Interview with a Pedipod

Dr. Paul Sponseller talks about his incredible career spanning all areas of pediatric orthopedics from the more routine to the incredibly complex. He also opens up about mentorship, health, wellness, and the transition to retirement. A can't miss episode with one of the true giants in our field. 

Join Nick Fletcher as he talks to Dr. John Smith from the University of Utah. Dr. Smith is an icon in pediatric spine surgery and shares his experience in managing complex spinal deformities in young patients, the origin of the Pediatric Spine Study Group, the development of the VEPTR, and lessons learned along the way as his young patients became ready for their "graduation" surgery. 

Nick Fletcher discusses all things PAO and hip preservation with Dr. Mike Millis from Boston Children's Hospital. Dr. Millis reflects on the origins of the periacetabular osteotomy, his introduction of this procedure in Boston, defining long term success in hip preservation and the future of the specialty. 

Please enjoy this 50th episode of Interview of a Pedipod where Nick Fletcher speaks with former POSNA presidents and pediatric orthopedic icons: Drs. Beaty, Kasser, and Price. These three legends share their thoughts on personal and practice growth, leadership, and 40 years of friendship through POSNA and their shared love for pediatric orthopedics. 

Nick Fletcher talks with Lindley Wall, chief of pediatric orthopedics at Washington University, about leadership, being a chief in the mid career stage, the POSNA leadership program (PLP), and some controversial topics in pediatric hand surgery (asked by a non-hand surgeon). 

Mike Busch from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) talks to his partner Nick Fletcher about his career as one of the country's first pediatric sports medicine surgeons, the growth of the Atlanta Scottish Rite practice and his groups' transition to CHOA, and the next phase of his life as he winds down to retirement. 

Dr. Chris Iobst from Nationwide Children's Hospital joins Nick Fletcher from CHOA to talk about his career as a limb lengthening surgeon which was almost cut short prematurely by two major health issues. Dr. Iobst opens up about how his feelings of invincibility as a surgeon and unwillingness to make time for his health and wellness almost ended with tragic results. Chris shares the lessons learned from his health scares and how he has sought to change his outlook on life and his medical practice to better take care of himself and his patients. This is an episode you won't want to miss. 

Join Nick Fletcher as he is joined by former POSNA president Steve Frick from OrthoCarolina as well as Steve's long time friend and current POSNA president, Kevin Shea. The three of us have a terrific discussion centered on leadership, surgeon improvement, program development, education, foot and ankle surgery, and Steve's incredible journey across the country and back.

Nick Fletcher speaks with Jen Bauer from Seattle Children's about mentorship and being a mentee, managing complications, tackling cervical spine surgery, career development and finding balance. The interview finishes with an exciting lightning round discussion about hot topics in spine and a primer on wing foiling. 

In this special episode, Scott Rosenfeld, MD from Texas Children's Hospital and POSNA historian sits down with 2025 POSNA Distinguished Achievement Award winner Frances Farley, MD to talk about her illustrious career at Mott's Children's Hospital at the University of Michigan and recent transition to Chief Medical Officer of the Shriner's Children's Hospital system.