Ask Orthopedic Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to orthopedic surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting spine care. Becker’s invites all orthopedic surgeon and specialist responses.
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Please send responses to Claire Wallace at cwallace@beckershealthcare.com by 5 p.m. CST Friday, Feb. 28.
Editor’s note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What is one skill orthopedic surgeons should master in 2025?
Hrayr Basmajian, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon at Pomona (Calif.) Valley Hospital Medical Center: Participation. Many times, as surgeons, we continue to strive to perform better surgeries, get better results, learn the newest techniques; but we forget that many of our outcomes and lives are dictated by outside factors such as the legal landscape, hospital administrations and insurance decisions. It’s time we start mastering participation. Participating in hospital administrations to better our delivery in the hospital and improve our lives and our outcomes. Participate with the payors to have more oversight and say on the decisions made by our local insurance providers. And lastly, participate in the legal landscape. The more we participate together, the more positive change we can make for our patients and ourselves.
Jason Brustein, DO. Orthopedic Surgeon at Resurgens Orthopaedics (Woodstock, Ga.): One skill I think that orthopedic surgeons should learn to master in 2025 would be cultivating a basic understanding of financial literacy and the impact of political advocacy on our livelihood. I think it is crucial that more doctors be actively involved in engaging our politicians to understand the unique needs of caring for musculoskeletal patients. Being able to communicate this in a way in which the pressing financial and policy challenges are well understood by our representatives could have real impact on our futures.
Sunil Thacker, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Specialist at Seaview Orthopaedics and Monmouth Medical Center (Long Branch, N.J.): In 2025, orthopedic surgeons should master the skill of working with patients to tailor treatment plans that consider their family, work and desired activity levels. Effective communication is key—we must use simple terms to explain the pros and cons of various treatment options, helping patients make informed decisions that lead to the best possible outcomes with the least amount of pain possible. With the vast amount of medical information available in print and online, it is crucial that we guide patients toward reliable, clinically trusted sources rather than leaving them to navigate scientifically inaccurate information on their own.
Adapting to new technologies while maintaining clinical excellence is a cornerstone of providing excellent orthopedic care. With a growing wealth of medical knowledge bolstered by AI, orthopedic surgeons must do their due diligence to stay current on cutting-edge techniques, innovative approaches and the latest treatment methods for both simple and complex issues to advise patients on the best course of action
Richard Tosti, MD. Hand and Wrist Surgeon at Rothman Orthopaedics (Philadelphia): If this question were asked to a joint surgeon they may respond by saying robotic surgery. Or to the spine surgeon, the question might be answered with 3D printing. To the foot and ankle orthopedist, they may say ankle arthroplasty, and to the hand specialist the next skill to master might be nerve transfers. Clearly, within the variety of disciplines that comprise the category of orthopedic surgeon, no specific skill can be all encompassing. However, when reframing one’s view macroscopically, perhaps a common theme encapsulates the spirit of these innovations: growth mindset.
Growth mindset is defined as the belief that abilities can be improved through effort and practice. Moving the literature forward is daunting, but those with a growth mindset embrace challenges, learn from setbacks and “embrace the suck,” so to speak. Personally, my favorite authors on growth mindset are retired Navy SEALs. Our nation’s elite warriors have cultivated the sharpest mental framework for expansive learning that is a powerful tool when placed into the mind of a clinician-scientist.
Although books can be written on growth mindset, features I found helpful were No. 1, micro goals: the breakdown of large daunting endeavors into smaller and smaller manageable tasks. No. 2, intentionality: purposefully only spending time on items that support the larger goal. No. 3, choosing the “wrench:” a call-back from the movie “Good Will Hunting,” meaning choosing the harder path when given the choice in order to build mental fortitude. No. 4, positive self-talk: a mechanism to “flip the script” when setbacks occur. No. 5, discipline: the core driver to stick to the plan when times get tough.
A growth mindset is not just about achievement. It can be applied to daily living, which improves physician well-being, lowers stress, and increases resilience. Further resources include the Trident Mindset app, “Can’t Hurt Me,” by David Goggins and “Embrace the Suck,” by Brent Gleeson.
