In a recent episode of the Becker’s Spine and Orthopedic Podcast, Dr. Susan Sorosky offers a timely and thoughtful look at the future of pain management. From Medicare reforms to regenerative medicine and interventional spine physician training, Dr. Sorosky shared valuable insights for patients, providers, and healthcare innovators alike.
Meet Dr. Susan Sorosky
Dr. Susan Sorosky is a nationally recognized leader in non-surgical spine and musculoskeletal medicine. Board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, she co-founded Desert Spine and Sports Physicians alongside her husband, Dr. Brad Sorosky. Today, she serves as the practice’s Chief Medical Officer and Fellowship Director, overseeing one of the few national NASS-accredited fellowships in Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal Medicine.
Her leadership has helped shape Desert Spine and Sports Physicians into a center of excellence, where clinical care, research, and physician education converge. Becker’s Healthcare invited Dr. Sorosky to speak on its podcast to share her perspective as a physician-leader actively shaping the future of outpatient pain management in a rapidly evolving regulatory and clinical landscape.
3 Key Interview Highlights About the Future of Pain Management
In her conversation with Becker’s Healthcare, Dr. Sorosky explored several timely issues shaping the future of spine and musculoskeletal care.
1. The Growing Role of Regenerative Medicine
Dr. Sorosky described the transformation she has seen in spine and sports medicine, particularly in the area of regenerative medicine. “Over time, there’s been a huge expansion in regenerative medicine, especially within our practice,” she noted, citing Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) as key innovations enabling non-surgical healing.
2. Confronting the Medicare Pre-Authorization Pilot Program
Looking ahead to 2026, Dr. Sorosky discussed Arizona’s role in a new Medicare pre-authorization pilot. For patients and providers alike, this program could mean increased administrative burdens and potential delays in care for essential procedures like epidurals and spinal cord stimulators. Therefore, to confront these disruptions, Desert Spine has invested in education, patient communication, and transparent pricing, ensuring patients continue to receive access to timely care.
3. The Need for Fellowship Training Excellence
Desert Spine and Sports Physicians’ accredited fellowship program stands at the center of its growth strategy and clinical consistency. Since 2011, the program has trained over 20 fellows, with alumni now practicing across the country. “We all end up practicing the same flavor of high-quality, evidence based medicine,” Dr. Sorosky explained, emphasizing the value of standardization in clinical care and advanced procedural skills.
Advancing Regenerative Medicine: Understanding Dr. Sorosky's Vision
At Desert Spine and Sports Physicians, regenerative medicine isn’t a buzzword; it’s a clinical cornerstone. Patients with conditions like tendonitis and joint degeneration benefit from targeted treatments such as PRP and BMAC, performed under image guidance for precision and safety.
These regenerative therapies stimulate the body’s own healing response to reduce pain and restore function. “We are constantly evaluating the best treatment options for our patients,” Dr. Sorosky emphasized in the interview.
What’s more is that patients have access to care that is not only effective but also transparent, as Desert Spine and Sports Physicians publicly posts cash pricing online for procedures, enabling rapid access to treatment when delays from insurance could compromise outcomes.
Training Tomorrow's Pain Management Leaders
The Desert Spine and Sports Physicians’ fellowship program in Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal Medicine is one of fewer than 30 programs in the U.S. accredited by the North American Spine Society. Fellows receive immersive training in advanced diagnostics, fluoroscopic and ultrasound-guided procedures, and regenerative therapies.
More specifically, Dr. Sorosky’s mentorship model emphasizes hands-on learning, academic rigor, and a patient-first mindset. “We’re producing the next generation of interventional spine and musculoskeletal physicians,” she said, pointing to the program’s alumni now leading in academic and private practice roles.
Experience the Desert Spine & Sports Difference
Whether advancing the frontiers of regenerative medicine or mentoring the next generation of physicians, Dr. Susan Sorosky embodies Desert Spine and Sports Physician’s mission to deliver compassionate, innovative care with proven outcomes.
Here, patients aren’t treated as symptoms or conditions. Instead, every patient is treated as a whole person. Through evidence-based care, physician-led education, and a commitment to transparency, Desert Spine is redefining what excellence in non-surgical musculoskeletal care looks like.
Listen to the full podcast episode, or schedule a consultation to experience our difference firsthand!
January 9, 2026
