From lessons learned after bad investments to the most promising areas of regenerative medicine, here are three surgeon quotes that caught the attention of Becker's readers this week:
1. "We started out with a server-based EMR that became increasingly laggy and unwieldy," — Brian Gantwerker, MD, of The Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles, on one early-career investment and what he learned from it.
"Looking back, cloud-based software was not so great at the time, but data security is and remains paramount. I think picking the right EMR (until they unite and we are all using one system) is one of the most important choices you make in practice. Make sure the one you pick allows access to data, order input and a way for your practice manager to monitor your accounts receivable."
2. "The evolution of orthopedic implants from metal to plastic, and now bone is improving outcomes for patients and broadening our arsenal as surgeons to help patients heal," — Mihir Patel, MD, of Indianapolis-based OrthoIndy, on how innovations in regenerative medicine are accelerating recoveries for orthopedic patients.
"The implants can be used in index operations as well as revisions for a variety of orthopedic procedures including acute stress reactions, stress fractures not conducive to metal fixation, and subchondral procedures," Dr. Patel said. "The bone graft substitutes are reducing comorbidities of graft harvesting. Additionally, they are adding to the value proposition for patients who may have difficulty healing bone defects, nonunions, and osteoporosis."
3. "I am worried about COVID-19 and its variants dominating our work and lives over the next six months," — Vishal Sarwahi, MD, of Cohen Children's Medical Center in New Hyde Park, N.Y., on the biggest concern within the healthcare community.
"While a resurgence may not result in lockdowns as we faced last year, increasing infections even among the vaccinated will impact elective surgeries. I have had to reschedule surgeries as a family member tested positive or the patient had potential exposures. In addition, some of my team members, staff and residents have tested positive or have had exposures, which impacts their ability to work."