Mary F. Carnduff, MD, MBA, FAAOS
Military Assistant to the Under Secretary of the Air ForcePentagon
Washington DC
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
The AAOS has helped me stay connected as I have moved throughout my career. My access to peers and reliable, current resources has been a huge help when I've been in solo practice, austere locations, or just found myself in need of more information to best care for my patients.
As an Active Fellow Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
I still prefer paper, so JAAOS is my number one resource, but I love the OVT.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
I had a boss several years ago who told me, "Remember to always meet people where they are. Everyone is learning and growing at their own pace, so pay attention and engage them where they are, not where you are."
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
I'm a big fan of the quick kill; when I have admin time, if there are tasks I can complete and move on, I will knock out as many as I can during that time. I do the same with notes, running through the follow-ups and post-ops first. I can come back to the more complicated tasks or notes, but it starts me off feeling like I've already accomplished something, and my list is shorter from the beginning.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
Building efficiencies into my life to spend more time doing things I enjoy.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
Fitness, golf, reading and writing fiction, baking.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
When I was young, I wanted to be a fashion designer, so I started designing and making clothing when I was 13.