The Evolving Landscape of Orthopaedic Surgery: Navigating Scope Expansion and the Future of Healthcare

Join Douglas W. Lundy, MD, MBA, FACS, FAOA, and Catherine Boudreaux-Hayes, the Senior Director of Government Relations at the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, for a thought-provoking discussion about the evolving landscape of orthopedic surgery. As legislative changes continue to redefine the roles of healthcare providers, especially in rural areas where primary care is lacking, Catherine offers a deep dive into the motivations and implications of these shifts. You’ll gain insight into how these changes could affect not just providers but the broader healthcare system. Their conversation also confronts the challenges of integrating a diverse range of healthcare professionals into orthopedic practices. Physician assistants and nurse practitioners are increasingly taking on complex cases, but is this always in the best interest of patient safety and care quality? They explore these dynamics, alongside the economic pressures and rising medical education costs that are reshaping the training of future healthcare professionals. Dr. Lundy and Catherine discussed the need for structured pathways to navigate these changes, ensuring that patient care remains both effective and safe amidst an evolving medical workforce. Looking ahead, they also examine the future of allied health professions and their expanding roles. From chiropractors gaining independence to pharmacists looking to diagnose, the landscape is shifting under our feet. Catherine sheds light on the potential implications of these changes, including how technology, like robotics, might redefine traditional practices in orthopedics. As we anticipate a physician shortage, the conversation underscores the importance of proactive legislative planning to balance innovation with the realities of a changing healthcare environment.