Healthcare disruptors, from emerging technologies to retailers entering the fray, are already changing the future of the industry.

Spine and orthopedic experts in November spoke with Becker's about topics from shifting away from hospital employment to diversity in the field.

Spine surgeon Jose Canseco, MD, PhD, of Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, has his eye on the potential benefits that behavioral healthcare can have for musculoskeletal patients.

Steven Neufeld, MD, has spent his year focused on research into orthobiologic applications.

Healthcare technology is about to enter a new era of innovation with an increased focus on targeted care, according to Ronjon Paul, MD.

Artificial intelligence has become one of the biggest buzzwords in healthcare. Here's what three orthopedic surgeons think about the evolution of AI in orthopedics. 

Spine and orthopedic surgeons are looking ahead to 2024 with many expectations for the industry. From the development of artificial intelligence to ASCs and value-based care, here's what 14 spine and orthopedic surgeons are excited about for next year:

David Garelick, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon at the Illinois Bone & Joint Institute in Chicago. He recently shared with Becker'shis thoughts on current and future trends in orthopedics and healthcare.

The "minimally invasive" trend has skyrocketed in orthopedics over the last few years, with more procedures moving to the ASC setting and robotic options allowing for minimally invasive joint replacements, and spine surgery is starting to follow suit. 

In 2023, Earl Kilbride, MD, and two partners left the large orthopedic group, Austin-based Texas Orthopedics, to open a small private practice. 

Between ever changing regulatory requirements, reimbursement models and new technology opportunities, the orthopedic and spine surgeons most equipped for change are those who can thrive in any environment. 

Helping spine surgeons hone their craft in Tanzania and assisting fellows has been one of the proudest accomplishments this year for Roger Härtl, MD.

Michael Redler, MD, and Scott Sigman, MD, are two orthopedic surgeons who are part of One World Surgery, a charitable organization that provides orthopedic surgery.

Orthopedic surgeon Brian Grawe, MD, said he's optimistic about the trajectory of artificial intelligence in medicine.

Alexander Vaccaro, MD, PhD, president of Philadelphia-based Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, has provided his insight on a range of topics in spine and orthopedics this year.

Ryan Molli, DO, said he hopes more orthopedic surgeons will lean into private practice in the future.

Although artificial intelligence has the potential to advance healthcare in certain ways, it could dampen efforts to provide individualistic care, according to Gary Brazina, MD. 

Richard Cunningham, MD, is an orthopedic sports medicine physician and surgeon at Vail (Colo.) Summit Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery. He is a knee and shoulder orthopedic specialist and is also a team physician for U.S. Ski & Snowboard. 

In October, Charlotte, N.C.-based OrthoCarolina announced that beginning Jan. 1, orthopedic spine surgeon Leo Spector, MD, will succeed Bruce Cohen, MD, as the practice network's CEO. 

Spine and orthopedic surgeons can expect to see a larger push for minimally invasive techniques, increased use of new technology and some economic challenges in 2024, according to four surgeons.