Jonathan Packer, MD, FAAOS
Associate Professor and Chief of Sports Medicine
Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Baltimore, MD
Member Since: 2009
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
AAOS has been instrumental in my development as an academic orthopaedic surgeon. During training, I relied on its educational resources and found the breadth and quality of the research motivating. As an attending, AAOS has provided opportunities for meaningful service, including work as an OITE question writer, Chair of the Sports Medicine Evaluation Committee, and a member of the Sports Medicine Content Committee. The exchange of ideas and networking at the Annual Meeting are invaluable.
As an Active Fellow Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
I most frequently use AAOS educational resources focused on new surgical techniques. I also use publications such as JAAOS on a regular basis.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
During residency, Michael Baumgaertner taught me to take a few moments at the end of each operation to reflect: What went well? What could have gone better? How can we improve next time? That simple practice of reflection has stayed with me throughout my career and continues to shape how I approach surgery, teaching, and continuous improvement.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
I am most productive when I work in a quiet environment with minimal distractions and focus on one task at a time before moving on to the next. I’ve learned that multitasking slows me down, and turning off email notifications on my phone has helped reduce distractions and improve focus.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
Going to sleep earlier. I’ve learned that protecting sleep and consistently making time for fitness are essential for maintaining focus, judgment, and long-term sustainability in a demanding career.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
I try to spend as much spare time as possible with friends and family. I enjoy travelling with my wife, especially internationally, trying new restaurants, and building on a growing wine collection. Recently, I started gardening as a way to relax and spend more time outdoors.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
In high school, I played the trumpet in my school’s jazz band. We won several national competitions and had the opportunity to perform with Wynton Marsalis at Lincoln Center in New York.