Why did you join AAOS?
AAOS is the world largest group of musculoskeletal specialists and lead orthopaedic care on the national and international levels. It provides endless educational and orthopaedic practice resources and strongly advocates for its Members.
Do you currently volunteer with a committee? If yes, which one(s)?
I am the Program Delegate to the Academy.
How do you define success?
Success is a dynamic concept. To me, it means your continuous thriving to be better at what you do and to always work hard to separate yourself from the crowd.
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My biggest inspiration is the father of modern spine surgery, Dr. Jean Dubousset. His concepts, innovation and mentorship were always my major driving force.
What do you love most about AAOS?
I love the organization and the support AAOS provides to the orthopaedic community in the United States and worldwide.
What advice would you give to new members of AAOS?
Be the bridge between the medical school, your orthopaedic department and the Academy. Try to encourage and mentor the medical students interested in orthopaedic surgery. Those students often lack guidance, and you as a Resident can make it much easier for them to pursue their dreams. Sometimes it can be a simple question: a research project they are trying to find or even advice on what to read or where to go for a summer fellowship or sub-internship.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I came from Syria about nine years ago, and at that time I did not have enough about me to fill out a one-page resume. So eventually, I had to get my cousin to help fluff it with the most irrelevant unnecessary information you can imagine (strong team player statements, highly trustworthy, and up to date on current medical matters).