Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for Dec. 14, 2017.
Orthopedic surgeons' salary rises 55% over 6 years, pay satisfaction declines
Over the past six years, orthopedic surgeons' average salary has risen 55.2 percent to $489,000; however, as salaries rise, compensation satisfaction declines, according to Comet. In 2011, the average orthopedic surgeon salary was estimated at $315,000.
Colorado spine surgeon Dr. Cathleen Van Buskirk indicted for bankruptcy fraud
A federal grand jury indicted Cathleen Van Buskirk, MD, Dec. 4 for bankruptcy scheme allegations. Daily Camera Boulder News reports Dr. Van Buskirk, of Boulder, Colo.-based Alpine Spine Center, is accused of "bankruptcy fraud, concealment of bankruptcy assets, fraudulent transfer and concealment and money laundering." Read about the case, here.
UPMC Drs. David Okonkwo, Joseph Maroon perform spine surgery on Steelers’ Ryan Shazier
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center surgeons performed spine surgery on Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier Dec. 6. Mr. Shazier suffered the spinal injury Dec. 4 during a game in Cincinnati. He was airlifted to Pittsburgh Dec. 6. The Steelers' team physicians David Okonkwo, MD, and Joseph Maroon, MD, performed the spinal stabilization surgery. Drs. Okonkwo and Maroon are also neurosurgeons at UPMC.
At least 26 nonprofit hospitals at risk of bankruptcy
Many nonprofit hospitals across the nation are facing financial challenges, and they may soon face higher borrowing costs. Nonprofit hospitals and health systems issue tax-exempt bonds to finance capital projects. Under the House Republicans' tax plan, interest on newly issued private-activity bonds would no longer be tax-exempt. According to data compiled by Bloomberg, at least 26 nonprofit hospitals across the nation are already in default or distress.
Dr. Kamal Woods performs 1st-of-its-kind spine surgery for neck deformity
Kamal Woods, MD, of Kettering (Ohio) Medical Center, performed a first-of-its-kind surgery on a patient with a severe neck deformity. The deformity forced the patient's head to lean at such an angle where his ear touched his shoulder. Dr. Woods, who serves Kettering Health Network's Brain and Spine Center medical director, created a three-stage surgery plan.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center names Dr. Viviane Tabar neurosurgery chair
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City tapped Viviane Tabar, MD, to serve as chair of neurosurgery. Currently, Dr. Tabar serves as chair for neurosurgical oncology and vice chair for neurosurgical research and education. She succeeds Philip Gutin, MD, who will retire at the end of 2017.
83% of physicians have suffered cybersecurity attack
Accenture and the American Medical Association released a report on cybersecurity in the healthcare industry. Eighty-three percent of surveyed physicians noted they have experienced a form of a cybersecurity attack. More than half of the physicians reported they were "very or extremely" concerned about cyberattacks occurring at their practices in the future.
Stryker announces $662M Entellus acquisition
Stryker reached an agreement to acquire Entellus Medical, a developer of ENT products, for $662 million. Entellus Medical designs various ear, nose and throat products for minimally invasive treatments. The company's portfolio includes XprESS Multi-Sinus Dilation System and the Latera Absorbable Nasal Implant.