In this episode of Captivating Health Insights, host Maddison Bezdicek sits down with Dr. Mary O’Connor, Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Vori Health, to unpack the challenges and opportunities in musculoskeletal care. Drawing on decades of experience in academic medicine and healthcare innovation, Dr. O’Connor explains how traditional healthcare incentives often drive overutilization of imaging and surgery — especially in spine and orthopedic care — without always improving patient outcomes. The conversation explores why a digital-first, physician-led, multidisciplinary model can help patients get better without surgery, while still ensuring timely access to advanced care when it’s truly needed. From appropriate MRI use and integrated physician-PT visits to behavior change, sleep, and movement, the episode highlights how smarter MSK care can improve employee health, reduce unnecessary procedures, and lower employers' costs. A thoughtful discussion on delivering better care by putting patients — and value — first.
