Dr Andrew Cannestra’s career began with a strong focus on learning how the spine works and how injury affects the body. After medical training, he pursued fellowship work in spine surgery and spinal cord injury. This gave him the chance to study complex cases closely and understand how to restore movement and reduce pain.
Early on, he developed an interest in less invasive ways to operate. That interest shaped his path. He became one of the founding members of the Society for Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery, a group built around the idea that smaller incisions and careful planning could change recovery times and outcomes.
As his career grew, Dr Cannestra took on leadership roles. He became Director of the Baptist Robotic Spine Surgery program, guiding a team that used advanced technology to perform delicate procedures. His colleagues recognized his skill, and he went on to become a Diplomate of the American Board of Neurologic Surgery. He also joined leading organizations such as the American Association of Neurologic Surgeons, the Congress of Neurologic Surgeons, and the National Association of Spine Surgeons.
Through it all, his approach has remained steady. He believes surgery should be tailored to each person’s unique condition. He focuses on the smallest incision possible, giving patients the best chance to recover quickly. “Tasks like walking or going back to work can be lost to chronic pain,” he says. “Restoring those everyday things is what matters most.”
His work continues to show how skill, patience, and purpose can change lives.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
Most days begin before sunrise. I review surgical cases, patient notes, and imaging studies before heading into the hospital. Mornings are usually spent in the operating room. Afternoons shift toward clinic work, meeting with patients and families, or reviewing research. Productivity comes from preparation. Every case requires planning, and I map out my day in blocks so that I’m not splitting focus.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I rely on testing ideas in practice, not just on paper. When we introduced robotic spine surgery at Baptist, it started with small pilot procedures. I met with engineers, nurses, and other surgeons to refine the process. Seeing how the technology worked in live settings gave us confidence to expand. Ideas gain traction when people can see them work.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Minimally invasive spine surgery continues to expand. Smaller incisions, less blood loss, and faster recovery change how patients return to daily life. I remember a patient who walked the hospital hallways the same day after a robotic-assisted procedure. Ten years ago, that would have been unthinkable.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I end each day with a review of tomorrow’s cases and tasks. This resets my focus. It also means I walk into the hospital knowing exactly what the first hours will look like.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t rush to master everything. Early in my career, I wanted to learn every procedure, every technique. I’d tell my younger self to slow down, focus on depth, and trust that expertise builds over years.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I think operating rooms should be quieter. Many surgeons like background music, but I believe silence sharpens attention. In delicate spinal work, even small distractions can matter.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Take notes by hand. I keep a notebook for thoughts, case details, and ideas. Screens are faster, but writing forces me to process information more carefully.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away from the hospital environment. Cycling has become a release for me. Long rides allow my mind to reset, and I return to work more clear-headed.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Tailoring surgery to the individual. Early in my practice, I realised no two spinal conditions are identical. By focusing on custom solutions instead of standard templates, patients recovered better. Word of mouth spread, and more referrals followed.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early on, I performed a complex spinal reconstruction that didn’t meet my expectations. The patient needed revision surgery. It was humbling. I reviewed every step, spoke with mentors, and studied the case in detail. The lesson was clear: overconfidence is dangerous, and continuous learning is non-negotiable.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Create shared rehab spaces for post-surgery patients. A community-based recovery model could blend physical therapy with peer support, lowering costs and improving motivation.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Radiology viewers. I use them daily to compare images side by side. The ability to zoom in on a millimetre of bone or disc changes surgical planning.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. It’s written by a neurosurgeon who faced terminal illness. It reshaped the way I think about purpose in medicine and the balance between professional life and mortality.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
The Queen’s Gambit. The precision, planning, and focus in chess mirror surgery in many ways. I enjoyed watching how discipline and creativity worked together.
Key learnings
- Preparation and structure are essential to productivity in high-stakes fields like surgery.
- Tailoring solutions to individuals builds trust and better long-term outcomes.
- Failures, when studied carefully, become powerful tools for growth.
- Small daily habits, like handwritten notes, reinforce focus and clarity.
- Collaboration across disciplines—engineering, nursing, surgery—turns new ideas into reality.