Attended college at MIT
Spinal surgery residency!
Spinal surgery definitely does not address the root causes.
For example, most people have poor posture. Excess weight puts pressure on the lower back.
Talking to patients? what a concept lol
Diet seems to be most important factor
Most surgeons work until their 60s.
Wife advises him to quit?!

He should work at a clinic, urgent care or a 'free' clinic for the indigent
Or work in physical therapy, so many people and athletes with back and spinal pain
Or work for the NFL as a neuro-specialist to examine head injuries