Founder's Story: Episode 237 with Dr. Charles Ruotolo - Founder of Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Release Date: July 1, 2025

In Episode 237 of Founder’s Story by IBH Media, host Daniel engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Charles Ruotolo, the founder of Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. This episode delves into Dr. Ruotolo’s journey from surgeon to CEO, exploring his insights on healthcare, business growth, technology integration, and the evolving landscape of patient care. Below is a detailed summary capturing the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from their dialogue.

1. Addressing Musculoskeletal Pain in Individuals Over 40

Timestamp: [01:07]

Daniel opens the conversation by highlighting a personal observation about increased injuries and pain as one ages. He asks Dr. Ruotolo for recommendations for individuals entering their 40s and beyond.

Key Insights:

• Consultation for Pain: Dr. Ruotolo emphasizes the importance of consulting an orthopedic doctor for musculoskeletal pain, especially when it persists during exercises. He states, “If you're having pain when you're exercising or pain in general, you should be consulting with your orthopedic doctor...” ([01:45]).
• Comprehensive Exercise Regimen: He recommends a balanced exercise routine that includes both aerobic exercises and weightlifting. Dr. Ruotolo explains, “You should be doing a combination of weightlifting as well as aerobic” ([02:34]).

Notable Quote:

“The goal for all this is to continue to be exercising.” – Dr. Charles Ruotolo ([01:45])

2. The Spark Behind Choosing Orthopedic Surgery

Timestamp: [03:00]

Daniel inquires about what initially inspired Dr. Ruotolo to pursue a career in orthopedic surgery.

Key Insights:

• Hands-On Restoration: Dr. Ruotolo was captivated by the ability to restore function through hands-on surgical procedures. He mentions, “You're restoring function... it’s hands on, which is very interesting...” ([03:10]).
• Focus on Specific Problems: Unlike broader medical fields, orthopedic surgery allows for addressing specific, tangible problems, making the work more focused and rewarding ([03:10]).
• Commonality and Relevance: He notes the universal nature of orthopedic issues, stating, “how common it is, how it affects everyone through all age ranges” ([03:10]).

Notable Quote:

“In orthopedic surgery, I think the other interesting thing is these are problems that everyone's having...” – Dr. Charles Ruotolo ([03:10])

3. Building a Successful Orthopedic Practice

Timestamp: [04:21]

Daniel shifts the focus to the business aspect, asking what has contributed to the success of Dr. Ruotolo’s practice and offering advice for aspiring medical entrepreneurs.

Key Insights:

• Physician-Friendly Environment: Dr. Ruotolo prioritizes creating a physician-friendly practice to reduce frustrations related to EMRs, insurance companies, and administrative hassles. “Anything you can do to make the physician happier on that end helps” ([04:39]).
• Selective Hiring Philosophy: He believes in hiring physicians who are passionate about their work, avoiding roles that might lead to job dissatisfaction. “If a physician loves his job 90% of the time... they’ll hate their job 100% of the time” ([04:39]).
• Tailored Roles: Dr. Ruotolo advocates for allowing physicians to excel in areas they enjoy rather than forcing everyone into the same roles. “Don’t try and fit every square into a round hole. Just doesn’t work” ([04:39]).

Notable Quote:

“Just don't try and fit every square into a round hole. It just doesn’t work.” – Dr. Charles Ruotolo ([04:39])

4. Expanding Services and Staying Ahead of the Curve

Timestamp: [05:54]

Daniel explores the strategic expansion of services within a medical practice, questioning how to effectively add new offerings without diluting existing ones.

Key Insights:

• Proactive Service Addition: Dr. Ruotolo stresses the importance of being ahead of the curve by introducing services like orthopedic urgent care before they become widespread. “We added an orthopedic urgent care years ago, before most people had an orthopedic urgent care” ([06:20]).
• Comprehensive Business Planning: He underscores the necessity of thorough business modeling and resource allocation when launching new services. “You’ve got to go through your business model... devoting time and resources” ([06:20]).
• Total Wellness Initiative: Currently, the practice is launching Total Wellness, a wellness center aimed at enhancing patient longevity and overall health. “Our opening date is on July 7th... a lot of time and energy” ([06:20]).

Notable Quote:

“If you're going to do something new, don't go in half hearted. You have to go in 100%.” – Dr. Charles Ruotolo ([06:20])

5. Embracing Concierge Medicine for Enhanced Patient Experience

Timestamp: [08:16]

The conversation progresses to the rise of concierge medicine, with Daniel highlighting its significance in modern healthcare.

Key Insights:

• Efficiency and Accessibility: Dr. Ruotolo compares a successful concierge practice to a five-star hotel, emphasizing efficiency and superior patient service. “If you run it like a five star hotel, you will be filled” ([08:47]).
• Patient-Centric Approach: He advocates for minimal wait times and seamless appointment scheduling, facilitated by AI systems that enable 24/7 appointment bookings. “Imagine being able to call your orthopedic surgeon at midnight and get an appointment for Monday” ([08:47]).

Notable Quote:

“It's like a hotel. If you run it like a five star hotel, you will be filled.” – Dr. Charles Ruotolo ([08:47])

6. Technological Advancements Transforming Orthopedics

Timestamp: [09:46]

Daniel brings up the impact of emerging technologies, such as AI and robotics, on the field of orthopedic surgery and practice management.

Key Insights:

• Virtual Surgeries and Remote Expertise: Dr. Ruotolo describes advancements like virtual surgeries where surgeons can collaborate in real-time with experts via headsets. “You're talking to like the great expert in the field... interacting with you live” ([10:17]).
• AI in Practice Management: He highlights the implementation of AI systems for handling administrative tasks, like answering phone calls and scheduling appointments around the clock, enhancing operational efficiency. “We're putting in place now an AI system that'll answer the phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week” ([10:17]).

Notable Quote:

“As a business, Monday morning is always like the busiest time... AI can field all those phone calls on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.” – Dr. Charles Ruotolo ([10:17])

7. Essential Traits for Successful Surgeons

Timestamp: [13:14]

Daniel shifts focus to the personal attributes that contribute to a surgeon’s success, seeking Dr. Ruotolo’s perspective.

Key Insights:

• Dedication and Repetition: Continuous practice and dedication are crucial for honing surgical skills. “You get better and better the more you do something” ([13:14]).
• Continuous Learning: Staying updated with the latest techniques and innovations is essential, akin to a football coach strategizing against opponents. “Constantly watching videos, listening to what other people are doing” ([13:14]).
• Outcome Tracking: Dr. Ruotolo emphasizes the importance of monitoring patient outcomes to ensure the effectiveness of surgical practices. “If you don’t track your outcomes, you may not realize that something you’re doing really doesn’t work” ([13:14]).

Notable Quote:

“A good doctor is like a teacher because he should teach you about what your problem is and what you can do to make it better.” – Dr. Charles Ruotolo ([16:28])

8. Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Timestamp: [15:33]

As the episode concludes, Daniel expresses gratitude and admiration for Dr. Ruotolo’s contributions to healthcare, highlighting the profound impact doctors have on patients’ lives.

Key Insights:

• Legacy of Care: Daniel remarks on the lasting impression doctors leave compared to other professions. “I can tell you like the doctor that I had when I injured my knee... I can’t remember any teacher” ([16:28]).
• Access to Services: Dr. Ruotolo provides information on how listeners can reach out to Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. “You can go to totalorthosportsmed.com... we have four locations” ([15:33]).

Notable Quote:

“If you’re injured and you’re on Long Island, just come to Total Ortho Express.” – Dr. Charles Ruotolo ([15:33])

Conclusion

Episode 237 of Founder’s Story offers an in-depth look into Dr. Charles Ruotolo’s dual role as a surgeon and a CEO. His insights into building a physician-friendly practice, embracing technological advancements, and maintaining a patient-centric approach provide valuable lessons for both healthcare professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs. Dr. Ruotolo’s dedication to excellence and innovation underscores the evolving landscape of orthopedic medicine and the broader healthcare industry.

For more information or to connect with Dr. Ruotolo’s practice, visit totalorthosportsmed.com or locate one of their four convenient Long Island locations.