As USOP approaches its fifth anniversary, the nation’s leading orthopedic MSO continues strengthening its physician leadership to ensure it remains truly physician-led.
In 2024, USOP set the tone by appointing Steve Holtzclaw, MD, MBA, as CEO—an experienced physician-executive with a deep understanding of both clinical care and business strategy. That commitment was reinforced earlier this year appointment of JR Woodall, MD, PhD, a spine surgeon at Mississippi Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, as board chair. Also this year, the organization named Steve Samelson, MD, of Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons, the first chairperson of its physician board.
These aren’t just titles—they’re deliberate steps to ensure physicians drive key decisions, shaping an MSO that prioritizes autonomy, efficiency, and patient care.
As Q1 comes to a close, we caught up with Dr. Samelson on why physician-led governance is essential for clinical and operational success.
Q&A with Dr. Steve Samelson
Q: What does physician-led governance mean at USOP, and why is it important?
Samelson: At USOP, physician-led governance means that our decisions are guided by those who are actually in the field, caring for patients every day. Our Physician Board of Directors ensures that every practice, whether large or small, has a say in clinical decision-making and shaping the strategies and direction of our business. This approach keeps patient care at the forefront of everything we do.
Q: How do physicians influence major decisions at USOP?
Samelson: Our model is built on direct input from the front lines. Through the physician board, we bring together voices from across our MSO. We rely on real-time data from advance internal tools like PRISM to guide our decisions on technology investments, ASC development, and process improvements. This collaboration ensures that our strategies are both innovative and grounded in practical, clinical insight.
Q: How does this governance model impact patient care?
Samelson: When physicians drive decision-making, every protocol and operational change is designed with the patient in mind. This means better outcomes, faster recoveries, and a more efficient overall experience. By cutting out unnecessary administrative layers and keeping the focus on clinical expertise, we’re able to deliver care that truly makes a difference.
Q: Can you share an example of a major decision shaped by physician input?
Samelson: A great example is how we unified our approach to clinical supply sourcing. Using analytics from across the platform, our business team built the financial case for us, but before moving forward, we gathered physician feedback, refined the strategy, and ensured alignment across all practices. Because of that collaboration, we’ll soon announce a new vendor that benefits everyone.
Q: Why should physicians and practices seek an MSO with physician-led governance?
Samelson: When an MSO is driven by physicians, every decision is informed by real-world clinical experience. USOP brings together the top practices in our region, ensuring that our strategies improve patient outcomes, boost operational efficiency, and set the stage for long-term growth and success. For any evolving practice, partnering with a physician-led MSO is essential for maintaining autonomy, staying competitive, and delivering the best care possible.
