Christine Hammer, MD, will join Tacoma, Wash.-based CHI Franciscan Health when she completes her spine fellowship at Atlanta-based Emory University School of Medicine this month.
Dr. Hammer will be practicing at both St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma, Wash., and St. Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor, Wash., both of CHI Franciscan.
Here, she outlines why she decided to join CHI Franciscan, what changes she would like to see in spine care and more.
Note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and style.
Question: What are you most excited about practicing with CHI Franciscan? Can you share some insight into how your decision came about?
Dr. Christine Hammer: I am very excited to both work with and learn from the strong team of CHI Franciscan neurosurgeons who are already serving the South Sound and neighboring communities. CHI is recognized for providing advanced patient care, and I am looking forward to joining its team. Additionally, the population in this area is expanding which makes it a great time to start a new practice.
With regard to my initial search for a position, I looked primarily in the Northwest because of the lifestyle and activities I want to enjoy outside of the OR. When it was time to decide on a practice, I chose one that provided the equipment, facilities and support staff that will allow me to immediately begin building a successful practice.
Q: What do you see as the biggest barrier preventing neurosurgeons from providing optimum care?
CH: The cost of healthcare is being scrutinized such that it can be difficult to get insurance approval for a recommended treatment or surgical procedure. While I applaud those who are advocating to lower healthcare costs and eliminate unnecessary treatments and procedures, I also applaud the surgeons who advocate for their patients by thoroughly documenting the reasons a treatment or procedure is indicated, as well as remaining available to further discuss the case with an insurance representative as needed (e.g. peer-to-peer review).
Q: What differences, if any, do you notice in younger neurosurgeons and more experienced surgeons?
CH: It has been my experience that neurosurgeons of all ages enjoy learning new techniques that enhance both their practice and patient care. With few exceptions, it is the decision-making process rather than technical skills or abilities, that is most significantly impacted by a surgeon's personal experiences. Younger surgeons, and subsequently patient outcomes, benefit from continually asking questions and engaging in case discussions with leaders in their field.
Q: What do you see as the next big trend in spine?
CH: I think there will continue to be more integration of technology into the OR. One example would be the use of robotics. It is a fascinating topic, and I look forward to learning more!
Q: What changes would you like to see in spine care over the next five to 10 years?
CH: The triple aim of healthcare reform includes lowering costs, increasing access to care and improving the quality of care. Enhanced recovery after surgery programs are being utilized and evaluated at many facilities to see how we can optimize each of these goals for the spine patient. I'm sure both patients and providers can agree that it is best to optimize pain control while decreasing the use of narcotics, decrease length of stay in the hospital and increase patient satisfaction whenever possible.