Campbell Clinic’s New Chief Charts a Course for Stability and Growth in a Changing Orthopedic Landscape
John Crockarell, MD, stepped into the role of chief of staff at Campbell Clinic in Memphis, Tennessee, in January 2026, inheriting a practice navigating familiar challenges: post-COVID recovery, physician attrition, and a shifting reimbursement landscape. His strategy, as outlined in a recent interview, centers on unity, stabilization, and a steadfast commitment to patient care.
Addressing Physician Burnout and Attrition
Like many practices, Campbell Clinic has experienced physician turnover in recent years. Dr. Crockarell acknowledges this as a key area for focus. “We’ve had some attrition…sometimes it’s felt perhaps generational,” he stated. His approach isn’t about quick fixes, but about fostering a stronger internal culture built on trust and collaboration. Here’s particularly crucial as the demands on physicians continue to increase.
The increasing administrative burden is a common complaint. Physicians are facing more paperwork and regulatory requirements, leaving less time for direct patient care. This contributes to burnout and can lead to physicians seeking alternative practice settings.
Navigating the Reimbursement Maze
Reimbursement pressures are a constant concern for orthopedic practices. Dr. Crockarell highlights the paradox of increasing workload coupled with declining reimbursement rates. Campbell Clinic is proactively addressing this through strategic investments in outpatient facilities.
“We own our two surgery centers, and the ability to move more and more of our practice into the outpatient setting has helped from a reimbursement standpoint,” Dr. Crockarell explained. Facility fees associated with outpatient procedures offer a financial buffer against declining physician reimbursement rates. The clinic is likewise focused on “right sizing” its outpatient practice, optimizing staffing and scheduling to maximize profitability.
Growth Through Strategic Recruitment and Specialization
Campbell Clinic is actively expanding its team, particularly in the total joint replacement division. With an aging physician base in this specialty, the clinic is focused on recruiting both recent residents and experienced surgeons from across the country. They are leveraging existing relationships with residency programs and fellowship directors to identify qualified candidates.
The demand for total joint replacement is expected to continue rising as the population ages and obesity rates remain high. This growth is also driving an increase in revision surgeries, requiring specialized expertise and resources.
Differentiation in a Competitive Market
Despite being a dominant player in the Memphis market, Campbell Clinic recognizes the importance of continuous improvement and differentiation. Dr. Crockarell emphasizes a commitment to providing comprehensive orthopedic care, even for complex cases that may not be the most profitable.
“We care for patients across the spectrum of orthopedic needs, and we do things that that aren’t necessarily maybe wise choices from a profit and loss standpoint, but we feel like if we capture care of patients regardless of the complexity of their problems, that will help us to remain dominant in our market.”
The Future of Orthopedic Leadership: A Focus on Humility and Patient Relationships
Dr. Crockarell’s vision for thriving in 2026 and beyond isn’t about cutting-edge technology or aggressive marketing strategies. It’s a return to core values. “Stay humble and stay true to the doctor-patient relationship,” he advises fellow physician leaders. “At the end of the day, what we do is incredibly individual and very personal, and we can’t lose sight of that.”
FAQ
Q: What is the biggest challenge facing orthopedic practices today?
A: Balancing increasing administrative burdens with declining reimbursement rates is a significant challenge.
Q: How can practices improve physician retention?
A: Fostering a positive culture, providing adequate administrative support, and offering competitive compensation are key.
Q: What role do outpatient surgery centers play in financial stability?
A: Outpatient surgery centers can generate revenue through facility fees, offsetting declines in physician reimbursement.
Q: Is competition a threat or an opportunity for established practices like Campbell Clinic?
A: Competition can drive innovation and improvement, ultimately benefiting patients.
What strategies are you implementing to address these challenges in your practice? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
