In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy, and Smart, host Karen Litzy welcomes Dr. Robert A. Kayal, the founder and CEO of the Kayal Orthopedic Center in New York and New Jersey. Dr. Kayal shares his journey to becoming a physician, highlighting his lifelong passion for medicine and his dedication to restoring an active and joyful quality of life for his patients. He discusses the challenges of navigating the business side of healthcare, reflecting on the limited business education available in medical training. Join Karen and Dr. Kayal as they explore the intersection of medicine and entrepreneurship and learn about the rewarding field of orthopedic surgery.

Time Stamps:

[00:01:25] Becoming a physician and entrepreneur.

[00:06:38] Physician as a business owner.

[00:11:06] Balancing work and family life.

[00:12:45] Balancing personal and professional life.

[00:20:14] Attributes of a great healthcare provider.

[00:21:17] Customer experience in healthcare.

[00:27:11] Employee onboarding and culture.

[00:32:29] Branding through company culture.

[00:34:46] Reinvestment in orthopedic practice.

[00:38:43] Business growth through specialization.

[00:44:48] Growth of medical practices.

[00:49:14] Mastering the Business of Medicine.

[00:52:07] Purpose in life and work.More About Dr. Kayal:

Robert A. Kayal, MD, FAAOS, FAAHKS is the founder, president, and CEO of Kayal Orthopaedic Center located in northern New Jersey and New York. Dr. Kayal is the husband of Kim S. Kayal, RN and father of their six children: Katlyn Madeline, Michaela Noel, Robert Joseph, Shannon Isabella, Mia Grace, and Luke Christopher. Dr. Kayal is the proud grandfather (or "Gido") of their newest family addition, Hope Madeline.

During the last twenty-five years, Dr. Kayal built one of the most successful multi-specialty orthopaedic medical practices in the United States, and in 2021, in one of the most substantial health care transactions ever to close, he partnered with RWJBarnabas Health, the largest and most comprehensive health care system in New Jersey.

Dr. Kayal considers it an honor, pleasure, blessing and privilege to help restore an active lifestyle and joyful life to each of his patients. He gives all his thanks to God for his talents and skills and prays his practice will always be used to honor, glorify, and exalt his awesome Triune God: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Specializing in partial and total joint replacements, sports medicine, and arthroscopy, Dr. Kayal knows the importance of staying abreast of the latest technologies. By keeping his finger on the pulse of innovation, he can provide beneficial treatments to help patients recover quickly. “What you’ll find here aren’t just state-of-the-art facilities. It’s an entire philosophy,” says Dr. Kayal. With both New Jersey and New York locations, the award-winning practice prides itself on offering advanced orthopaedic treatments in a compassionate environment. As a patient, “you aren’t just a number,” says Dr. Kayal. “We’re focused on building lifelong relationships, accelerating rehabilitation, and inspiring quality of life. Besides the Kayal Orthopaedic Center, Dr. Kayal’s practice includes centers for Pain & Spine, Rheumatology, Chiropractic & Physical Therapy, bone metabolism, and advanced, high-resolution, cross-sectional medical imaging. These facilities allow him to provide a wider range of musculoskeletal treatments and therapies. “I believe our patients do their homework and choose this practice because of our training, skill, experience, and innovation,” Dr. Kayal says. “But what they also find from us is patience, compassion, and a genuine concern and commitment to each and every one of them.”

The Kayal Orthopaedic Center is also dedicated to staying abreast of the latest treatments and technologies in each specialist’s field of expertise. Years ago, Dr. Kayal and his team of orthopaedic surgeons began using the Stryker Mako robot, a sophisticated instrument that allows for greater precision and control during partial and total hip and knee replacement surgeries. This customized joint replacement technology, using the Mako robot, in combination with high-resolution cross-sectional medical CT scan imaging and Stryker's proprietary software, ensures accurate sizing, placement, fit, balance, alignment, and rotation of installed components, much akin to being fitted with a "tailor-made suit." At Kayal Orthopaedic Center, this Mako robotic technology has also been used in combination with the minimally invasive direct anterior approach (DAA) for hip replacement surgery. “You can be certain that the Kayal team has done its homework and is ready to provide our patients with the best treatment approaches available,” says Dr. Kayal.

The philosophy of Kayal Orthopaedic Center is to provide every patient with the pain-free, active lifestyle they deserve. With decades of orthopaedic surgery experience, Dr. Robert Kayal and his staff provide comprehensive care that gives patients the one-on-one attention they need. Kayal Orthopaedic Center uses a patient-focused approach that has a proven track record of success. Dr. Kayal has built his practice around highly trained surgeons and specialists, innovative treatments, and state-of-the-art equipment. “Our philosophy is that the most beneficial service is the one that offers the best outcome for each unique patient,” Dr. Kayal says. “We offer everything our patients may need under one roof,” says Dr. Kayal.

As of November 2024, Robert A. Kayal, MD, FAAOS has 666 five-star ratings on healthgrades.com. On the practice’s website, Dr. Kayal says patients aren’t just a number and that the office’s patient experience is second to none. “We’re focused on building lifelong relationships, accelerating rehabilitation, and inspiring quality of life,” says Dr. Kayal.

Kayal Orthopaedic Center is a proud sponsor and supporter of many local non-profit organizations. Furthermore, the office also works to support local and state police departments by sponsoring golf outings and providing meals to the men and women in blue. Also, as a preceptorship for many physician assistant educational programs in both NY and NJ, Kayal Orthopaedic Center offers shadowing opportunities for students as part of its commitment to the next generation of healthcare providers.

Resources from this Episode:

Kayal Ortho Website

Dr. Kayal on Facebook

Dr. Kayal on Instagram

Dr. Kayal on X

Dr. Kayal on LinkedIn

Dr. Kayal on YouTube

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