by Elizabeth Hofheinz, M.P.H., M.Ed., June 10, 2019
Looking for one of the most spirited, camaraderie-filled events in spine? Well, look south to Aruba, site of the June 27-29, 2019 The State of Spine Surgery Think Tank (formerly The Cabo Meeting). Described by event organizers as “light on lectures,” this think tank is big enough to make a difference and small enough to interact with your healthcare colleagues in a meaningful way.
Chairing the meeting is Frank M. Phillips, M.D., professor and director of the Division of Spine Surgery at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. He notes, “This Think Tank has become the preeminent spine meeting discussing not only controversial clinical topics, but also the economic, regulatory, reimbursement and political issues spine practitioners need to be aware of. The program is fortunate to have key opinion leaders and renowned experts in all of these areas in order to promote open and frank discussion.” 
Think Tank organizers say the event will focus on the “here and now” rather than on academic research that might be relevant in 10 years. Sample topics include:
- Where is the FDA with regard to spinal implants and biologics in 2019?
- L4-5 Lateral Interbody Fusion: Facts and Fiction.
- Moral hazard in spine surgery: what happens when risk and benefit are dissociated?
- Can employed surgeons in university hospitals survive?
- Physician wellness: A psychiatrist’s perspective: warning signs and treatment options.
Todd Albert, M.D., surgeon in chief and medical director at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York and chairman of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College, is a co-chair of the event. He says, “This is a fantastic opportunity for the exchange of ideas between surgeons, industry and innovators. The atmosphere is relaxed while the learning and communication is on fire.”
Co-chair Alexander Vaccaro, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A. is president of the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute in Philadelphia. “This is a meeting unrivaled by any,” states Dr. Vaccaro. “The top spine educators in the world are brought together to debate issues ranging from new technologies, outcomes, surgical innovations to the business of medicine. It is a ‘must attend’ for surgeons with any level of experience.”
For more information, please see: http://broad-water.com/event/16th-annual-state-spine-surgery-think-tank/
Elizabeth Hofheinz is Director of Communications at Ortho Spine Partners. She can be reached at elizabeth@orthospinepartners.com