In an effort to create space for physicians and orthopedic industry professionals to connect during these times of relative isolation, OrthoSpine Partners is using its publication, OrthoSpineNews, to bring orthopedic surgeons together.
“We want to facilitate the sharing of information on how various orthopedic surgeons and manufacturers are handling the severe direct and indirect impacts created by COVID-19,” says Josh Sandberg, President of OrthoSpine Partners, a consulting firm based in Scottsdale, Arizona. “These are unusual times that require a sophisticated toolbox of innovative ideas. Hopefully the OrthoSpineNews coverage will provide a wealth of ideas that can be shared amongst the orthopedic space.”
Sample comments from the blog include: 
Alex Vaccaro, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., President and CEO of the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, told Ortho Spine News, “We are discouraging both work-related and personal travel for Rothman personnel. If they do travel, they must be examined and debriefed upon their return. We are constantly messaging our people, we have cautionary signs on all doors, and if anyone is symptomatic, they must stay home and self-quarantine for 14 days. As for what will happen, frankly, I have no idea. This is obviously worse than the seasonal flu.”
And from a spine surgeon wishing to remain anonymous:
“…Although it is having many negative effects on meetings and collaborations, it is stimulating us to think differently about the need for meetings, and how to do these in innovative ways. These are very interesting times.”
And another anonymous spine surgeon:
“The elderly and infirm are a large portion of the orthopedic population, so this is hitting them particularly hard. A hospital is like a cruise ship as far as infection. I think that one month from now things will settle down and that we will have a treatment within a few weeks. The only difference between this and the flu is that there is no antiviral treatment.”
Orthopedic surgeons are invited to send their comments to Elizabeth Hofheinz, Director of Communications for Ortho Spine Partners. Those wishing to remain anonymous please send comments to e_hofheinz@hotmail.com. Those choosing to provide their names may use elizabeth@orthospinepartners.com.
About OrthoSpine Partners
Ortho Spine Partners, (OSP) based in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers a unique platform geared to best enable companies in any stage to commercialize their products in a profoundly efficient manner. OSP meets clients where they are then helps the business grow by utilizing proven industry executives who provide objective analyses and thoughtful recommendations.