Spinal neurosurgeon Xiaofei (Sophie) Zhou, MD, is a pioneer within Cleveland-based University Hospitals. 

Orthopedic diversity and fostering more leadership opportunities for women in the specialty has been a top priority for Robert McLain, MD.

The advancements in total disc replacement and minimally invasive spine surgery pose strong opportunities for the specialty amid ongoing healthcare challenges, Robert McLain, MD, said.

Patient-specific orthopedic care is becoming more commonplace as 3D printing technology becomes more sophisticated and widespread, Michael Rivlin, MD, said.

Christopher Dunleavy's career has taken him across the gamut of healthcare settings including  Boston-based Brigham Health, Dallas-based Baylor Health and USMD Holdings. Now he's at a unique stage as CFO of New York City-based Hospital for Special Surgery.

Payer frustrations and anesthesia coverage are among the headwinds facing spine and orthopedic leaders in 2025. But growing outpatient case volume and integrating new technologies is becoming easier for many practices.

An upcoming orthopedic merger will allow three practices to expand their scale at the statewide and national level.

A continuing pain point for spine and orthopedic surgeons is prior authorizations and working with payers to get patients' care covered. 

Spine surgeons working with academic spine programs should remember their "true north"— exceptional patient care — to stay strong in the new year, Ali Baaj, MD, said.

Spine technology, robotics and artificial intelligence are at a pivotal point, and two key considerations will play a role in their future, Ali Baaj, MD, said.

Rajesh Arakal, MD, of Plano-based Texas Back Institute, has become an expert with spinal navigation technology and said he sees artificial intelligence as a potential game changer in the space.

Frank Phillips, MD, is heading into the new year with a new spine tool in his arsenal.

While spine and orthopedic surgeons may be prepared to execute flawless operations for their patients on surgery day, several other factors can determine whether a surgery is successful. 

The orthopedic leaders who will get ahead in 2025 will home in on opportunities and communication.

Getting familiar with enabling technologies and other innovations should be a top priority for spine surgeons who want to have a strong 2025.

Spine surgery has a glaring gender disparity, and there are notable gaps between orthopedic spine surgeons and neurosurgeons, says Rachel Bratescu, MD, of Washington, D.C.-based George Washington University Hospital.

The future of spine robots is headed to automation, but the transition to the technology can be smoother than anticipated, Jason Lowenstein, MD, said.

Alexander Vaccaro, MD, PhD, president of Philadelphia-based Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, shared his expertise with Becker's on topics including artificial intelligence and spine robots.

Endoscopic spine surgery is poised to play an increasing role in patient care, but questions about dominating techniques and payer responses remain, Brandon Hirsch, MD, said.

Ravi Chari, MD, CEO of Orthopaedic Solutions Management, is staying one step ahead of a challenging healthcare landscape.