In this special Canadian Orthopaedic Care Day edition of Ortho Insider, presented by the Canadian Orthopaedic Association, incoming COA President Dr. Robert Litchfield—orthopaedic sports surgeon, Medical Director of the Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic, and professor at Western University—joins host Dr. Adrian Huang for a thoughtful conversation on athlete care, mentorship, and the evolving responsibilities of orthopaedic surgeons in Canada.Dr. Litchfield reflects on the early influences that shaped his path into sports medicine, from formative mentors to the patient‑centred values that continue to guide his practice. He discusses the importance of building genuine relationships with patients and athletes, navigating pressures around return‑to‑sport decisions, and understanding the broader personal and social contexts that shape recovery. The conversation explores the rise of early sport specialization, the mental‑health challenges faced by young athletes, and the realities behind rapid return‑to‑play timelines often highlighted in the media.

Looking ahead to his presidential year, Dr. Litchfield outlines his priorities around advocacy and professionalism—emphasizing the need for physician leadership in health‑system decision‑making, improved access to non‑operative care such as physiotherapy, and the responsibility surgeons carry as leaders within their communities.

Tune in for an engaging and insightful discussion with one of Canada’s leading sports medicine surgeons as he reflects on mentorship, patient care, and the future of orthopaedics.

The host and guest of Ortho Insider have no personal affiliation with the sponsor of the podcast and do not receive any financial compensation, incentives, or benefits from their sponsorship. Any sponsorships featured on the podcast are intended to support the production and distribution of content relevant to our audience. The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the sponsor.

In this episode of Ortho Insider, presented by the Canadian Orthopaedic Association, Dr. Carrie Kollias—paediatric orthopaedic surgeon, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia, and co‑director of Mentorship and Wellness for the UBC Department of Orthopaedics—joins host Dr. Adrian Huang for a compelling conversation on surgeon wellness, mentorship, and cultural change in orthopaedics.

Dr. Kollias discusses her research into burnout among surgeons and trainees in Canada and Australia, the impact of medical regulatory complaints on physician well‑being, and the importance of creating supportive environments where difficult experiences can be shared openly. She also explores the growing need for community in geographically dispersed practices, and how mentorship programs can strengthen resilience and belonging across stages of training. The discussion touches on the role of creativity, personal fulfillment, and maintaining balance in a demanding surgical career—an approach reflected in her award‑winning children’s book, Maria’s Marvelous Bones.

Tune in for a thoughtful and insightful conversation with one of Canada’s leading advocates for surgeon wellness and mentorship in orthopaedics.

In this episode of the COA’s Ortho Insider Podcast, host Dr. Adrian Huang welcomes Dr. Mark Bowditch and Dr. Len Marais, Past Presidents of the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) and the South African Orthopaedic Association (SAOA). Together, they explore the contrasts and commonalities within their healthcare systems, discuss approaches to surgical training, and share rich insights on orthopaedic education and care delivery across their regions. Their conversation highlights the value of global collaboration and the lessons that emerge when leaders exchange perspectives.

Don’t miss this thoughtful dialogue with two influential voices shaping orthopaedic practice around the world.

In this episode of Ortho Insider, presented by the Canadian Orthopaedic Association, Dr. Marcia Clark—arthroplasty surgeon and President of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada—joins host Dr. Adrian Huang for a compelling conversation on leadership, equity, and innovation in orthopaedics.

Dr. Clark shares her personal journey into the specialty, shaped by a sports injury and a non-linear path through medical training. She reflects on challenges in orthopaedics, the importance of mentorship, and her efforts to drive systemic change in surgical education. She also discusses the evolving role of technology and innovation in health care, the importance of supporting physician well-being, and how educators and leaders can help shape a more inclusive, sustainable future for the profession.

Tune in for an inspiring and insightful discussion with one of Canada’s leading voices in orthopaedic education.

Episode 3 of Season 3 of Ortho Insider, brought to you by the Canadian Orthopaedic Association, features Dr. Laura Morrison, orthopaedic fellow and recent graduate from the University of Calgary, educator, researcher, and advocate in orthopaedics.

Join host Dr. Adrian Huang for a candid conversation with Dr. Morrison as she reflects on her journey into orthopaedics, her passion for mentorship, and her commitment to reshaping surgical education. She shares insights on evolving training models, the importance of inclusive spaces, and how personal wellness and leadership can drive meaningful change in the field.

She also discusses her experience with fertility preservation during residency, highlighting the importance of supportive environments and open dialogue around reproductive health in surgical training.

Don’t miss this inspiring and forward-thinking discussion with one of the specialty’s rising changemakers.

Episode 2 of Season 3 of Ortho Insider, brought to you by the Canadian Orthopaedic Association, features Dr. Scott Fletcher, President of the Australian Orthopaedic Association.Join host Dr. Adrian Huang, as he sits down with Dr. Scott Fletcher, President of the Australian Orthopaedic Association, for a powerful conversation on leadership, mentorship, and the transformative power of connection. From his humble beginnings in Tasmania to his global advocacy for connection, Dr. Fletcher shares how a single mentor shaped his career and how he's now paying it forward. With personal stories of resilience, mentorship, and even flying on a “meat plane” to pursue his passion, Dr. Fletcher’s journey is a testament to perseverance and purpose. Don’t miss this inspiring episode as we explore how international leaders can drive change across borders.

Season 3 of Ortho Insider, brought to you by the Canadian Orthopaedic Association, launches with Dr. Sebastian Rodriguez-Elizalde, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Humber River Hospital in Toronto, specializing in adult hip and knee reconstruction. In this episode, Dr. Rodriguez-Elizalde shares his unconventional path into orthopaedics, the influence of his Master’s in Health Administration, and how he pioneered Humber’s first direct anterior hip replacement program. He also reflects on the power of patient satisfaction in arthroplasty and the importance of combining surgical expertise with administrative insight to drive meaningful change.

Host Dr. Adrian Huang explores how Dr. Rodriguez-Elizalde mobilized hospital leadership, secured foundation support, and built innovative, hyper-efficient surgical programs that have improved access to care. From embracing new technologies to learning from failure, Dr. Rodriguez-Elizalde offers a candid look at the future of surgical efficiency and what it takes to push the boundaries of orthopaedic care in Canada.

Dr. Adrian Huang interviews Program Director @ UBC, Dr. Fay Leung

Note: Bruny Surin is a paid ambassador for Sanofi. His views are his own and are based on his personal experiences.

The host of Ortho Insider has no personal affiliation with the sponsors of the podcast and does not receive any financial compensation, incentives, or benefits from them. Any sponsorships featured on the podcast are intended to support the production and distribution of content relevant to our audience. The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the sponsors.