The Spine Pod – Details, episodes & analysis

Ep. 15 From Ideas to Action: How Spine Surgery is Evolving for Better Patient Outcomes, Lali Sekhon, MD

Welcome to Season 2 of the Spine Pod! In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Lali Sekhon, a neurosurgeon dedicated to improving patient outcomes through patient-centric treatment options. Operating out of Reno, NV at the Reno Orthopedic Center, Dr. Sekhon is driving the future of spine care forward by utilizing the most cutting-edge technologies and surgical approaches. Aside from his commitment to surgical solutions, Dr. Sekhon founded the non-profit ThinkFirst of Northern Nevada, aimed at educating communities and organizations on promoting preventative safety and the impact of traumatic brain injury. Dr. Sekhon also proves his commitment to improving patient outcomes through research and clinical trials, including numerous publications surrounding early-stage motion-preserving technologies, which have helped the spine industry better understand cervical implant orientation, placement, and the importance of patient specificity.

In this episode, Dr. Sekhon delves into the complex world of spine care and opens up about the challenges surgeons face when balancing long-term patient outcomes with the demands of modern healthcare systems. Dr. Sekhon also explores one of the largest problems facing postoperative spine patients - adjacent segment disease - and how SpinePoint, his stiffness-reduced implant company, is working on solving that problem. He goes on to discuss the evolution of spine surgery techniques, exploring how tools like navigation and robotics are redefining precision and patient safety in the operating room. With a career that spans from groundbreaking motion preservation work to innovations in implant design and multi-speciality care models, Dr. Sekhon provides deep expertise and novel insights on the most pressing issues currently facing spine care. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why surgery centers are gaining popularity for specific patients and fueling the push for more outpatient surgery options.
• The different biomechanics and genetic components driving adjacent segment disease and how we can begin to go about protecting adjacent levels after spine surgery.
• Why stiffness in the spine matters and what Dr. Sekhon is doing to solve that problem with innovative implant options. 
• How integrated, multi-disciplinary care teams can provide a more comprehensive approach to treating back and/or leg pain for spine patients.
• The importance of enabling technologies and how they are coalescing to provide new alternatives to patients.

As a surgeon known by many titles - innovator, hockey fan, father, husband, and leader across the spine industry, Dr. Sekhon is paving the way for the next generation of spine surgeons, focused on providing the novel technologies and treatment options for all patients he treats. As a prominent advocate and educator across the community, Dr. Sekhon provides a breadth of knowledge for surgeons, patients, and industry personnel in this enlightening episode of The Spine Pod.

Learn more about Dr. Lali and ROC:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalisekhon/ 
• Dr. Lali's Website: https://lalisekhonmd.com/ 
• ROC: https://www.renoortho.com/ 
• ThinkFirst of Northern Nevada: https://www.thinkfirstnevada.org/ 

You can find The Spine Pod on all Podcast Streaming Platforms, including:

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Ep 14 The Hip-Spine Connection: What Every Patient & Surgeon Needs to Know, Russell Bodner, MD

In this special episode of The Spine Pod, we break from tradition by welcoming our first sports medicine orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Russell Bodner, a renowned hip-spine expert with over 35 years of experience. Known for his groundbreaking research and contributions to hip and spine biomechanics, Dr. Bodner is advancing a new perspective on how these interconnected systems work together to help the body function properly. 

In this episode, Dr. Bodner describes the body as a kinetic linkage system, emphasizing the critical importance of treating patients as an interconnected system rather than component parts. From understanding the complex relationship between hip replacements and spinal motion to tackling challenges like acetabular cup placement, Dr. Bodner shares his research insights that bridge the gap between the specialties of hip and spine care. This episode also takes a deep dive into cutting-edge advancements in hip and spine treatment that are driving better patient outcomes, including preoperative analysis, surgical planning, and personalized treatment options.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• How the body functions as a kinetic linkage system; understanding hip and spine biomechanics is essential for effective treatment.
• The importance of evaluating spinopelvic parameters and utilizing surgical planning tools to treat hip-spine patients.
• How spinal stiffness and sagittal malalignment can negatively impact hip function and contribute to accelerated degeneration in a native hip and increased dislocation rates for patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA).
• The age-related changes in biomechanics that occur through the hip-spine junction, highlighting the need for tailored treatment options.
• Why adjacent segment disease (ASD) is not a pathology exclusive to spine, but is starting to be termed for concomitant hip-spine conditions.
• The importance of preoperative planning and proper analysis in achieving the best long-term patient outcomes.
• Why multi-plane imaging is necessary for both hip and spine surgeons to better treat patient pathology.
• Why collaboration between hip and spine specialists is crucial to addressing complex cases and advancing orthopedic care.

Dr. Bodner’s pioneering work is an amalgamation of some of the foremost thought leaders in orthopedics, including Dr. Richard Steadman of Steadman Clinic in Vail, and Dr. Richard Rothman of Rothman Orthopedics, and Dr. Larry Door. Combining this knowledge with the artist and engineer mindsets of his parents, Dr. Bodner’s 35 years of dedicated research is revolutionizing the way we look at hip and spine care and advancing the future of orthopedics. 

Whether you’re a spine surgeon, hip specialist, or patient searching for answers surrounding concomitant leg, hip, and/or back pain, this episode provides invaluable knowledge about how motion-preserving solutions and innovative planning can transform patient outcomes for the future.

Learn more about Dr. Bodner

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-bodner-505496161/ 

You can find The Spine Pod on all Podcast Streaming Platforms, including:

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• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
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Ep. 05 - The Intersection: Motion Preservation & Complex Spine Surgery, Alan Daniels, MD & Bassel Diebo, MD

On this episode of The Spine Pod, we dive into the synergistic nature of complex spine surgery and motion-preserving techniques driving innovative options and enhanced patient outcomes. Dr. Alan Daniels and Dr. Bassel Diebo, renowned complex spine surgeons at University Orthopedics in Rhode Island, sit down and share their compelling journeys to becoming leaders in spine care, blending academic excellence and practical innovation to drive the highest-quality care in their practice. As members of the ISSG (International Spine Study Group) and generating a combined 500+ publications and 1,000+ podium presentations, Dr. Daniels and Dr. Diebo provide extensive research experience to shed light on the newest techniques and procedures driving the future of spine care.

This episode explores the role of sagittal balance, alignment, and motion preservation in long-term patient outcomes, the importance of a holistic, whole-body approach in spine care, and the necessity of patient education and clinical training in providing novel treatment options. The conversation concludes with a focus on the future of spine care, including the potential for motion preservation and arthroplasty. From complex deformity cases to the latest advancements in motion preservation, learn how their collaborative approach is pushing the boundaries of spine care.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How motion-preserving techniques are being incorporated into complex spine and deformity procedures.
• The significance of restoring alignment and balance and preserving natural motion in spine surgery.
• The role of hybrid motion constructs and their long-term benefits for patients.
• The importance of understanding adjacent joints - the knees, hips, pelvis, and ankles, when treating spine conditions.
• The role of patient education in providing and scaling new treatment options.
• The necessity of pairing functional metrics with patient reported outcomes and radiographic measures to evaluate post-operative success.

Join us as we delve into the intersection of motion preservation and complex spine surgery, discovering how these two experts integrate innovative techniques from both motion preservation and spinal fusion to enhance patient care. Tune in as Dr. Daniels and Dr. Diebo, alongside co-hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf, discuss the rapidly-evolving landscape of spine surgery.

Learn more about Dr. Daniels, Dr. Diebo, and University Orthopedics:

• University Orthopedics: https://universityorthopedics.com/about_us/spine.html
• Alan Daniels: whttps://universityorthopedics.com/physicians/daniels/index.html
• Bassel Diebo: https://www.adultscoliosissurgery.com/

Watch this episode on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts, and stay tuned for more enlightening conversations on The Spine Pod.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcA8vODr8pDabWImOrHv3ZQ

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1RKbtJesvDCf5GQBKYcAfm

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spine-pod/id1744988609

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Ep 04 - Who’s The Best? Surgeon Rankings, Malaligned Incentives, & Cost Transparency: Ahilan "Siva" Sivaganesan, MD Part 2

If you missed part I with Dr. Ahilan Sivaganesan: Where’s The Money? Health Economics, Motion Preservation, & Value-Based Care you can find it here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spine-pod/id1745442311?i=1000657800891

In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Brady Riesgraf and Courtney Schutze sit back down with Dr. Ahilan “Siva” Sivaganesan to analyze the health economics that are driving cost decisions and surgical options in the operating room. This is the second part of a two-part series that explores the critical issues facing innovation in spine care and the role health economics plays in getting new procedures to patients who need them most. Dr. Siva shares his insights on the perverse incentives that can drive care decisions, how we can start to objectively measure surgeons and centers providing care, and the importance of motion-preserving surgeries in possibly reducing long-term costs to patients, payers, and society as a whole.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The complexities of identifying the best surgeons and hospitals and the metrics that matter.
• How opposing incentives in healthcare impact patient care and outcomes.
• The true personal and societal costs of spinal fusion and strategies to reduce expenses.
• The role of Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing in enhancing care efficiency.
• The creation of value-based care practices and the future of spine care and improved reimbursement models.

Tune in to gain valuable insights from Dr. Siva’s extensive research and practical experience, offering a comprehensive view of the evolving landscape of spine care. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, patient, or curious about medical innovations, this episode is a must-listen.

Don’t miss this episode on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Stay tuned for more insights into advancing health economics and patient-centered care.

*Dr. Ahilan Sivaganesan is currently transitioning to Naples, FL, to help the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) launch its new spine program and continue his research in health economics and patient-centric care.

Check out The Spine Pod on:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcA8vODr8pDabWImOrHv3ZQ 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spine-pod/id1744988609 

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/98fd41ad-75ee-4371-bb70-c5b274324a47/the-spine-pod?ref=dm_sh_MQE4wl3lyb6590VX9msjWdqkn

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Ep 03 - Where’s The Money? Healthcare Economics, Motion Preservation, and Value-Based Care, Part 1: Ahilan "Siva" Sivaganesan, MD

In this episode of The Spine Pod, we dive deep into the complex landscape of spine surgery with Dr. Ahilan "Siva" Sivaganesan, a minimally-invasive / endoscopic neurosurgeon and health economics expert at Thomas Jefferson University. Join us as we explore the cutting-edge advancements in motion preservation surgery and patient-centric care models, and how these innovations are transforming health economics in spine care.

Dr. Siva shares his unique journey from a background in statistics to becoming a pioneering spine surgeon, shedding light on his groundbreaking work that challenges traditional healthcare models. Discover how his approach to health economics is revolutionizing patient outcomes and reducing costs.  

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The importance of motion preservation techniques in spine surgery.
• How patient-centric care models are enhancing treatment outcomes.
• The impact of health economics on healthcare decisions and the patient journeys.
• Data-driven examples of cost-effective treatments and their benefits for patients.
• The influence on Time-Driven Activity Based Costing on driving more efficient care.  

Tune in to gain valuable insights from Dr. Siva’s extensive health economics research, and understand how these advancements are paving the way for a more efficient and effective healthcare system. Whether you're a patient, healthcare professional, or simply curious about the future of spine care, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the intersection of medical innovation and economic efficiency.  

Don't miss Part 2, where we delve into Dr. Siva’s detailed research and visual data analysis, providing a deeper understanding of the cost factors that influence spine care.

Watch this episode on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts, and stay tuned for the continuation of this conversation around improving health economics and patient-centric care models. 

*Dr. Ahilan Sivaganesan currently practices at Thomas Jefferson University, but is making the move to Naples, FL to help the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) launch its new spine program and continue to drive his research in health economics and patient-centric care.

Check out The Spine Pod on:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcA8vODr8pDabWImOrHv3ZQ

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DBzWfVt1ExQE0qTjhOERa?si=wGshpmKtTsWf4_3tjye-ZA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spine-pod/id1744988609

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Join us on this episode of the Spine Pod with Dr. Avinash Patwardhan as we discuss the fundamental components of spine biomechanics and the driving principles behind why restoring natural motion in the spine is the key to long-term successful outcomes and improved quality of life for patients seeking spine care.

Dr. Avinash Patwardhan is a professor at the Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine and a world-renowned biomechanical engineer and researcher who has made significant contributions to the field of spine surgery. His work on sagittal balance and alignment, motion preservation, spinal kinematics and the follower load model has placed him at the forefront of biomechanics in the spine community for nearly 50 years, with more than 300 publications to date.

Over the last twenty years, Dr. Patwardhan has committed his research to the advancement of motion preservation devices, including cervical and lumbar artificial disc replacement and lumbar total joint replacement. His research lab at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital has played a major role in testing the safety and efficacy of many motion-preserving devices used in spine care in the United States today.

Listen as Dr. Patwardhan talks about the evolution of motion-preserving devices in spine surgery, highlighting the importance of understanding the biomechanical principles of the native spine and the impact that fusion can have on adjacent segments. He also discusses his early work with the first ever artificial disc approved in the United States, the Charité disc, and the challenges faced in developing and testing new motion-preserving devices throughout his career. Dr. Patwardhan wraps up the conversation by emphasizing the importance of patient selection and his future vision of utilizing both radiographic and pre- and postoperative clinical data to improve surgical outcomes.

Check out The Spine Pod on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spine-pod/id1744988609

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Join us on The Spine Pod as we delve into a behind-the-scenes look at spine surgery with Dr. Armen Khachatryan, a world-renowned orthopedic spine surgeon known for his expertise in motion preservation and cervical disc replacement procedures. Founder of The Disc Replacement Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, Dr. Khachatryan is pioneering patient care with advanced surgical techniques in motion surgery.

In this episode, Dr. Khachatryan shares his insights on the concept of promoting functional spine surgery, emphasizing the significance of preserving natural range of motion in the spine. Learn about how his surgical approach challenges traditional spinal fusion and his continual drive toward his ultimate goal of enhancing mobility and quality of life for each of the patients he treats. His discussion ranges from his early days in clinical trials with artificial disc replacements, and his most recent trials including the MOTUS lumbar total joint replacement, which just completed enrollment of its U.S. clinical trials. 

Listen as Dr. Khachatryan, alongside our hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf, discusses the shifts that have occurred in spine care towards motion preserving alternatives, the evolution of surgical specialization, and the critical role of patient education in making informed treatment decisions. Tune in to The Spine Pod for this in-depth conversation about the future of spine care and learn why the right surgical approach can transform your health journey.

For more information on Dr. Khachatryan you can follow him on:

⁠Linkedin ⁠⁠Facebook⁠

⁠The Disc Replacement Center⁠

⁠Masters of Spine⁠

Check out The Spine Pod on:

⁠Youtube⁠

⁠Apple Podcasts ⁠

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Ep. 13 Teaching the Future of Spine: Research, Motion Preservation, & Improving Care, Jeffrey A. Goldstein, MD

In this episode of The Spine Pod, co-hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Jeffrey A. Goldstein, a globally recognized expert in orthopedic spine surgery and Director of the Spine Surgery Fellowship and Education programs at NYU Langone. With over 30 years of clinical and research experience, Dr. Goldstein is a staunch advocate for conservative, patient-first treatment plans. His patient-centered philosophy focuses on functional outcomes and prioritizing long-term health of every patient he treats.

Dr. Goldstein also discusses his commitment to ongoing innovation, especially in the area of motion preservation. Dedicated to advancing the field, he takes on a dual role as a pioneer in new technologies and a teacher, training residents and fellows in the latest techniques to carry his patient-first legacy forward. He has been a key leader across multiple clinical studies, including being a trainer for both cervical and lumbar artificial discs in the commercialization of ProDisc, as well as being the national PI for 3Spine’s MOTUS Lumbar Total Joint Replacement IDE study. In addition to motion preservation, Dr. Goldstein continues to drive patient-care forward through the use of supplementary emerging technologies, including minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and robotics.

In this episode, listeners will learn about:

• The history of how spine care has changed over the past 30 years
• The entire function spinal unit, and the role of the facets and the disc in the mobility and stability of the spine
• How motion preserving technologies are becoming mainstream options for treating leg and/or back pain in the correctly indicated patient
• The convergence of enabling technologies, and how MIS, robotics, and motion preserving implants are coming together to improve patient outcomes
• The importance of conservative care and exhausting non-operative treatment options prior to receiving spine surgery
• Where the future of spine care is headed and the newest technologies entering the spine market

Dr. Goldstein has been a leading surgeon across the spine industry for more than 20 years, being recognized as a top doctor in America by multiple institutions, including Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, Becker’s, and Newsweek. Aside from being recognized by sources and peers, he has also been the past president of ISASS, one of the largest spine conferences in the world, and also holds the title of professor of both orthopedic and neurosurgery at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. With his accolades in teaching, leadership, and innovation, Dr. Goldstein has had a remarkable impact across the spine community since his inception into medicine.

This episode explores how Dr. Goldstein’s work has not only shaped his practice but also the broader field of spine surgery, primarily through his dedicated contributions to motion preservation and patient-centered innovations. Whether you’re a provider, patient, or industry professional, this episode provides vast insights into the technologies improving patient outcomes and what’s on the horizon for the future of spine surgery.

Learn more about Dr. Goldstein and NYU Langone Health:

• Website: https://www.spinesurgerydoctor.com/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-a-goldstein-md-facs-faoa-917b5b7/

You can find The Spine Pod on all Podcast Streaming Platforms, including:

• YouTube: / @thespinepod
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• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/98f...
• iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-th...

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Join hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf for a special live episode of The Spine Pod, recorded from the floor of the North American Spine Society (NASS) 2024 conference in Chicago. This episode explores the latest advancements in spine surgery, with conversation spanning the spectrum of motion preservation, navigation, robotics, and minimally invasive surgery (MIS). You’ll get to hear from an array of thought leaders across spine care, both industry experts and surgeons, including Pierce Nunley, MD, Louis Nel, MD, Choll Kim, MD, Avinash Patwardhan, PhD, Ted Bird, and William Lavelle, MD. Join us as we sit down to talk about the complexities of bringing new devices to market, the lessons learned from early motion preservation devices, and the future of patient care in this field.

In this episode you’ll learn about:

• How motion preservation technologies, including artificial discs, facet replacements, and lumbar total joint replacements, are becoming mainstream as treatment options.
• The advancement of enabling technologies, including navigation and robotics, and how they’re gaining interest across the industry.
• The importance of collaboration across surgeons, industry, and researchers in driving forward spine surgery. 
• The evolution of MIS and endoscopic options and how they will integrate with motion preservation to provide enhanced treatment options.
• The importance of clinical trials and data monitoring in order to provide objective outcome metrics to create improvements in spine care.
• How more surgeons are opting for motion preserving options over fusion as a first-line treatment method for improving patients’ long-term outcomes.

From enabling technologies to novel implants, this discussion brings you all the latest discussions of innovations in the spine industry. We’ll hear from research experts that have 40+ years in the space, surgeons who have treated patients for more than 30 years, and industry experts that have been on the front lines of multiple product launches with the largest spine companies. Every guest on this episode has one central goal in common - to find better ways to treat leg and back pain and provide better and longer-lasting results for the patients they treat.

Tune in to this special episode to hear about cutting-edge technologies, how these innovations are being applied in spine care, and what surgeons are learning from the latest long-term data. This lively, real-time discussion offers listeners a unique view of the state of the spine industry in 2024.

Learn more about this episodes guests:

• Pierce Nunley, MD: https://www.linkedin.com/in/piercenunley/ 
• Louis Nel, MD: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-nel-2919211a2/ 
• Choll Kim, MD, PhD: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chollkim/ 
• Avinash Patwardhan, PhD: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avinash-patwardhan-6432bb9/ 
• Ted Bird: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedbird/ 
• William Lavelle, MD: https://www.upstateorthopedics.com/our-providers/dr-william-lavelle/ 

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Ep. 11 A Spine Surgeon Who Refuses to Quit: A Battle for Better Spine Care, Evalina Burger, MD

In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Evalina Burger, an orthopedic spine surgeon at the UCHealth Spine Center - Anschutz Medical Campus. Dr. Burger recounts her transformative journey from South Africa to the United States, where she has established herself as a leader and innovator at the forefront of spine care. She goes on to share about her own spinal cord injury and how that has changed her perspective and approach to spine surgery. Dr. Burger specializes in complex spine surgery, deformity and scoliosis, and has also been an outspoken advocate and pioneer for motion-preserving spine implants. She has been an investigator in multiple FDA clinical trials, including the TOPS facet replacement from Premia Spine, showing her commitment to research and improving patient care. With her background and incredible personal journey, Dr. Burger has prioritized patient quality of life and is constantly searching for new ways to improve long-term outcomes for her patients.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The importance of new perspectives in order to innovate on currently held treatment methods.
• How quality of life (QoL) is becoming the new outcome metric that providers are beginning to evaluate their surgical outcomes.
• Where motion preserving spine surgeries fit into the care continuum and how we can begin to give patients longer lasting results.
• How spinal fusion has been utilized by surgeons for many decades and how that approach as a primary treatment method is beginning to shift.
• The importance of resilience on growth and overcoming hurdles in life; how to create great outcomes from challenging situations.
• How the treatment for leg and/or back pain is beginning to change and what new options are becoming available to patients seeking spine care.

As someone who dreamed about being a surgeon as a child, Dr. Burger has accomplished that and much more throughout her years in surgery. Currently holding the title of Department Chair of Orthopedics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, she has established herself as a leader and role model within the spine community. Dr. Burger has also contributed more than 95 peer-reviewed journal articles, proving her lasting commitment to research and patient outcomes.

Whether you’re a patient, industry professional, or provider, this episode provides a breadth of experience and knowledge that you won’t want to miss.

Learn more about Dr. Burger and UCHealth Spine Center - Anschutz Medical Campus:

• Website: https://www.uchealth.org/provider/evalina-burger-van-der-walt-md/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evalina-burger-145a7835/

You can find The Spine Pod on all Podcast Streaming Platforms, including:

• YouTube:

  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcA8vODr8pDabWImOrHv3ZQ 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DBzWfV...
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/98f...
• iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-th...

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