Orthopedic surgeons are often regarded as medical sportsmen, and orthopedic surgery is undoubtedly a team sport. The increasing complexity of cases and the rise of subspecialty surgery demand a collaborative approach. Over the past decade, subspecialty teams have emerged in India, elevating patient care to new heights. The modern orthopedic surgeon is no longer a solo practitioner, but rather a key player in a multidisciplinary team. The complexity of orthopedic cases requires input from various specialists, including radiologists, anesthesiologists, and rehabilitation experts. By working together, these teams can provide comprehensive care that addresses the unique needs of each patient. However beyond this, orthopedic surgeons now also understand the Mantra of multi-surgeon practices. More and more practice groups have emerged, offering subspecialty services, and raising the level of patient care. Orthopedic teams not only help better patient outcomes but also help surgeons themselves. Most noticeably these days – the demands of orthopedic surgery can lead to surgeon burnout. Long hours, high-stakes decision-making, and the emotional toll of working with patients in pain can all take a toll on surgeons. Of course, the toll of a post-operative complication can have a huge repercussion on the surgeon’s composure, especially when he/she has to get into the next surgery. “The second victim” – as is popularly known, does not get any sympathy – and is expected to swing into action and perform at the same high professional level with no downtime. Having a co-surgeon in such a situation would make a world of a difference. Furthermore, the increasing administrative burden and regulatory requirements can leave surgeons feeling overwhelmed and undervalued. To combat this and further enhance patient care, surgeons must adopt a team-based approach – dividing and distributing work to improve efficiency and reduce stress. Forming surgical groups and teams will enable us to share knowledge, expertise, and workload, ultimately taking patient care to the next level. By working together, we can:

• Share best practices and stay updated on the latest advances in orthopedic surgery
• Establish some specialties within our field of specialization to improve results
• Collaborate on complex cases and provide comprehensive care
• Support each other in times of need, reducing burnout and improving job satisfaction
• Develop and implement quality improvement initiatives, enhancing patient outcomes and safety.

By embracing teamwork, we can ensure better outcomes, improved job satisfaction, and a brighter future for Indian orthopedics. As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize collaboration, communication, and mutual support. By doing so, we can provide the best possible care for our patients and elevate the field of orthopedic surgery as a whole. The message is clear – teamwork is the backbone of modern orthopedic surgery. As Indian orthopedics continues to evolve, it is essential that we prioritize teamwork and collaboration, ensuring that our patients receive the best possible care, reduce surgeon stress, and improve our lifestyles in general.

Dr. Abhay Nene

Spine Surgeon,

WeAreSpine,

Lilavati, Breach Candy, Hinduja Surgical, Global,

HN Reliance Wockhardt, Apollo,

Wadia Children’s Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.