Kevin Jon Lawson, MD, a well-regarded spine surgeon at Soo Surgical Specialties in Marie, Mich., has maintained a successful practice for many years.
He offers five thoughts for spine surgeons to achieve a good reputation and longevity in the field:
1. Manage expectations — Dr. Lawson tries to set realistic expectations so patients understand their problem and are prepared to experience some pain after surgery. "It's a process for patients to get better, and they have unrealistic ideas about how good or bad spine surgery is," he says. "You have to manage those expectations so patients understand what you are recommending."
2. Be realistic about minimally invasive procedures — Minimally invasive techniques are growing and providing better outcomes for patients, but it's not a solution for every patient. "There are entities that are promoting MIS surgery like it's some kind of magic cure," says Dr. Lawson. "There is no magic cure for spine surgery. I try to see the new technology myself and understand it before I adopt it so I'll be able to use it properly."
3. Select patients appropriately — Fitting patients with the appropriate treatment plan is key to successful outcomes. Dr. Lawson has experienced success with less invasive procedures for patients undergoing one- and two-level fusions, but typically performs a more invasive procedure for three or more levels. "I've seen too many of those patients with poor outcomes that need to be revised," he says.
4. Hospital employment is limiting, even if you don't want to own your own business — There was a time when hospitals encourage surgeons to grow their practices individually, but now they are looking for employed surgeons. When surgeons sign hospital contracts, they give up a lot of autonomy. "You won't be doing the business stuff, but you also might be interested in developing things the administration doesn't see value in," says Dr. Lawson.
5. Referral patterns are changing — Primary care physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants are all an integral part of the referral pattern. "You can educate them about spine patients and who the best patients are to refer to surgeons instead of other specialists," says Dr. Lawson. "That's worth your time."