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Meet Ryan Goodwin, MD: Advancing Pediatric Spine Care at Nationwide Children’s

Meet Ryan Goodwin, MD: Advancing Pediatric Spine Care at Nationwide Children’s 1024 683 Alaina Doklovic
Ryan Goodwin, MD, MBA, standing in a hallway with a teal wall. He is wearing a blue shirt and black suit pants and jacket.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital recently welcomed pediatric orthopedic and spine surgeon Ryan Goodwin, MD, new director of The Center for Comprehensive Spine Care. With more than two decades of experience and a passion for innovation in scoliosis treatment, Dr. Goodwin brings both expertise and new opportunities for advancing spine care.

The Center for Comprehensive Spine Care at Nationwide Children’s treats all types of spine conditions while staying at the forefront of both non-surgical and surgical procedures and therapies.

We spoke with Dr. Goodwin about his background, clinical interests and vision for the future of this center.

 

Q: What inspired you to specialize in pediatric spine care?

During my training, I found that I really connected with pediatric orthopedics and the growing skeleton, which presents unique challenges and opportunities for innovation. Kids are still growing, and we get to help them figure out how to heal while they grow. We’re not just fixing something like we would in an adult; we’re managing the treatments and how it continues to develop as the child gets older.

There’s a lot of unsolved problems with the growing spine and a lot of three-dimensional biomechanics, especially in very young children. I enjoy that challenge, and I find it incredibly rewarding to care for kids and their families.

 

Q: How does your experience shape your work?

I joined Nationwide Children’s after spending 21 years at Cleveland Clinic. My practice focuses largely on pediatric spine conditions, including scoliosis and other spinal disorders, along with general orthopedic trauma because kids are always active and getting injured.

Over time, my interests have evolved toward spine care, particularly in innovative approaches like non-fusion surgery for scoliosis. I’m really interested in how we can treat spinal deformities while preserving motion and taking advantage of a child’s growth.

There’s a lot of overlap in how orthopedic surgeons practice, but there are always differences based on training and environment. I’m already seeing opportunities to share ideas whether that’s things I’ve learned at Cleveland Clinic or things I’m learning here. That exchange is really valuable. It helps us refine how we deliver care and ultimately create better outcomes for patients.

 

Q: What is an area of pediatric spine care that you are excited about?

One of the biggest topics is non-fusion scoliosis surgery, also known as growth modulation or vertebral body tethering. Traditionally, scoliosis treatment progresses from observation to bracing, and if needed, spinal fusion surgery. Fusion works well, but it eliminates motion in the fused part of the spine.

With newer approaches like tethering, we can guide spinal growth instead of stopping it. By placing a device that slows growth on one side of the spine, the other side can continue to grow and gradually correct the curve. The spine remains mobile, and the surgery is less invasive.

It’s an exciting advancement, but it’s still relatively new, so we’re actively collecting long-term data. That makes it both promising and somewhat controversial, but I believe it’s a major step forward.

My first experience with these surgeries was in 2019. I was a little skeptical at first, like many people are, but after looking at the data and immersing myself into this topic, I was excited to give it a ride. Coincidentally, in 2019 the device became FDA approved for the first time. Since then, I’ve done over 100 series of these procedures, three of which have been at Nationwide Children’s already. It’s amazing to see how this device has impacted so many patients across the country.

 

Q: How do you approach conversations with patients and families about these options?

The most important things are communication and time. These are complex and often emotional decisions, so it’s critical to sit down, explain things clearly and answer all their questions — even if it takes multiple conversations.

We use a shared decision-making approach, because the right treatment can vary from patient to patient. I also make myself available afterward, because families often think of new questions once they leave.

One thing I really appreciate at Nationwide Children’s is the spine preoperative clinic. Patients and families receive several hours of education and support from a multidisciplinary team, which helps set expectations and makes them feel more prepared.

 

Q: How do you define success for the Center for Comprehensive Spine Care?

Success starts with the team. A collegial, supportive group that works together for the benefit of patients is essential. When the team succeeds in taking care of patients and working together, we all succeed.

Beyond that, I’d like to see Nationwide Children’s continue to grow as a destination for pediatric spine care. That means excellence in clinical care, strong research programs and robust education and training opportunities.

We have the resources to do that here, and I think we can build something truly special over the next several years.

From an education standpoint, I’d love to see us establish advanced training opportunities, such as a pediatric spine fellowship or specialized tracks within orthopedic training programs.

 

Q: What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

Without question, it is seeing kids get better and hearing from families afterward. They trust us with their child’s care, and that’s a huge responsibility.

As I packed up my office at Cleveland Clinic, which I’d had for 21 years, I packed away thank-you notes and mementos from patients over the years – reminders of why we do this. It’s so incredibly rewarding to see the impact you’ve made. One of them is this little coffee mug from a kid named Tyler that says, “Thanks for doing my surgery and not messing it up.”

 

Image Credits: Nationwide Children’s

About the author

Alaina Doklovic is a Marketing Specialist for Research Communications at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She received her BS in medical anthropology and English from The Ohio State University. Her passions for science and health, combined with her desire to help others, motivated her to pursue a career in which she could actively help improve patient outcomes and scientific research through writing.

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