Sara Jo Solasz, BA
SUNY Upstate Medical University
Norton College of Medicine
Syracuse, NY
Member Since: 2023
Why did you join AAOS?
The first academic conference I attended was the AAOS 2021 Annual Meeting in San Diego. It was my first exposure to the scale of the research productivity, professional network, and educational resources that AAOS champions. The new medical student membership is an exciting opportunity for students to be part of an organization that supports so many residents, fellow, and attending surgeons throughout their careers.
What are you looking forward to most about AAOS?
I am excited to take advantage of all the educational resources and opportunities AAOS has to offer.
What interested you about orthopaedics?
I was first drawn to orthopaedics while working as an EMT during college. The experience motivated me to pursue a position with the NYU Langone Orthopedic Trauma research team before attending medical school. At NYU Langone, I was able to see how orthopaedic surgeons can restore patients’ function and quality of life following life-changing injuries. I think that movement is one of the most important components of overall health, and helping patients return to their occupational and recreational activities seems like the greatest job in the world.
Mentorship has also played an important role in my path in medicine. My mentor at NYU Langone, Dr. Kenneth Egol, has been a great role model. Dr. Egol’s patient care, work ethic, and love of orthopaedics are some of my biggest inspirations for pursuing this field.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
My grandpa, Sam, was a Holocaust survivor. He came to America in 1951 as the sole surviving member of his family, started his own business, and worked 18-hour days until he was 90 years old. He taught me to be dedicated, generous, and to always be a lifeline for those who need it. I learned some of my greatest lessons from him, but one line that stands out is, “Everyone has something to teach you.”
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
I stay organized using to-do lists arranged by priority: high, medium, and low. I have an app that keeps my to-do lists on the home screen of my phone so that I always have a reminder.
To help with time management, I wake up early to do research and other tasks before I start studying. I also remove all social media apps from my phone during the week.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
Drinking more water.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
Weightlifting, yoga, crocheting, and spending time with my friends and family. I also started playing tennis recently. I’m not very good (yet), but it’s a lot of fun.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
My family works in the meatpacking industry. I can make you the best burger you’ve ever had.