Health Podcast Library
Episode 570

Why We Need the Independent Practice Model in Medicine: Dr. Alexander Vaccaro, President of Rothman Orthopaedic Institute

Mar 12, 2026
28:53

Episode Description

We’ve spoken with many guests about clinical and technological trends impacting healthcare providers, but less so about the trends on the business side of practicing medicine.  So on this episode, we’re going to make up for that by spending our time with Dr. Alexander Vaccaro, an influential spine surgeon and president of one of the largest musculoskeletal practices in the U.S. -- Rothman Orthopaedic Institute -- which treats patients at over 40 locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Florida. While Dr. Vaccaro understands the desire for financial stability that’s increasingly driving young physicians into the arms of hospital systems, he worries about what’s being lost with the resulting decline in the number of independent practices.  “If you didn't have private practice advocating for the doctor, the insurance companies would bully the healthcare profession.”

Join Raise the Line host Michael Carrese for a candid and lively conversation that also covers:

  • How physician autonomy and entrepreneurship can drive innovation;
  • The economic and policy forces reshaping private practice medicine;
  • The role of research partnerships between private practices and universities.

Mentioned in this episode:
Rothman Orthopaedics

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