We recently sat down with Dr. Josef Geldwert, founder of the Geldwert Bunion Center and co-creator of the HyperFlex® Bunion Correction Device, to discuss how medical innovation can improve both patient outcomes and the day-to-day experience of running a healthcare practice. With more than 40 years of experience in podiatric surgery, Dr. Geldwert has focused on developing treatment options that preserve anatomy while helping patients return to normal activity with less disruption.
Spakinect helps Med Spa owners simplify compliance and patient-care workflows through virtual Good Faith Exams, making it a natural setting for a conversation about responsible innovation, operational consistency, and putting patients first.
Q: What inspired you to rethink the traditional approach to bunion correction?
A: For many years, bunion surgery often involved cutting bone, which could mean a more difficult recovery and a significant interruption to a patient’s life. I wanted to explore whether there was a way to correct the underlying alignment problem while preserving more of the foot’s natural structure.
That goal led to the development of HyperFlex®. The device is designed to realign the joint without osteotomy or fusion, where clinically appropriate. The broader principle is simple: preserve anatomy, correct the problem, and maintain future options whenever possible.
Q: How does a patient-centered approach influence the way you run your practice?
A: It starts with recognizing that every patient has different goals. Some want to return to sports, some want to stand comfortably at work, and others simply want to wear normal shoes without pain. A successful treatment plan has to account for the person, not just the X-ray.
That same philosophy applies to the practice experience. Patients should understand their options, know what recovery may involve, and feel supported from the first consultation through follow-up care. Clear communication and thoughtful systems are just as important as the procedure itself.
Q: What can independent healthcare providers learn from the way medical technology is developed?
A: Innovation should begin with a clearly defined patient problem. It should not be about adopting new technology simply because it is new. We have to ask whether it solves a meaningful problem, whether it has been properly evaluated, and whether it can be integrated into care safely and consistently.
For independent providers, that may mean improving a clinical technique, updating documentation, or finding better ways to manage patient communication. The objective is not to add complexity. It is to remove unnecessary friction so the team can focus more fully on patient care.
Q: Spakinect serves med spa owners who are balancing growth with compliance. What advice would you offer them?
A: Growth should never come at the expense of safety or consistency. A practice needs strong clinical protocols, appropriate evaluations, reliable documentation, and a team that understands its responsibilities. When those foundations are in place, growth becomes much more sustainable.
I also encourage practice owners to build systems before they become overwhelmed. Whether the need is compliance support, staffing, scheduling, or follow-up care, solving operational issues early creates a better experience for both the provider and the patient.
Q: What is the most important takeaway for providers who want to innovate responsibly?
A: Start with the patient outcome and work backward. Ask what is creating unnecessary pain, delay, risk, or confusion. Then determine whether the answer is a new device, a better process, or stronger support behind the scenes.
The best innovations do more than sound impressive. They make care safer, clearer, and more manageable for everyone involved.
Geldwert Bunion Center is a specialized podiatric practice founded by Dr. Josef Geldwert, a board-certified podiatric surgeon with more than 40 years of experience in bunion care, biomechanics, and sports medicine. Dr. Geldwert is the co-creator of the HyperFlex® Bunion Correction Device, an FDA-cleared, minimally invasive system designed to correct bunion deformities while preserving bone and joint integrity where clinically appropriate.
