Neurosurgery

STAYING HYDRATED IS OBVIOUSLY IMPORTANT FOR GOOD HEALTH. WITH SO MANY WATER CHOICES (MINERAL, SPRING, SPARKLING, FILTERED, ALKALINE, PURIFIED, TAP), ARE THERE ANY GUIDELINES YOU WOULD RECOMMEND? Any purified water that you enjoy drinking. #1 PIECE OF HEALTH ADVICE FOR PEOPLE IN THEIR 30S REGARDING YOUR SPECIALTY? Exercise regularly, maintain a normal body weight, and keep the muscles that surround the spine (core and paraspinous muscles) as strong as possible. WHAT FORTHCOMING TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT IN YOUR AREA OF SPECIALTY ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT THAT WILL BENEFIT FUTURE PATIENTS? We’ve been using a surgical robot to improve certain kinds of spinal fusion surgery for about 5 years now and that technology continues to improve rapidly. THE SO-CALLED FAUCI EFFECT (MORE INTEREST IN HEALTHCARE CAREERS, SPURRED BY COVID-19) SAW AN 18 PERCENT INCREASE IN MEDICAL SCHOOL APPLICANTS IN 2021. WHAT WILL THIS MEAN FOR FUTURE PATIENTS? Better physicians and more choices. STUDYING MEDICINE THEN VS. NOW: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? Independent, private practice was much more common when I entered the field than it is today. I’ve enjoyed being self employed for most of my career, but it is becoming more and more difficult to do this in my and many other specialties because of increasing overhead expenses and declining reimbursement. IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME 25 YEARS AND GIVE YOURSELF ONE PIECE OF HEALTH ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Eat a more plant-based diet. It’s better for our health. ARTIST WHOSE MUSIC WE’D HEAR THE MOST IN YOUR WAITING ROOM: Grateful Dead.

DR. ANDREW METZGER SOUTHWEST NEUROSURGICAL ASSOCIATES

(505) 244-0080

SWNSA.COM

25 YEARS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE 21 YEARS IN ALBUQUERQUE

HAS THE AVAILABILITY OF HEALTH-RELATED INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET HELPED OR HARMED THE WAY PATIENTS SEEK CARE? Patients may be more educated but may trust the Internet over their own physician’s advice. STAYING HYDRATED IS OBVIOUSLY IMPORTANT FOR GOOD HEALTH. WITH SO MANY WATER CHOICES (MINERAL, SPRING, SPARKLING, FILTERED, ALKALINE, PURIFIED, TAP), ARE THERE ANY GUIDELINES YOU WOULD RECOMMEND? No guidelines for everyday, but remember to drink bottled water in a foreign country. #1 PIECE OF HEALTH ADVICE FOR PEOPLE IN THEIR 30’S REGARDING YOUR SPECIALTY? Make exercising a routine and do yoga. #1 PIECE OF HEALTH ADVICE FOR PEOPLE IN THEIR 50’S? Do exercises that promote strength and flexibility. MOST MEMORABLE MEDICAL SITUATION? Delivering a baby in the office. YOUR THOUGHTS ON UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE IN SIX WORDS OR LESS: In favor of, if executed properly. THE SO-CALLED FAUCI EFFECT (MORE INTEREST IN HEALTHCARE CAREERS, SPURRED BY COVID-19) SAW AN 18 PERCENT INCREASE IN MEDICAL SCHOOL APPLICANTS IN 2021. WHAT WILL THIS MEAN FOR FUTURE PATIENTS? Hopefully better access to care in this State. STUDYING MEDICINE THEN VS. NOW: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? The long work hours were an expected part of the training when I chose to pursue medicine. There are now limitations on the number of hours for medical students and residents. IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME 25 YEARS AND GIVE YOURSELF ONE PIECE OF HEALTH ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I would have started doing yoga because it provides skeletal alignment, muscular strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. ARTIST WHOSE MUSIC WE’D HEAR THE MOST IN YOUR WAITING ROOM: Michael Jackson.

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