Philadelphia-based Rothman Orthopaedic Institute recently posted a short video that offers a first-hand look at what a normal day looks like for Alexander Vaccaro, MD, PhD, the organization's president.
From 4 a.m. meetings with former Rothman CEO Mike West to office hours with patients and performing surgery at Rothman Orthopaedic Specialty Hospital in Bensalem, Pa., the video depicts Dr. Vaccaro's daily routine.
He aims to do four to six cases per day and finish in the operating room by noon, but this particular day required some complex cases, prolonging time spent in surgery.
"Today, I had two scoliosis, and I had a degenerative scoliosis and spondylolisthesis, and then a spondylolisthesis. Three of them are revision surgeries, so this is going to be a 1:30 p.m. day," Dr. Vaccaro said.
"It's such a complex art, spine surgery. Every year, you think you're getting better and better, then you realize that you're not. It takes years to master spine surgery ... With everything in life, you get better and better."
The video also highlights Dr. Vaccaro's dealings with the administrative and financial sides of the 212-physician practice, meetings with chief residents and fellows and family time at the end of his day.
Click here to watch the video.