Carlos Torrens Canovas

MD, PhD

University of Barcelona

View More

Joan Miquel Noguera

FRCSC

Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona

Mohit Bhandari

FRCSC, PhD

Distinguished University Professor, Chair of Surgery, McMaster University

The conversation traces the evolution of evidence-based orthopedics in Catalonia through the experiences of two surgeon-scientists whose early exposure to Gordon Guyatt’s teachings reshaped their clinical thinking. They describe the challenges of being early adopters, their gradual development of local expertise, and their eventual creation of multi-day “shoulder diving” courses that integrate critical appraisal with specialty-specific content. Their research explores methodological issues—such as surrogate outcomes, opinion leaders, and preliminary reports—highlighting how study design shapes perceived treatment effects. Looking ahead, they aim to embed patient-important outcomes into both research and education, deepening engagement within the Catalan Orthopedic Society and expanding evidence-based practice across Spain.