The Better Way Back: Why Back Surgery May Be the RIGHT DECISION.

John Wooden is one of my heroes.  Last night I had the opportunity to attend a dinner with Mr. Bill Walton, one of John Wooden's apostles, a 2-time All American, 2 time NBA MVP and Hall of Fame Inductee.  Bill Walton, it turns out, had an unexpected story to share regarding his struggle with back surgery and the decision leading up to it.  Mr. Walton touched upon the lessons John Wooden taught him and the biggest was, "Don't cheat yourself."  Mr. Walton explained that at UCLA none of his teammates knew what Mr. Wooden was talking about: "Don't cheat yourself.  Cheating yourself and losing is the worst defeat possible."  Mr. Walton explained that years later he understood the message and how it related to his life; by avoiding back surgery he was cheating himself out of a healthy and happy life.  In 2010 he began leading the way for recovering patients to partner with pre-op patients, providing them with an "ambassador" to ask questions, relate to, confide and trust - someone other than their doctors and nurses.  He is truly paying it forward. 

My team at LJNA has had numerous successful spinal surgery patients, patients who become evangelists with no channel for their positive stories.  I am eager to share the idea behind The Better Way Back to unite the success stories with anxious pre-op patients.  If you are reading this and YOU would like to share your positive experience, we welcome your participation. 

It is rare to read POSITIVE articles on spinal surgery, Bill Walton is starting a movement.  There is simply more salacious press which promotes fear in patients, preventing surgeries and inhibiting their chance at a healthy life with no back pain.  It is time that inspiring stories be shared and successful patients join forces to create a voice for the value of spinal surgery.  Thank you for reading, please click on the link below to read the New York Times article on Mr. Bill Walton.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/07/sports/basketball/07walton.html

Constant Improvement - There Is No "i" In Neurosurgeon.

I found this article (by Boston Surgeon Atul Gawande) in the October 3rd issue of The New Yorker very interesting: Personal Best .  It's a great read by a truly talented surgeon exploring the idea of a Surgeon Coach; the importance of striving to constantly improve professionally and personally.  This concept applies to any profession.

The concept of a Surgical Coach reminded me of the unique team dynamic in my office, La Jolla Neurosurgical Associates, AMC.  The concept of grouping Specialists such as a Neurologist, Neurosurgeon, Pain Management Doctor, Neuroradiologist and Radiologist in the same practice encourages constant peer coaching. 

Importance of Researching Your Neurosurgeon

I came across this article: Taking Double Cut, Surgeons Implant Their Own Devices , in the October 8-9, 2011 issue of The Wall Street Journal regarding the shocking reality behind unethical Surgeons. 

I am sharing this article to educate patients ever regarding the importance of carefully selecting one's Neurosurgeon (or any Surgeon for that matter).  Ethics and morals are two things I do not compromise, in fact I make it a point to surround myself with similar Doctors. 

The most frustrating piece to me, is the fact that the surgeons in this article jeopardize the integrity of Neurosurgeons as a whole.  It is critical as a patient, as a patients family or friend, to thoroughly research potential Neurosurgeons and explore his/her credentials, history and professional affiliations.  Knowledge is power and it is critical to complete one's due diligence when researching surgeons.