The healthcare workforce crisis is reshaping American medicine in profound ways that will impact both providers and patients for decades to come. In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Thomas L Miller, Chief Medical Officer at the University of Utah, reveals how healthcare institutions are navigating the aftermath of what he calls "a bird's eye view of the future" following the pandemic-induced Great Resignation.

What happens when devastating cancer diagnoses transform into manageable chronic conditions? Dr. Terry Peabody, Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery at Northwestern University and past AOA president, takes us on a compelling journey through the evolving landscape of musculoskeletal oncology.

Dr. Peabody shares profound leadership wisdom gained from mentors who taught him that true leadership means "bringing people along with you, not pulling up the ladder." This philosophy has shaped his approach to both patient care and professional development throughout his distinguished career.

Whether you're a healthcare professional or someone whose life has been touched by cancer, this episode offers valuable insights into how leadership, technology, and compassion are shaping the future of orthopaedic oncology. 

The healthcare landscape is transforming at lightning speed, with consolidation reshaping how orthopaedic care is delivered across America. In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. David Jevsevar, CEO of OrthoVirginia, shares his unique perspective gained from navigating nearly every side of this complex equation—from private practice founder to hospital executive to leader of one of the nation's premier orthopaedic mega groups.

Whether you're contemplating your first practice or considering a job change, this conversation offers invaluable guidance from those who've successfully navigated multiple transitions. 

AOA Emerging Leader Aaron Brandt, MD, had a discussion with Antonia Chen, MD, FAOA, and Clayton Nuelle, MD, about transitioning jobs early in your career, and how to decide what your non-negotiables are for your workplace environment. 

What drives these transitions? As our guests reveal, it's often a combination of "push factors" moving you away from your current situation and "pull factors" drawing you toward new opportunities. Despite the statistic that over 50% of surgeons change their first job within three years, these transitions are rarely discussed openly, leaving many physicians feeling isolated when considering a move.

Both physicians share candid insights about creating personal lists of "negotiables" versus "non-negotiables" when evaluating both current and potential positions.  Both surgeons advocate for transparency with leadership when considering opportunities and leveraging mentorship networks to find positions aligned with your evolving career goals. They also discuss practical considerations like understanding contract terms around tail insurance, signing bonuses, and trailing collections before making any move.

Douglas W. Lundy, MD, MBA, FACS, FAOA, discussed the future of orthopaedic trauma with William T. Obremskey, MD, FAOA, Director of Orthopaedic Trauma at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Dr. Obremskey shares his vision for the future of orthopaedic trauma surgery, focusing on reducing complications through advanced technologies and improved practices.

Perhaps most thought-provoking is Dr. Obremskey's perspective that some of the most impactful advances may not come from fancy technology at all—but from addressing underlying patient factors like smoking cessation and blood sugar control that dramatically affect healing outcomes. The future of trauma care involves both cutting-edge science and fundamental public health initiatives working in tandem.

Peter Murray, MD, FAOA, from the Mayo Clinic shares his groundbreaking insights on hand surgery and leadership. Discover how this unique specialty, sitting at the crossroads of general, plastic, and orthopaedic surgery, is not only evolving but also leading advancements in areas like wound management and peripheral nerve reconstruction. Dr. Murray sheds light on the exciting integration of genetic and regenerative medicine within hand surgery, emphasizing the growing demand for skilled surgeons in this dynamic field.

Explore the cutting-edge developments in orthopaedic fracture treatment, where traditional methods meet innovative techniques. Learn about the transformative role of PCR testing in diagnosing atypical infections and the evolution of treatments for distal radial fractures. From the effectiveness of Volar plates to the promising use of spanning wrist plates for older patients, our discussion highlights a pivotal shift towards less invasive, more adaptable solutions that hold the promise of better patient outcomes.

Finally, we turn our attention to the future of hand therapy and the evolving landscape of hand surgery education. The essential role of certified hand therapists is emphasized, along with emerging therapies like desensitization and mirror therapy. We also contemplate the training of future hand surgeons, where the balance between competency-based education and traditional residency models comes into play. Ending on a note of gratitude, we celebrate the camaraderie among orthopaedic professionals, acknowledging the AOA's support and relishing in 11 years of meaningful exchanges.

Charlie Saltzman, MD, a leader in foot and ankle surgery and former chair of the University of Utah’s Department of Orthopaedics, joins Douglas W. Lundy, MD, MBA, FACS, FAOA, to discuss the future of orthopaedic surgery. Dr. Saltzman shares insights on leadership, collective vision, and community engagement to create thriving teams and advance medical programs.

Join us as we discuss transformative innovations, from potential osteoarthritis treatments to trauma reduction via self-driving cars. Discover how advancements in bone healing and ankle replacements are shaping patient care and redefining the future of orthopaedics.

Charlie Saltzman, MD, a leader in foot and ankle surgery and former chair of the University of Utah's Department of Orthopaedics, joins Douglas W. Lundy, MD, MBA, FACS, FAOA, to discuss the future of orthopaedic surgery.  Dr. Saltzman shares insights on leadership, collective vision, and community engagement to create thriving teams and advance medical programs.

Join us as we discuss transformative innovations, from potential osteoarthritis treatments to trauma reduction via self-driving cars. Discover how advancements in bone healing and ankle replacements are shaping patient care and redefining the future of orthopaedics.

AOA Emerging Leader, Aaron Brandt, MD, sits down with Professor Bethany Adams (Villanova) and Mimi Peterson, MD (MGH), to discuss the power of allyship and privilege in orthopaedic surgery.  This discussion highlights the importance of DEI forums in fostering challenging yet vital conversations, supported by a three-year curriculum addressing allyship, DEI burnout, and the business aspects of DEI. Effective allyship is a continuous journey.

Explore strategies to drive DEI initiatives with limited resources, leveraging ERGs, collective allyship, and tools like reminder cards to turn intentions into actions. Learn how leaders can create environments where allyship thrives through shared learning and support.

Douglas W. Lundy, MD, MBA, FACS, FAOA, sits down with Hassan R. Mir, MD, MBA, FACS, FAOA to discuss the ethical dynamics and transformative potential of physician-industry relationships. Through his wealth of experience in leadership roles, Dr. Mir guides us through the intricacies of aligning personal passion with professional commitments in the medical field. He opens up about maintaining integrity through transparent, fair market value agreements, and how the "front page test" can serve as a guiding principle for ethical business interactions. Prioritizing patient care while cultivating meaningful industry partnerships stands at the forefront of our discussion, offering a blueprint for those navigating this complex landscape.

As we delve into the evolving roles of physicians as educators, advisors, and innovators within the industry, Dr. Mir sheds light on the balance needed for those aspiring to leadership positions. We explore how younger physicians can effectively engage with the industry through teaching, networking, and research, while also addressing ethical considerations and the importance of transparent disclosure practices. This episode is packed with insights on navigating the rewarding world of physician-industry engagement, the challenges national organizations face in maintaining funding, and the mutual benefits that arise from these vital partnerships. Join us in this compelling conversation to learn strategies for harnessing the potential of physician-industry collaborations.