

16:05 Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Non-Operative Care

23:52 Business Acumen in Clinical Operations

32:45 Career Growth Tips for APPs and New Clinicians

39:32 Final Thoughts

Keywords:

PAs and NPs in orthopedics,
Physician Assistants in surgery,
Orthopedic practice models,
Regenerative medicine in musculoskeletal care,
Clinical leadership in private practice,
Mid-level providers in orthopedics,
Healthcare recruiter podcast,
APP workforce development,
Ortho clinical operations,
PA career advancement,
Advanced practice providers in sports medicine,

Connect with Mike Harvey:

• LinkedIn: Mike Harvey
• Visit Forte Sports Medicine & Orthopedics