Inside SMA’s 2026 Annual Scientific Assembly: Orthopedic Chair Dr. John Elfar on Team-Based Innovation
In this special preview episode for SMA’s Annual Scientific Assembly in Houston, SMA President Dr. David Netscher is joined by orthopedic surgeon, department chair, and clinician-scientist John Elfar, MD, for an engaging conversation on leadership, collaboration, and innovation in modern medicine.
Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Arizona, Dr. Elfar shares how stepping beyond traditional specialty boundaries has shaped his career—from hand surgery and sports medicine to pioneering work in drug repurposing and regenerative medicine. He emphasizes the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, noting that the strongest outcomes often come from working across specialties and learning from those outside your immediate field.
Dr. Elfar also offers practical insight into navigating the demands of academic medicine, highlighting the value of teamwork, perspective, and finding fulfillment in the work that matters most.
This conversation offers a preview of what’s ahead at the Assembly, where Dr. Elfar will present “Stronger Together: The Multidisciplinary Model in Sports Medicine,” exploring how collaborative, team-based approaches elevate care and drive better outcomes.
Learn more and register by clicking on the button below or by calling (800) 423-4992. We hope to see you in Houston!
