Orthopedic surgeons are used to balancing clinic, the OR, meetings, and everything in between. Now add “CEO” to the list.
OrthoIndy and OrthoIndy Hospital have named Matthew Lavery, M.D. as chief executive officer, making him the latest example of a surgeon stepping into top leadership — without stepping away from patient care. Dr. Lavery also continues to serve as president of OrthoIndy’s board of directors, a role he’s held since January 2024.
If you’re wondering whether he knows the organization well enough to pull this off, the answer is yes — and then some.
A Leader Who’s Been in the Trenches
Dr. Lavery has spent more than a decade on the OrthoIndy board, giving him deep institutional knowledge and a clear understanding of where the organization has been and where it’s headed. He’s seen growth cycles, operational challenges, and strategic pivots firsthand — not from a distance, but from inside the system.
As board president, he’s already helped strengthen alignment between OrthoIndy and the Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center and supported expansion projects, including the upcoming OrthoIndy clinic and Franciscan/OrthoIndy Surgery Center in West Lafayette.
In short: this isn’t a warm-up lap. He’s already been driving.
Still seeing patients? Absolutely.
Here’s the part most orthopedic physicians will appreciate. Dr. Lavery isn’t trading the clinic for a corner office full time. He’ll continue caring for patients while serving as CEO and board president.
That means decisions about operations, staffing, and patient experience will be made by someone who still knows what clinic days feel like, what OR delays cost, and what patients actually ask once the door closes.
Why This Matters to Orthopedic Surgeons
Physician-led leadership hits differently. When the person at the top understands clinical realities — from scheduling bottlenecks to post-op expectations — it shows up in culture, priorities, and long-term strategy.
OrthoIndy’s decision reinforces the value of physician leadership at a time when orthopedic practices are navigating growth, alignment, and increasing complexity. It’s also a reminder that leadership and clinical excellence don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
A Steady Hand at the Helm
Dr. Lavery succeeds former CEO John Ryan, who recently transitioned to a new role at IU Health. The leadership change appears thoughtful and intentional, signaling continuity rather than disruption.
The Future of OrthoIndy
OrthoIndy is putting its future in the hands of someone who knows the organization, understands the business of orthopedics, and still treats patients. For orthopedic physicians watching leadership trends across the country, this is another sign that surgeons aren’t just shaping care in the OR — they’re shaping the systems around it.
And that’s a trend worth watching.