SpineLine Back Page: Behind the Mask
Justin Lantz, DPT,OCS, FAAOMPT
Dinner with Rasputin? Open a beach bar? Justin Lantz, who practices at USC Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy in Los Angeles, is an independent thinker to be sure. Lantz has a wide range of interests, from TV's Ancient Aliens to the Chicago Bears. See what else is on Lantz's mind in this edition of Behind the Mask.
What’s your go-to breakfast before a long day in the clinic or OR?
Flax seed oatmeal, cottage cheese, multivitamins.
What’s in your white coat pockets right now?
Scribbled clinic notes that I will not remember.
Do you have any superstitions or rituals before a big case or a busy clinic day?
Piece of gum, favorite pen, phone in pocket.
OR (or commute) playlist: Silence, music, or podcast? What’s playing?
Most recently, anything deep house.
Go-to snack to stay fueled during a long shift?
Peanut butter banana sandwich.
Favorite OR or clinic life hack?
Nabla AI for clinic notes (HIPAA approved of course).
Favorite thing about an early morning start?
A late morning start.
If you had to do a TED Talk on a nonmedical topic, what would it be?
Chicago Bears football
What’s the most surprising skill you have outside of medicine?
Many people find it interesting that I can draw well (not sure why).
Coffee, tea, or something else?
Hot chocolate
First thing you do when you walk into the hospital or clinic each day?
Enter through the side door because I am usually running late with LA traffic.
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
So many to choose from … Rasputin, Jimmy Hoffa, Socrates, Satoshi Nakamoto … would love to hear about the mysteries that surround them.
If you could instantly master any skill (medical or not), what would it be?
Sail a boat.
Do you collect anything?
I try to be a minimalist.
What book has had the biggest impact on you—medical or otherwise?
How Doctors Think
What’s a TV show or movie you’ve watched more times than you’d like to admit?
Blade (1998) - Wesley Snipes
What’s your go-to way to unwind—hobby, sport, guilty pleasure?
Ancient Aliens on History Channel
What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
Projekt Revolution 2004: Linkin Park, Korn, Snoop Dogg, Ghostface Killah, the Used.
If you had an extra hour in your day that wasn’t for work, how would you use it?
Workout
If you weren’t able to work in medicine, what completely different career would you choose?
Open a beach bar.
What’s a song that always puts you in a good mood?
Percolator by Cajmere
Are you a dog person, cat person, some other type of pet person, or none of the above?
Baby person.
What’s your favorite place you’ve traveled to?
Ravello, Italy
What’s your favorite phone app?
Kalshi (if you know you know)
What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
Not a foodie, but can eat pizza every day of the week.