Becker’s Healthcare -- Ambulatory Surgery Centers Podcast

In this episode, Alexander Vaccaro, MD, PhD, MBA, President of Rothman Orthopaedics, joins the podcast to discuss how agentic AI is making spine surgery safer and more precise. He shares his priorities heading into 2026, including supporting professional and organic growth, expanding geographically, and navigating the evolving landscape of medical malpractice while continuing to advance high-quality spine care.

In this episode, Daniel Goldberg, SVP of Sales and Growth at United Musculoskeletal Partners, shares how reducing friction across the patient journey and improving access can accelerate new patient growth. He also discusses the growing role of AI, market specific strategies, and measuring marketing ROI to support sustainable practice expansion.

In this episode, Rachel Bratescu, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon and member of the GW Spine and Pain Center at George Washington University Hospital, discusses her goals for expanding endoscopic spine surgery and building a comprehensive, multidisciplinary spine center. She also shares perspectives on emerging spine technologies, mentorship, and navigating payer challenges while improving patient outcomes.

In this episode, Xiaofei Zhou, MD - Associate Program Director, Neurosurgery, Section Chief of Neurosurgery, Southwest General Hospital, Director of Endoscopic Spine Surgery, discusses how surgical innovation should be guided by patient outcomes and real data, not just flashy trends. They also explore the early role of AI in spine surgery, plus the financial forces shaping care including insurance, spine coding, bundled models and the need for broader systems and medical training education. 

In this episode, Dr. Aaron Chamberlain, orthopedic surgeon and Senior Medical Director for the Musculoskeletal Clinical Program at Intermountain Health, discusses the evolution of shoulder surgery and how the Intact subscapularis sparing technique is reshaping anatomic shoulder arthroplasty and patient recovery.

This episode is sponsored by DePuy Synthes.

In this episode, Dr. Aaron Chamberlain, orthopedic surgeon and Senior Medical Director for the Musculoskeletal Clinical Program at Intermountain Health, discusses the evolution of shoulder and elbow surgery, the rapid shift to ASC settings, and how innovation and patient expectations are reshaping orthopedic care.

This episode is sponsored by DePuy Synthes.

In this episode, Nathan A. Merriman, MD, MSCE, Interim Senior Medical Director Surgical Specialties and Digestive Health Clinical Program at Intermountain Medical Center, discusses how a patient-centered, team-based approach can improve access to care while enhancing the overall human experience. He shares insights on driving operational efficiency across surgical services and aligning clinical teams to deliver high-quality, coordinated care that meets patients where they are.

In this episode, Brandon P. Hirsch, MD, FAAOS, Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon at DISC Sports and Spine Center, discusses the expanding role of telemedicine, key policy changes shaping patient access, and emerging disruptors such as endoscopic techniques and digital engagement. He also shares his perspective on national healthcare reform and its direct impact on spine care.

In this episode, Anthony J. Tortolani, MD, FACS, FACC, Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeon and Professor Emeritus of Clinical Cardiothoracic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College, discusses the realities of declining profit margins and how leaders are balancing financial pressures with clinical excellence. He explores practical applications of AI in clinical medicine, including improvements in efficiency and less invasive surgical approaches, and shares why aligning strategic vision with day-to-day tactical planning is essential for long-term success in cardiovascular care.

In this episode, Molly Van Oordt, Director of Specialty Account Management at NextGen Healthcare, discusses how orthopedic and MSK practices are leveraging automation, mobile tools, and AI to address staffing shortages, reduce administrative burden, and improve patient access as demand continues to rise heading into 2026.

This episode was sponsored by NextGen Healthcare.