AOFAS Thought Leader Series-It's Not Ok to Practice Differently than Everyone

It's Not Ok to Practice Differently than Everyone - James G. Wright, MD, MPH, FRCSC, FRCSEd

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, the speaker, Dr. James Waddell, discusses the need for orthopedic surgeons to change their practices and become more evidence-based. He begins by sharing his own experience of wanting to pursue neurosurgery but being discouraged by a neurosurgeon who told him he needed to be very smart to enter the field. This led him to pursue orthopedic surgery instead. Dr. Waddell explains that while orthopedic surgery can be life-changing and cost-effective, there are areas where improvements can be made.<br /><br />He discusses the concept of evidence-based medicine and how it is changing the field of orthopedic surgery. He emphasizes the importance of using best evidence to guide treatment decisions and highlights the shift towards controlled studies. Dr. Waddell also acknowledges the challenges of changing surgeons' behavior and the presence of bias and heuristics in decision-making.<br /><br />The speaker also discusses the importance of involving all stakeholders, including patients and professional societies, in evaluating evidence and making decisions. He mentions the use of implementation science and the need for innovative ways to change surgeons' practices. Dr. Waddell concludes by highlighting the complexity of surgical decision-making and the need to recognize and address biases.<br /><br />No credits were given for the video content.

Asset Subtitle

Dr. Wright is a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon and scientist well known for his work to advance evidence-based orthopaedics. Currently he is an adjunct senior scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) Research Institute in Toronto, Canada, and chief of economics, policy, and research at the Ontario Medical Association.

Keywords

orthopedic surgeons

evidence-based

neurosurgery

life-changing

cost-effective

controlled studies

surgical decision-making