Becker’s Healthcare -- Ambulatory Surgery Centers Podcast

In this episode, Rory KJ Murphy, MD, neurosurgical, orthopedic, and minimally invasive spine surgeon at Barrow Neurological Institute, discusses evolving debates around multilevel cervical disc replacement versus fusion, emerging research in spinal cord injury care, and the growing role of neuroprosthetics.

In this episode, Alan H. Daniels, MD, Professor of Orthopaedics and Chief of Spine Surgery at The Miriam Hospital and Rhode Island Hospital, discusses balancing private practice autonomy with academic medicine, navigating reimbursement pressures, and growing complex spine programs. He also shares insights on innovations in spinal deformity care, including data driven decision making, specialized t...

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Lorio shares why declining reimbursement, policy driven efficiency measures, and consolidation are reshaping spine surgery and threatening physician autonomy. He discusses his analysis The Price of Silence, the impact on surgeons and patients, and what meaningful reform must address next.

In this episode, Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo, a board certified spinal and orthopedic surgeon based in New York City, discusses common misconceptions about spine surgery, advances in minimally invasive and robotic techniques, and how technology is improving outcomes.

In this episode, Roger Hartl, MD, Hansen-MacDonald Professor of Neurological Surgery, Director of Neurosurgery Spine at Weill Cornell Medicine, and Neurosurgical Director of Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, shares key trends shaping spine care, including AI, biologics, minimally invasive surgery, and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and patient commu...

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-quali...

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 outcome...

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...

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 te...

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 efficie...

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 .

In this episode, Michael Verdon, DO, FACOS, Neurological Spine Surgeon at Transcendent Care, Inc., discusses the challenge of delivering the same high level of spine care with fewer resources and the expanding clinical applications of AI. He highlights where he expects the most meaningful growth in the next 1–2 years, including efforts to standardize patient care, and explains how technologies tra...

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Dr. Michael Redler, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Connecticut Orthopaedics. Dr. Redler discusses trends driving ASC growth, the role of advanced technology and AI in improving patient care and efficiency, and the benefits of collaboration between ASCs and health systems.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Tara Good-Young, MSHA, CASC, CEO, PDI Surgery Center. Tara discusses trends driving ASC growth, strategies for leveraging AI and technology to improve efficiency and patient experience, and the importance of collaboration with vendors and providers to optimize operations and sustainability.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Brenda Fernández, MBA, Chief Financial Officer, Puerto Rico ASC Holding. Brenda discusses strategies for financial stewardship, leveraging technology and AI to optimize ASC operations, and opportunities for collaboration and growth in the outpatient surgery space.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Dr. Nikhil Shetty, Chief Operating Officer, Midwest Interventional Spine Specialists. Dr. Shetty shares how independent ASCs are leveraging technology, lean operations, and price transparency to deliver faster, safer, and more patient-centered care while maintaining flexibility and efficiency in a growi...

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Ramis Gheith, Chief Medical Officer, DxTx Pain and Spine. Dr. Gheith shares how physician-owned ASCs are reshaping care delivery, highlights the transformative role of AI in spinal therapies and informed consent, and emphasizes the power of mission-d...

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Bob Bishop, Chief Designer, JointSpace. Bob discusses how emerging technologies like blockchain and advanced digital tools are transforming ambulatory surgery centers by streamlining operations, enhancing patient care, and restoring direct, trusted relationships between doctors and patients.

This episode features Neal ElAttrache, MD, orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist and Chairman of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Foundation in Los Angeles, and Director Medical Services and Senior Orthopaedic Surgeon LA Rams and LA Dodgers. Here, he reflects on decades of caring for elite athletes, the evolution of surgical techniques that support faster and safer returns to play, and the...

In this episode, Linda Bedwell, CEO, ASCend Specialists & Audra Wallace, Director of Clinical Success, Subflow Health, explain how ASCs can reduce burnout, modernize outdated processes, and improve financial performance by simplifying workflows and better supporting frontline teams. They share practical steps leaders can take now to build a more efficient and sustainable path forward. This epi...

In this episode, Dr. Erich G. Anderer, Chief of the Division of Neurosurgery and Surgical Director of Perioperative Services at NYU Langone Hospital–Brooklyn, joins the podcast to discuss the latest advancements shaping spine care. He shares his perspective on the rapid evolution of robotic technology, strategies clinicians can use to help patients avoid surgery when appropriate, and how to addres...