ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In this episode of The MedTech Insider, host Parker Snedden sits down with Dr. Chris Kim, an experienced interventional pain physician with over 30 years in practice, to explore the evolution of pain management and the future of minimally invasive spine care.
Dr. Kim shares how the field has shifted from simply managing pain with injections and medications to actually treating the root cause through minimally invasive procedures. He emphasizes that modern pain medicine is becoming increasingly evidence-based, requiring physicians to prioritize safety, reproducibility, and long-term outcomes when adopting new technologies.
A key theme throughout the conversation is patient education and engagement. Dr. Kim explains that successful outcomes start with helping patients truly understand their condition—reviewing imaging together, listening to their symptoms, and making them active participants in their care.
The discussion also highlights how to identify the right patients for interventions like Minuteman, with Dr. Kim pointing to real-world indicators such as gait changes, balance issues, and relief when leaning forward—classic signs of spinal stenosis.
Looking ahead, Dr. Kim predicts a future where the lines between surgeons and interventional pain physicians continue to blur, driven by advancements in AI, regenerative medicine, and increasingly minimally invasive techniques.
He closes with a powerful reminder for the next generation of physicians:
👉 “Treat the patient, not the films. Follow the evidence—and always choose what you’d trust for your own family.”
This podcast has been financially supported by Spinal Simplicity. The content is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as medical advice. The views, opinions and information provided by participants are their own and may not reflect those of Spinal Simplicity. Healthcare professionals must exercise independent medical judgment, and patients should always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding medical decisions. Finally, the healthcare industry is constantly changing and neither Spinal Simplicity nor the participants can guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the information provided in this podcast.
