In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Kamal Woods, a double fellowship-trained surgeon in both orthopedics and neurosurgery, and founder of Vertrae® in Miamisburg, Ohio.   Dr. Woods received his medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine and completed a fellowship in minimally invasive and complex spine surgery from Cedars‑Sinai Medical Center. He later earned his MBA from Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, further deepening his understanding of the complex healthcare ecosystem and how to improve it. Since then, he has gone on to build a patient-centered practice rooted in the belief that one size does not fit all when it comes to spine care. Whether a patient needs a non‑surgical treatment, minimally invasive surgery, or motion‑preserving option, the goal remains the same: restore mobility, alleviate pain, and help patients return to what they love most.   Throughout the episode, Dr. Woods shares his philosophy of combining surgical precision with compassionate, personalized care. He also discusses the importance of having a full “toolbox” of treatments, from conservative care and robotic‑assisted techniques to artificial disc replacement, and why patient education and shared decision‑making are essential. He goes on to share how his background, far from conventional, has shaped his patient‑first mindset and his vision for modern spine care.   In this episode, you’ll learn: Why motion preservation is more than a trend, it’s about protecting function and long-term quality of life. How insurance and reimbursement barriers can impact patient care, and the changes needed to move the field forward. Why outpatient, motion-preserving spine care is gaining momentum and what it takes to build a successful model. How Dr. Woods prioritizes patients through individualized treatment plans for those dealing with chronic leg and back pain. Why enabling technologies such as navigation and robotics are expanding into more surgical facilities. How Vertrae® is driving local innovation through education, community events, and an empowering patient-centered care model.   Drawing on his childhood roots in Saint Vincent, his surgical training in California, and the practice he’s built in Ohio, Dr. Woods is shaping an innovative spine care model centered on motion preservation—designed to help patients return to the activities they love, all in one integrated setting. Whether you’re a surgeon focused on emerging technologies, an industry professional tracking care trends, or a patient seeking clarity in a crowded spine landscape, this episode delivers compelling insights on how treatment pathways are shifting and how modern practice models are evolving.   Learn more about Dr. Woods: Vertrae: https://vertrae.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamal-woods-md-mba-89172682/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vertrae.inc/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KamalWoodsMD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@vertrae360⁩   You can find The Spine Pod on all Podcast Streaming Platforms, including: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpinePod Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DBzWfVt1ExQE0qTjhOERa?si=EEBPwQgRQSujyZsaXnJagA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spine-pod/id1745442311 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/98fd41ad-75ee-4371-bb70-c5b274324a47/the-spine-pod?ref=dm_sh_kmfvSHB5iY109GDslhiJul22E iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-spine-pod-174320414?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false&autoplay=true Follow The Spine Pod to learn more about the latest episodes and happenings in the world of motion preservation: ⁠ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespinepod... TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@thespinepod The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medica