When choosing an orthopedic provider, experience and specialized knowledge matter. But great orthopedic care involves more than what happens during an appointment. Research, collaboration, professional education, and community involvement all play a role in advancing the field and supporting patients.
At OrthoCarolina, orthopedic expertise extends beyond treating injuries and managing conditions. Our physicians contribute to professional education, participate in research, and support initiatives that help people regain function and independence. Together, these efforts reflect the OrthoCarolina Advantage: a commitment to advancing orthopedic care both inside and outside the clinic.
Specialized Expertise for Individual Needs
Orthopedic conditions can affect nearly every part of daily life, from walking and working to playing sports and spending time with family. Finding the right care starts with understanding the condition, available treatment options, and the expertise needed to address each patient's needs.
OrthoCarolina offers a comprehensive range of orthopedic services for musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, along with specialty care for more specific healthcare needs. Its services include sports medicine, hand, wrist, and elbow care, spine care, joint replacement, and foot and ankle treatment. This breadth of expertise helps patients find care that aligns with their condition, symptoms, and goals.
Specialized knowledge is only one part of effective orthopedic care. Continued education, collaboration among medical professionals, and engagement with research help physicians stay current with developments in their fields. This ongoing commitment supports informed treatment decisions and helps advance the care available to patients.
Physicians Who Help Move Orthopedic Care Forward
Orthopedic physicians contribute to their profession in many ways beyond treating patients. Presenting at medical meetings, participating in professional societies, and sharing clinical knowledge help support education and collaboration across the orthopedic community.
OrthoCarolina physicians demonstrated that commitment at the Carolinas Shoulder and Elbow Society's 2026 Annual Meeting in Asheville. Dr. Nady Hamid served as program chair and is a CSES board member, alongside fellow board member Dr. Shadley Schiffern.
Their involvement highlights the importance of continued professional education and the exchange of knowledge among specialists in shoulder and elbow care. These conversations help physicians engage with evolving techniques, clinical questions, and approaches to treating complex conditions.
Recognition at the national level also reflects the contributions orthopedic specialists make to their field. Dr. Glenn Gaston and Dr. Bryan Loeffler received the 2026 Andrew J. Weiland Medal at the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) Annual Meeting.
The achievement carries significance beyond the award itself. The physicians donated its $20,000 monetary gift to Arms for All, an OrthoCarolina Research Institute (OCRI) program that helps provide advanced prosthetics and resources for upper extremity amputees.
For people living with upper extremity limb loss, access to appropriate prosthetic resources can support function, independence, and participation in everyday activities. The donation connects professional recognition with a tangible effort to help meet those needs.
It is a reminder that advancing orthopedic care involves more than developing clinical expertise. It also means supporting the people and programs working to improve life for patients beyond the clinic.
How Research Helps Shape the Future of Orthopedics
Research plays an important role in improving the understanding of musculoskeletal conditions and evaluating treatment options. Studies examining surgical techniques, rehabilitation, recovery, and long-term outcomes contribute to the evidence that informs orthopedic medicine.
Through the OrthoCarolina Research Institute, OrthoCarolina supports research initiatives focused on advancing orthopedic care. This work complements the experience of physicians treating patients every day and contributes to the broader pursuit of better approaches to musculoskeletal health.
Research findings do not mean a particular treatment is right for everyone. Each patient's needs, medical history, and goals remain central to treatment decisions. Continued investigation, however, helps build the knowledge physicians draw on when discussing appropriate options with their patients.
Interested in the work happening behind the scenes? Visit the OrthoCarolina Research Hub to explore research initiatives and learn more about efforts to advance orthopedic medicine.
Leadership Beyond the Clinic
The patient experience involves more than a diagnosis or treatment plan. Finding the right specialist, scheduling an appointment, understanding care options, and navigating the healthcare system are also important parts of the journey.
Supporting that experience takes leadership across an organization, from clinical teams to the professionals responsible for operations, growth, and patient experience.
OrthoCarolina's leadership has received recognition across the Charlotte community. CEO Dr. Leo Spector was named to the Charlotte Business Journal's Power 100 list, recognizing influential leaders in the region. Blair Primis, chief growth officer; Bob Raspa, chief administrative and value officer; and Catherine Anderson, director of user experience, were also named finalists for the Charlotte Business Journal's Health Care Heroes program.
These recognitions highlight contributions across different areas of healthcare leadership. While awards alone do not determine the quality of an individual patient's care, they provide an opportunity to recognize the people helping guide and strengthen the organization.
Combined with physician education, research, and community-focused initiatives, this leadership reflects the many people and areas of expertise that contribute to the OrthoCarolina Advantage.
Experience the OrthoCarolina Advantage
Choosing orthopedic care starts with understanding your needs and knowing where to turn for answers. Specialized expertise, physician collaboration, research, and community involvement all contribute to the work happening beyond the exam room.
Whether you are managing a new injury, experiencing ongoing joint pain, or seeking guidance about a musculoskeletal condition, OrthoCarolina offers a range of orthopedic specialties to help you take the next step.
Ready to speak with an orthopedic specialist? Book an appointment online in minutes and take the next step toward care that fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes OrthoCarolina different from other orthopedic practices?
OrthoCarolina brings together a broad range of orthopedic specialties, physician expertise, research initiatives, and professional collaboration. Its physicians contribute to education and the advancement of orthopedic medicine while caring for patients with a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.
Does OrthoCarolina participate in orthopedic research?
Yes. The OrthoCarolina Research Institute supports research initiatives focused on advancing orthopedic care.
How can I find the right orthopedic specialist at OrthoCarolina?
The right specialist depends on your symptoms, condition, medical history, and care needs. OrthoCarolina offers multiple orthopedic specialties, and an appointment can help determine what evaluation or treatment may be appropriate. You can book an appointment online in minutes to get started.
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