Atlanta, GA, October 13, 2025 - Orthopedic surgeon Gary Stewart, MD, recently began leading United Musculoskeletal Partners' clinical research initiatives across practices in Georgia, Texas and Colorado.
From spine biologics to orthopedic implant materials, UMP's research efforts will involve partnerships with universities, medtech companies and data analysts. The clinical research network, under the leadership of Dr Gary Stewart, of Atlanta-based Resurgens Orthopaedics, is driven by the primary aim of improving patient outcomes in musculoskeletal care. In the short term, the focus is on identifying strengths and areas that require improvement within patient care. Looking further ahead, the network plans to establish meaningful benchmarks, encourage patient participation in innovation, and harness the vast data resources of the network to optimize care and spur progress.
Currently, the most promising areas in spine research include disc replacement and non-surgical treatments for spine care. In orthopaedic care, significant interest surrounds biologics and innovative implant materials, such as radiolucent or degradable metals, due to their potential to transform recovery and surgical outcomes. Imagine placing a screw that provides structural support, but can safely resorb after doing its job and even stimulate bone healing as it degrades. Looking ahead to 2026, Dr Stewart hopes to see greater emphasis placed on real-world outcomes, such as functional recovery and return-to-work timelines. These factors are particularly important to patients, employers, and payors, as they reflect meaningful improvements in everyday life.
To address common hurdles in spine and orthopaedic research, the network adopts a pragmatic approach. This includes leveraging clinical systems, building industry partnerships, pursuing targeted grant opportunities, and outsourcing specialized functions. These strategies ensure smooth integration, minimise risk, and facilitate the sharing of high-quality, easily understandable data. Beyond musculoskeletal care, the network closely monitors broader trends in healthcare. Ensuring access to top-tier care for all patients, regardless of background or insurance coverage, remains a central goal. Additionally, as healthcare becomes increasingly value-driven, maintaining high standards of quality is paramount to ensure better health outcomes for every patient.