Antonio D C Valdevit, PhD
Practice Lead, Health Sciences/ Sr. Biomedical Consultant
SEA, Ltd., Columbus, OH
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
The Academy has provided me the exposure to clinical problems and the challenges faced by orthopaedic surgeons to improve outcomes for their patients. To that end, interactions with clinical colleagues are invaluable to the undertaking and designing of laboratory studies hoping to address these clinical concerns.
As an Affiliated Professional Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
The publications associated with the Academy are my most used resource. It provides the current state of peer-reviewed material for the ideation of future studies upon which to focus.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
I have two pieces of advice that I was given while starting my career. Both were at Johns Hopkins. Dr. John Kostuik: Never work your staff harder than you work yourself. The second piece of advice I was given was from Dr. Edmund Chao: Do it to the best of your ability and do it rigorously.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
Conversation and Planning. You must know the need. Clinicians are on the front lines of the medical field. Laboratory investigations without clinical involvement and purpose become academic exercises. I want to solve problems that are faced by clinicians today. Planning requires collaboration between technical personnel and practicing surgeons. Clinicians are at the forefront of clinical issues. In-depth conversations with practicing orthopaedic surgeons are essential to the productivity and efficacy of both resources and time.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
I am always trying to engage colleagues outside of the laboratory. The participation of individuals that are focused on other areas always provides a fresh and unique perspective in both problem-solving and approach.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
I enjoy tennis, skiing, and fishing.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
About three years ago, I was on the couch watching a football game. I got up to hit the refrigerator for a snack. I pulled a hamstring….