Michael Vitale MD MPH

11/19/2025

I recently joined the Straight From The Hip podcast to talk about one of my favorite topics: how to make surgery safer.

We discussed how high-stakes spine surgery has reshaped the way we think about teams, errors, and systems under pressure.

We broke down the core principles of planning, standardization, human factors, effective checklists, and psychological safety in the OR.

We also explored innovation in navigation and robotics, and how to bring new technology into the OR without introducing new failure modes.

Finally, we talked metrics, outcomes, and why the future of quality in orthopedics relies on transparency, benchmarking, and shared learning.

Listen at the link below:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/12tUrm8oGsR1k2iBdfIWmm?si=SBVMlsAkSqiF6lmnGpbk3w

Straight From The Hip · Episode

11/06/2025

Our November Bracing Group is coming up — and this one is extra special!

Join us for a gentle movement session led by one of our Schroth therapists and certified yoga instructor. We will have snacks, crafts, and time to connect with other brace buddies and parents.

📅 Date: November 13
🕓 Time: 4:30–6:00 PM
📍 Location: CHONY Tower 103 — Meeting Room off the Lobby
💻 Zoom participation available

Let us know if you can make it by registering here:
https://form.jotform.com/252886234637063

11/05/2025

Amazing engagement and contributions from members of our Pediatric Spine Research Factory today pre ICEOS! Record attendance at this go-to meeting for all things pediatric spine. So humbled to have been able to play a role in leading this group over the past year!

https://pediatricspinefoundation.org/

10/31/2025

As my sabbatical winds down, I have been reflecting on legacy and what it means to “hand off” well.
Read my new blog post: The Art of the Handoff
👉

Seven weeks out from surgery, my shoulder is feeling fantastic, and I can practically feel the operating room pulling me back. I’m scheduled to return to work in just a few weeks, which means the delightful, often surprising gift of this recovery time is nearing its end. This sense of finitude has...

10/27/2025

It was a true honor to visit Dr. Noelle Larsen and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery here at Mayo Clinic as their visiting professor. I learned so much from my time with this incredible team at such an outstanding institution.

10/22/2025

Happy Medical Assistants Recognition Day! A huge shoutout to our amazing MAs, Carolyn and Evelyn! Thank you for being the backbone of our team and for all that you do to support our patients.

10/18/2025

Halloween is just around the corner! Show off your costume paired with your brace and send us a pic before 10/31 to be featured on our social media accounts!

10/15/2025

Thrilled to be part of this extraordinary case-based webinar led by my partners, Drs Zeeshan Sardar and Larry Lenke! For those interested in my talk on Tether, I share the latest results regarding lumbar tether about 30 minutes in, along with some thoughts on how the future of lumbar tether may involve an apical fusion. Hope you enjoy it!

👉 Watch here: https://broad-water.com/webinars/level-selection-correction-techniques-for-adolescent-idiopathic-scoliosis/

October 7, 2025 | 8 PM EST Drs. Zeeshan Sardar and Lawrence Lenke lead an expert panel of faculty for a case-based discussion on Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). The session highlights decision-making and surgical strategies with a special focus on: Level Selection: principles and controversie...

10/15/2025

I'm thrilled to see my friend and our Chair, Dr. William Levine, receive well-deserved recognition for his exceptional leadership of our Department over the years. We're lucky to have him steering the ship! 🎉👏
https://www.beckersspine.com/orthopedic/5-physicians-leading-top-hospitals-orthopedic-departments/

10/14/2025

I am excited to share two new posts on my blog: "From Surgeon to Patient: A Story of Trust in Performance" and "My Pre-op Mental and Physical Prehabilitation." These pieces reflect my personal journey through injury, surgery, and the road to recovery, along with some valuable insights I have gained along the way.

Check them out and let me know your thoughts!

Read here: https://pediatricscoliosissurgery.com/blogs/

So here we go again. This wasn’t my first time dealing with a sports-related injury. Seven years ago, Dr. Ahmad repaired my distal biceps, torn when we were skiing together with our kids. Since then, I’ve had various musculoskeletal issues related to my active lifestyle and profession as a pedia...

10/10/2025

Happy PA Week! 🎉

Today, we celebrate the incredible contributions of physician associates like Amber, a dedicated PA in our Pediatric Orthopedics Department since 2006. With her extensive experience, she ensures our patients receive the best care possible. Amber not only excels in her clinical duties but also plays a vital role in enhancing patient and parent education. Thank you, Amber, for your commitment to excellence in pediatric care!