Advancing Multidisciplinary Spine Care and Innovation with Edward J. Dohring, M.D.

Dr. Edward J. Dohring, a spine surgeon and founder of the Spine Institute of Arizona, shares his unique journey from philosophy and psychology to becoming a pioneering spine innovator. He emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in spine care, highlighting how weekly team meetings across specialties—surgeons, interventional pain physicians, physical therapists, and chiropractors—lead to better patient outcomes by breaking down silos. Dr. Dohring discusses the evolving role of interventional pain medicine, advocating for surgical training in complex procedures like spinal fusion, while also embracing emerging technologies like AI and robotics. He reflects on his leadership in the North American Spine Society and his work with Honor Health’s orthopedic home management model, which improves outcomes through physician incentives and system-wide collaboration. The episode closes with his recognition of the Honor Health President's Lifetime Achievement Award, underscoring his belief that future spine leaders should engage beyond clinical practice to shape healthcare systems for better patient care and professional fulfillment.