Stuart J Fischer, MD
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Private practice, General orthopaedics
Watchung, NJ
Member Since: 1985
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
AAOS has been helpful by bringing me into contact with other orthopaedic surgeons from all around the country. The problems we face in day-to-day practice are mostly the same. But individuals from other parts of the country and different practice settings often have newer ideas or another approach. The friendships and collaboration that you get through a national organization are invaluable.
As an Active Fellow Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
My favorite Academy resource has always been the Annual Meeting. I have been coming to Annual Meetings since 1980. I love seeing old friends, and I enjoy going to the exhibit booths to see new techniques and products. It is fun to “play with the toys”. I also think that Academy publications are very important. JAAOS is the best orthopedic journal out there and AAOS Now keeps me up to date on the orthopaedic issues that are important to me. And of course, having worked with OrthoInfo for 17 years. I think it is the best surgical online resource in the world.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
I worked with Dr. Terry Canale when he was editor-in-chief of AAOS Now. He had a saying that “Patients don’t care what you know until they know that you care”. It reflected the kind of empathy and respect that he showed for his patients (as well as his colleagues) It has guided me in my approach to taking care of people. Over more than 40 years I have found that the most important thing in maintaining your practice is relationships with your patients. Showing interest and a little sympathy goes a long way.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
Master your EMR. Finish and sign your chart notes before the patient leaves the room. Do templates for all your major operations. If you are running late and patients are waiting in exam rooms, briefly stop in, apologize, and tell them why you are behind. They appreciate it. Take as many patient calls as you can during the day. It's faster than having to make callbacks in the evening. If there are problems, you can bring the patient in right away.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
Visiting my children and grandson as much as I can. They live all over the country, and I try to make a habit of calling them early in the evening.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
I ski about 40 days a year and cycle about 100. I'm also an amateur photographer with an interest in medical photography. I have published over 150 pictures and videos on Academy websites and in my own book.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
We have three generations of orthopaedics in my family. My father was an orthopaedic surgeon. and I practice in the area where I grew up. I take care of people from my old high school. My high school history teacher came to me as a patient 50 years after I had him in class. Several years ago, I did a total hip replacement on a woman who my dad had treated for DDH at birth almost 60 years before. My daughter, who learned practice management in my office, now works for a large orthopaedic practice near her home in South Carolina.