The Breakdown with Rothman Orthopaedics

Hot flashes are only half the story. Did you know that hip pain, frozen shoulder, and even osteoporosis can all be linked to menopause?  In our next episode of  The Breakdown , we sit down with Dr. Saloni Sharma, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician at Rothman, to explore how menopause impacts the musculoskeletal system, why these changes happen, and what you can do about them.  If you...

The inspiration continues. Part 2 of our special on-location episode from Rothman’s Inspire: Women in Orthopedics Summit is here—because one episode just wasn’t enough!  Think leadership advice, career inspiration, and actionable takeaways for women looking to break old patterns, own their value, and lead boldly.  And for the men listening?  Plenty of insights on how to be stronger allies, more in...

In this special episode of The Breakdown, host Lauren takes the podcast on the road for the first time—recording live from the Four Seasons in Philadelphia at Rothman Orthopaedics’ 3rd Annual Women in Orthopedics Summit, which took place last Fall. Bringing together leaders, physicians, and changemakers, this event is all about empowering women with the tools, insight, and inspiration to pursue th...

Season 4 of  The Breakdown  is here! Host Lauren is kicking off with a spotlight on the unseen heroes of healthcare — our call center team at Rothman Orthopaedics.  Patient Access Director MaryKate Wacker talks training, structure, and what great customer service looks like in healthcare. Plus, Lauren chats with Mary and Judy — two call center OGs — about 30+ years of ringing phones, office cigare...

Season 3 comes full circle on  The Breakdown . In this finale episode, we revisit the standout moments that defined the season. From expert insights to impactful conversations that sparked meaningful discussion. This highlight reel brings together some of our favorite clips and key takeaways, reflecting the expertise, innovation, and patient-first approach at the heart of Rothman Orthopaedics. Whe...

AI has officially scrubbed in — and it’s already working behind the scenes in medicine in ways most of us don’t even realize.   In this episode of The Breakdown, host Lauren sits down with Dr. Michael Rivlin, a leading hand and wrist surgeon and AI innovator, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming orthopedics — from patient care to research and beyond.   Along the way, meet their A...

Still waiting for that MRI test to get approved? Physicians are just as frustrated as patients with the prior authorization process, and too often, they take the blame for delays caused by a system they don’t control. Tune in as Dr. Daniel Davis, Shoulder & Elbow Surgeon at Rothman Orthopaedics, explains what a prior authorization is, why it was created, who’s reviewing your requests, and what...

Check out this episode of The Breakdown, where Lauren is joined by Dr. Danielle Ponzio (Hip and Knee Surgeon) and Dr. Meghan Bishop (Sports Medicine Surgeon) of Rothman Orthopaedics, to talk about women in the field of orthopedic surgery. The two surgeons discuss why they think there are so few women in orthopedic surgery, and what they're doing to increase those numbers. Our host also goes in...

Join this episode of The Breakdown podcast for an eye-opening conversation on opioid reform with Dr. Asif M. Ilyas, Hand & Wrist surgeon at Rothman Orthopaedics and President of the Rothman Opioid Foundation. Discover how Dr. Ilyas and the Foundation are leading efforts to curb overprescribing, educate providers, and protect patients. Watch now to learn how real change is happening. To schedul...

In this episode of The Breakdown, Lauren is joined by David N. Kugelman, MD, Joint Replacement Surgeon at Rothman Orthopaedics, as they discuss the impact of Ozempic in Orthopedics. Ozempic is a medication primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes, but it's also become popular for its ability to aid in weight loss. Learn about the risks, benefits, and use cases when it comes to Ozempic and Orth...

Join host Lauren as she dives into  Telemedicine Unveiled: Should You Take the Leap?  Lauren sits down with Dr. Alex Vaccaro to get the 411 on how he incorporates telemedicine into his daily practice.   Whether you're a patient curious about virtual care or a healthcare professional looking to adapt, we’re breaking down the essentials you need to know. Don’t miss it—tune in now!

Insurance is something we all wish we understood better, especially at the start of the year. In this episode we talk with Kelli Huber, Rothman’s insurance guru, about key information on what you need to know as a patient, the questions you should be asking, and how to be better prepared to avoid surprise bills. Give it a listen and get the info you need!

Third time’s the charm as we celebrate our 3rd annual Valentine’s Day Show on another episode of “The Breakdown” podcast. This episode features Rothman Orthopaedics’ President & Spine Surgeon, Dr. Alex Vaccaro, along with Lauren DeRitis, Patient Experience Specialist (and wife of Dr. Vaccaro). Hear them discuss lessons on working together, why they have different last names, and, of course, th...

“The Breakdown” takes a walk down memory lane with a couple of Rothman Orthopaedics physicians who have been here since the beginning and very much a part of the practice’s growth and success. Learn about Rothman’s past, present and future from Dr. Alex Vaccaro, (president and spine surgeon) and Dr. Michael Ciccotti (chief of sports medicine) as well as some of their amazing memories of Dr. Rothma...

In March at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Dr. Asif Ilyas, director of the Rothman Opioid Foundation and Dr. Ari Greis, director of the Medical Cannabis Department, both from Rothman Orthopaedics, presented studies that determined cannabis use can actually reduce opioid usage with those who suffer from back pain and osteoarthritis. We’ll delve into their research and find...

March is Women’s History Month, and “The Breakdown” is lucky enough to celebrate it  with an episode surrounding the subject. This episode features three members of Rothman’s leadership team—Betsy Duffy, Chelsey Conway and Nicole Coleman—who discuss their respective journeys to their current positions as vice presidents at Rothman, work-life balance and their opinions on why there are less fe...

A belated—but FUN—Valentine’s Day episode for “The Breakdown” featuring another one of Rothman’s married physician couples, Dr. Shailen Woods, physical medicine & rehabilitation specialist, and Dr. Barrett Woods, spine surgeon. Find out how and where they met, working together and yes, they played “The Breakdown’s” version of “ The Newlywed Game”.

Are you a weekend warrior or know somebody who is? If so, then you don’t want to miss this! This episode features guest co-host, Marc Farzetta of “The Farzy Show” and Rothman’s chief of non-operative sports medicine, Dr. Stephen Stache, Jr. as we answer those burning questions including ice vs. heat, home remedies and recovery. PLUS “The Breakdown’s” very first podcast giveaway! Listen all the way...

In the field of orthopaedics, we know there are some common myths that have stood the test of time. To help debunk some of those questionable myths and statements, this episode will feature Rothman specialists Dr. Meghan Bishop, sports medicine surgeon; Dr. Michael Hawks, trauma & fracture care surgeon; and Dr. Arjun Saxena, joint replacement surgeon, who will shed some light on common orthopa...

One of the biggest concerns we hear from patients is that orthopaedic specialists will resort to surgical options first and foremost to treat issues and here at Rothman, that is simply not the case. To help shed some light on non-operative treatment options and why patients and physicians should always consider nonsurgical methods first, this episode will feature an upfront conversation with Rothm...

It’s no surprise that Rothman Orthopaedics has some of the best physicians in the world at what they do but what you’ll find surprising is a few of our physicians are exceptionally talented in the music department, as well. Get a firsthand look at the musical prowess of Rothman physicians Dr. Marc Harwood, sports medicine specialist; Dr. Guy Lee, spine surgeon; and Dr. Nicolas Taweel, podiatr...

Dr. Daryl Osbahr, Managing Director and Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery of Rothman – Florida as well as Co-Chief Medical Officer of USA Baseball, is getting ready to hit the road with Team USA as they compete in the Tokyo Olympics. Hear from him about his experiences leading up to the games, his favorite Olympic sport and what he’s most looking forward to during the competition.

Ever wonder what it’s like to be a surgeon in the operating room or how they prepare for a long day of cases? Then this is the episode for you! Episode six of “The Breakdown” features a roundtable discussion with Rothman surgeons Dr. Atif Ahmed, orthopaedic trauma & fracture care surgeon at  Rothman - Florida; Dr. Chad Krueger, joint replacement surgeon in Greater Philadelphia; and Dr. Da...

Play ball! Rothman Orthopaedics is the official orthopaedic partner and the team physicians for the Philadelphia Phillies, so episode five features conversations with Dr. Michael Ciccotti, Dr. Marc Harwood and Dr. Steve Cohen—three of Rothman’s own sports medicine physicians who also serve as team doctors for the Philadelphia Phillies—and what it’s like to treat the some of the world’s most elite...

March is National Athletic Training Month and to celebrate, The Breakdown features two of Rothman’s own certified athletic trainers, Kathy Moran and Jamie Toldero (1:16). Medical Incredible is back this episode, and Dr. Brad Tucker (22:46), sports medicine surgeon at Rothman, discusses why a female athlete underwent a ligament reconstruction, boney realignment and cartilage transplant of her knee...