Elkin Jair Galvis, MD
Hand Surgery, Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopedics
ULP Kleinert Kutz Hand Center
Louisville, KY
Member Since: 2014
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
Multiple educational resources exist, one of the most significant of which is career development and practice management. Most medical and residency training focuses on orthopedic surgery and patient care. But thanks to everything from the web page to the Annual Meeting, there are a myriad of topics on this subject. Still, we must learn multiple aspects of the practice to be successful professionals.
As an Affiliate Orthopaedic Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
The Annual Meeting to update knowledge, create community and networking, CME courses to review and update concepts, and ALI AAOS Institute for leadership to boost professional development.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
Dr. Harold Kleinert, hand surgeon, and mentor, believed in and promoted the secret of starting and running a successful professional practice: using the three A, “availability, affability, and ability.”
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
Work with passion, and do your best.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
I want to spend quality time with my family, exercise, and eat healthily.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
Play soccer and watch movies, especially Star Wars.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know.
I’m from Colombia. Soccer is important in our culture, but I was clumsy and not sport-oriented. I never really played the sport or wore cleats. Around two years ago, my wife signed me on a soccer team to play in an Adult league. The start was almost embarrassing, but to improve, I had to practice and learn from my sons in my backyard or do it alone from YouTube videos. The most valuable aspect is spending time with people outside work. I recommend this kind of community activity to stay mentally balanced.