In this compelling episode of Healthy Careers, host Maddie Traylor welcomes Dr. Michael Meneghini, orthopedic surgeon, CEO of Indiana Orthopedic Institute, and Chief Market Development Officer at HOPCo, to explore what it truly takes to regain clinical and business autonomy in private practice.

With a background in engineering and a decorated career in academic medicine, Dr. Meneghini brings a rare perspective on surgical innovation, healthcare leadership, and the risks and rewards of leaving employment for entrepreneurship. The conversation covers the downsides of bureaucratic red tape, how to overcome non-compete clauses, and why patient-centered, physician-led care is the foundation for lasting success in today’s orthopedic landscape.

Whether you're a seasoned provider reevaluating your practice model or a healthcare executive navigating system-wide reform, this episode delivers deep insights on ownership, autonomy, and innovation in private musculoskeletal care.

Key Takeaways:

• Why private practice is seeing a resurgence post-COVID

• How engineering shaped Dr. Meneghini’s surgical innovations

• The role of culture and leadership in building elite practices

• What doctors should know about non-compete clauses

• Insights on launching Indiana Orthopedic Institute

• How HOPCo helps grow orthopedic practices through data, systems, and scale

• Lessons in entrepreneurship, vision, and risk-taking for healthcare leaders

• The importance of preserving the sacred doctor-patient relationship

Episode Highlights:

00:48 Meet Dr. Michael Meneghini: Surgeon & Strategic Leader
01:31 From Engineering to Orthopedic Excellence
02:41 Surgical Innovation at the Crossroads of Science and Practice
05:05 Advancing Hip and Knee Replacement Techniques
09:49 Wearing Multiple Hats: Surgeon, CEO, Advisor
12:18 Disillusionment in Academia & the Pivot Point
15:27 Launching Indiana Orthopedic Institute: Why, When, and How
19:30 Reclaiming the Doctor-Patient Relationship
20:41 Comparing Private Practice with Employment Models
24:23 Non-Competes: Challenges and Legal Impacts
26:09 Culture-Building and Talent Retention in Independent Practices
29:19 Redefining Leadership in Modern Healthcare
32:12 Advice to Physicians Seeking Autonomy and Purpose
33:47 Final Reflections on Risk, Growth, and Staying Mission-Focused

Keywords:

Private practice in orthopedics,
Dr. Michael Meneghini podcast,
Orthopedic entrepreneurship,
Non-compete clauses in healthcare,
Academic vs private practice medicine,
Doctor-led care models,
Orthopedic practice leadership,
MSK business strategy,
HOPCo healthcare platform,
Indiana Orthopedic Institute,
Surgeon CEO career path,
Physician autonomy and ownership,
Healthcare recruiting agency,
Flat fee healthcare recruiter,
Nurse practitioner and physician assistant recruiter,
Surgeon and orthopedic staffing agency,
Medical office and billing staff recruitment,

Connect with Michael Meneghini:

LinkedIn: Michael Meneghini
Visit Indiana Orthopedic Institute
Visit HOPCo