What makes a great orthopaedic leader? Dr. Alex Ghanayem, fresh off his term as the 137th President of the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA), shares candid reflections on leadership, legacy, and the future of orthopaedic surgery in this thought-provoking conversation with podcast host, Dr. Doug Lundy.

Dr. Ghanayem brings refreshing humility to his assessment of presidential leadership, emphasizing that the organization's strength lies in its committee members and chairs doing the essential work. His greatest satisfaction came not from personal accomplishment but from identifying emerging leaders who will guide orthopaedics through future challenges.

Hear the advice that resonates far beyond orthopaedics: balance subspecialty expertise with broader engagement, develop interests outside medicine (like Dr. Ghanayem’s own wildlife photography), and recognize that leadership service provides returns far exceeding what you invest.

Listen to discover how orthopaedic leadership principles might transform your own approach to medicine and career development.

Moving beyond typical discussions of value-based care, Dr. Mather reframes the entire conversation. "Value-based care is financial innovation to solve important healthcare problems," he explains. These problems extend far beyond cost control to address clinician burnout, prior authorization burdens, care gaps, declining profitability, and health equity. For surgeons planning their careers, understanding this broader context proves essential.

The discussion dives deep into why procedural bundles like CJR and BPCI have limitations despite their promise. "Bundles are a building block," Mather notes, explaining their volatility problems and how they've made value-based care appear to be a "joints and spine initiative" rather than engaging entire practices. He then explores the complex world of condition-based bundles, global risk, and capitation models, illustrating why the shift from fee-for-service feels like "entering a dark forest" for many surgeons.

Dr. Rick Wright explores the future of orthopaedic sports medicine, focusing on promising developments in cartilage replacement, meniscus substitution, ACL repair, and innovative rotator cuff treatments. His expert insights reveal how these advancements could transform patient care while addressing the economic realities of implementing cutting-edge treatments.