Conferences can be a great way to learn the most innovative techniques in your field and network with other surgeons. With the Becker's 13th Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference approaching this June 11-13, we asked orthopedic surgeons which conferences across the country they enjoy, and why.
Ask Orthopedic Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to orthopedic surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting orthopedics. We invite all orthopedic surgeons and specialist responses. Next question Does philanthropy and your practice intersect? If so, how?
Question: What is your favorite orthopedic conference and why? What do you hope to gain most out of conferences?
Bruce V. Darden, II, MD, OrthaCarolina, Charlotte, N.C.: Cervical Spine Research Society. [It is] academically rigorous, with lively discussion,but still small enough to allow discourse outside the actual meeting, as well as friendships. Nothing comes close!
Andrew M. Cash, MD, Desert Institute of Spinal Care, Las Vegas: .jpg)
The Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (SMISS) Global Forum has enhanced the evolution of my practice by offering superb opportunities to stay at the forefront of surgical technologies. As a direct result, I recently constructed the Minimally Invasive Center of Excellence (MICOE) in Las Vegas, Nevada, engineered to offer the best, safest and most innovative procedures for my patients. I encourage interested spine surgeons to attend the meeting to familiarize themselves with state-of-the-art, cutting-edge advancements and trends in minimally invasive spine surgery.
While SMISS provides faculty debates, case discussions, exceptional research, and instructional cadaver workshops, the Global Forum provides an opportunity meet surgeons who might welcome you to learn their techniques firsthand.
I remember Dr. Pimenta inviting me to São Paolo, Brazil to study extreme lateral interbody fusion and multi-level total disc arthroplasties in 2002. The experience fueled my adoption of minimally invasive technology, and my reciprocal training of domestic and international surgeons.
Jason Weisstein, MD, MPH, FACS, Desert Orthopedic Center/Eisenhower Medical Center Modernizing Medicine’s EMA Orthopedics Team Lead, Rancho Mirage, Calif.: There are so many good orthopedic conferences, however my favorite is the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons meeting. More than any other adult joint reconstruction meeting, AAHKS brings together a group of subspecialty-focused professionals who can debate points and counterpoints. The format of the show is particularly stimulating because it's small enough to maintain a congenial environment, yet large enough to have national and international leaders readily available for discussion.
I enjoy the collegial nature of the meeting as well as the valuable presentations, which are often controversial. For example, the last meeting had a fantastic discussion of unicompartmental knee versus total knee replacement. In addition to orthopedic-specific shows, others focus on aspects that help orthopedic practices run more efficiently, specifically by improved use of their electronic medical record system. The most poignant example is Modernizing Medicine's EMA Nation users conference, which kicked off its first season in 2014 in Orlando. Most vendors don't offer an opportunity for their EMR software users to gather in one place, share and learn best practices and brainstorm to optimize office efficiency.
Last year's conference included physicians, office managers, physician assistants, medical extenders and nurses. The enthusiasm and energy were incredibly contagious. It was a beneficial experience for all members of an orthopedic practice, and Modernizing Medicine is preparing for an even bigger and better conference later this year.