Lali Sekhon, MD, PhD, is a board-certified and double fellowship-trained spine neurosurgeon at Nevada neurosurgery and chief of neurosurgery at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nev.
Dr. Sekhon is adjunct clinical professor at RRMC School of Medicine and chair of community development for AO Spine North America.
Here, Dr. Sekhon reveals how he stays on top of his game and discusses key trends to watch in the spine field.
Question: In such a challenging and high-pressure environment, how do you ensure that you stay on top of your game as a neurosurgeon?
Dr. Lali Sekhon: Subspecialize. I don't do elective cranial surgery and instead focus on spine. In spine I subspecialize further. I attend courses, teach, engage with peers.
Q: What is one achievement you're particularly proud of in your career?
LS: Being on the board of directors for AO Spine North America. Every orthopedic surgeon knows the AO and every spine surgeon should. The AO fosters camaraderie, education and fellowship and is not-for-profit. It’s my way of giving back.
Q: What do you see as the best tactic for battling the current opioid crisis in the U.S?
LS: Preoperative discussions are key with clear expectations. Partnering with good pain physicians and communicating with them is really important.
Q: What does the future hold for bundled payments in spine?
LS: It will come. Codes are already being bundled. General orthopedics has led the way.
To participate in future Becker's Q&As, contact Alan Condon at acondon@beckershealthcare.com.
Learn more about key trends in spine surgery at the Becker's 17th Annual Future of Spine + The Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference, June 13-15 in Chicago. Click here to learn more and register. For more information about exhibitor and sponsor opportunities, contact Maura Jodoin at mjodoin@beckershealthcare.com.