Whole Health Orthopedic Institute

01/07/2026

𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲...
𝗢𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗹?

I’m not abandoning efficiency.
I’m abandoning the hamster wheel.
There’s a big difference.

Two days ago, I wrote about “abandoning efficiency.”
Some colleagues pushed back. That’s fair.

Let me be clear.
I love operating room efficiency. I obsess over it.

Every extra minute matters.
Every extra minute increases risk.

There is no such thing as a good slow surgeon.
Only good fast ones…(and BAD fast ones).

So no, this isn’t about becoming slower in the OR.
Or doing fewer cases.

This is about redesigning medicine.
From the patient’s point of view.

From the moment they walk in fearful and uncertain.
To the day they walk out grateful and restored.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth.
We are being financially crushed.

Last year, CMS cut hip and knee replacement reimbursement 2.9%.
This year, they cut it 7%.

More than double. In one year.

Meanwhile, expenses only go up.
Staff. Supplies. Insurance. Malpractice.

I don’t know any other profession,
where working harder and delivering better results
means getting paid less every year.

Add this layer.
One of the most stressful jobs on the planet.

Burnout is rampant.
Physician su***de is tragic.
Orthopedic surgeons top the list.

And what’s the proposed solution?
Run faster. Do more volume.

But let’s be honest.
Eight cases versus fourteen cases
are not the same experience.

Surgery may still be great.
But the relationship suffers.

And here’s the paradox.
By becoming hyper-efficient, we’re making it worse.

We’re proving to payers this is easy and fast.
So it must be cheaper.

That’s how every industry works.

I am not saying:
Slow down surgery. Not even close.

I am saying:
Optimize the OR for patients, not spreadsheets.

On the business side, we must think differently.

The current model is broken.
Insurance companies run the show.
In many regions, they own the hospitals too.

So what’s the alternative?

Build something better. Something sustainable.

For me, that’s 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗢𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆™.

This is a true win-win.

The patient wins by getting an all-inclusive,
deeply guided, start-to-finish experience.

Preparation. Education. Surgery. Recovery.
Support at every step.

A protocol absolutely packed with value.
Unlike anything that exists today.

The physician and the practice win too.
Because the care is better.
The outcomes are better.
And the model is finally sustainable.

Less volume chasing.
Less burnout. More meaning.

Not every patient will choose it. That’s okay.

But for the right patient, it will be extraordinary.
And for the right practice, transformational.

I’m going all in.
In 2026.

I want to practice medicine on my terms.
With joy again.

This is big.
This is bold.
This is happening.

01/07/2026

Stop on in to the Trattoria at Whole Health for classic and fancy coffees, delicious snacks and desserts, or a hearty bowl of warm soup!

🍲 Soup Season Is Calling🍲

The Trattoria is simmering up two Featured Soups this week, and they’re both worth a spoonful (or two):

🥕 Vegetable Beef & Barley – hearty, comforting, and full of classic winter flavor
🥔 Zuppa Toscana – rich, savory, and perfect for a chilly day

Try one… or do the right thing and enjoy both.
Pull up a chair, slow down, and let soup do what soup does best.

See you at the Trattoria.

01/07/2026

"I was scared to hear that I needed a hip replacement at 47,
but the entire staff at Whole Health were kind, helpful, and sincere.

They answered every question I had and held my hand (sometimes literally!) through the entire process.

At two weeks post-op, I couldn't be happier with my experience and highly recommend Dr. Molli and his team."

01/06/2026

A brief warmup is on the way in NW PA - just enough to melt some snow… and just enough to leave behind slick spots.

Ice can hide in plain sight on sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, and steps. Slow it down, wear good traction, use handrails when you can, and give yourself a little extra time.

Whole Health isn’t just about staying active - it’s about staying safe so you *can* stay active. Take care of your footing out there and look out for one another. ❄️👣

Your health matters - every step of the way.

01/05/2026

𝟭𝟱 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗜𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜’𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆

Yes, you read that right.

Yes, this may even be a very controversial or unpopular post for many of my efficiency driven colleagues.

And this is coming from someone who has always been an efficiency creature. I understand the logic behind it. I’ve lived it. But in today’s orthopedic surgery culture, the obsession with speed and volume is starting to feel out of hand.

For most of my career, I practiced the way many arthroplasty surgeons are trained. Mid-levels saw new patients, conservative care was initiated, and I stepped in once surgery became inevitable. It worked well for fifteen years. The machine ran smoothly. Outcomes were solid.

But over time, medicine began to feel increasingly depersonalized. Encounters became transactional. Time with patients became compressed. And that drifted further and further away from why I went into medicine in the first place.

Now, fifteen years into practice, something has shifted.

Patients want more clarity. More connection. More involvement from their surgeon earlier in the process. And frankly, I want that too.

One of the most sobering truths in joint replacement is this: the number one reason for dissatisfaction after knee replacement is unmet expectations. That responsibility falls squarely on us as surgeons. If expectations weren’t met, then they weren’t clearly set.

The irony is that patients focus intensely on the surgery itself. In my hands, that part lasts about 40–45 minutes. Yet the full recovery takes one to two years. Why do we spend so much energy optimizing minutes in the operating room while underinvesting in the months and years before and after?

That question led to a complete redesign of how I practice medicine in 2026.

Moving forward, I will personally see every new patient who may be a hip or knee replacement candidate. I want to be the one having the initial conversations and explaining the full continuum of care, from conservative and regenerative options to surgery when appropriate.

When surgery is chosen, every patient will be enrolled in 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗢𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆™. A step-by-step protocol designed to prepare patients before surgery and guide them through recovery with clarity and intention.

This is as much a wellness journey as it is an orthopedic one.

My goal is not just to reduce hip and knee pain, but to improve longevity and expand wellness span.

I know this may sound lofty to some. But I am fully committed to returning to my roots.

Physician first. Surgeon second.

This isn’t about doing less surgery. It’s about practicing better medicine and creating a more meaningful experience for patients.

If this approach resonates with you, I’d love to connect. I truly believe this model is a win-win for patients, physicians, and the long-term sustainability of private practice.

2026 is where the redesign begins.

01/05/2026

❄️ Why Cold Weather Makes Joints Hurt

1. Thicker Synovial Fluid

Cold temperatures can make the synovial fluid — the “motor oil” inside joints — more viscous, reducing lubrication and increasing stiffness.

2. Changes in Barometric Pressure

As pressure drops, tissues around joints can expand, increasing internal pressure and triggering pain, especially in previously injured or arthritic joints.

3. Muscle & Tissue Tightening

Cold causes muscles, tendons, and ligaments to contract, which restricts movement, adds strain, and contributes to stiffness.

4. Reduced Circulation

When it’s cold, blood flow to extremities decreases, which can heighten stiffness and pain in knees, hips, hands, and feet.

5. Less Physical Movement

Shorter days and colder weather often lead to less activity, causing reduced joint mobility and weaker muscles.

🌡️ Who’s Most Affected?

• People with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or past joint injuries

• Older adults or individuals with chronic inflammation

However, even individuals without underlying conditions can experience joint discomfort during cold weather.

01/04/2026

Beware of Ice-Related Falls

Slippery sidewalks are a major fall risk in winter.

-Wear boots with grip

-Walk ‘penguin-style’—short, sideways steps—with hands free for balance.

-And always take it slow.

If you fall and feel pain, our orthopedic team is here to help!

01/03/2026

Protect Your Body While Clearing Snow

✅ Warm up and stretch before you start.

✅ Use proper shoveling techniques—bend at the knees, not the waist.

✅ Take frequent breaks to avoid overexertion.

Snow Blower Safety for Healthy Joints

✅ Keep hands and feet clear of moving parts.

✅ Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

✅ Watch out for hidden ice or debris.

Stay safe and keep your joints pain-free—we’re here if you need support!”

01/02/2026

You deserve clear breaths, steady energy, and a body that’s supported - not stressed. Becoming smoke-free isn’t about perfection or pressure; it’s about choosing yourself, one step at a time.

Wherever you are on that journey, know this: your health is worth it, and you are capable of change. 💚

01/02/2026

New Year’s Resolution Poll

What’s your top health goal for 2026?

💪 Exercise more

🥗 Eat healthier

🚶 Walk without pain

Comment below—we’d love to hear your resolutions!

01/02/2026

For generations, pork and sauerkraut have been a New Year’s staple symbolizing progress, prosperity, and a hopeful step forward into the year ahead. Whether it’s the nourishment, the heritage, or simply the comfort of a familiar meal, traditions like these remind us that good health is about more than food alone - it’s about connection, intention, and starting fresh.

We’re curious… what traditions do you lean into to invite good luck, good karma, or good health in the coming year? A special meal, a quiet ritual, a family gathering, or something entirely your own?

Share your traditions below - we’d love to celebrate them with you as we step into the New Year together.