Kashif Ashfaq, MD
Attending Orthopaedic Surgeon & Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
VA Medical Center/University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH
Member Since: 2014
How has AAOS helped you throughout your career?
AAOS has been instrumental in bridging my international training and U.S. practice. After completing fellowships at HSS, Methodist Hospital, and Beaumont, and early work in Pakistan, AAOS courses and webinars provided practical, high-yield updates that directly enhanced my skills in complex arthroplasty, periprosthetic fracture management, and value-based care. Attending AAOS events and webinars helped me stay current while building a career across multiple states. Most importantly, AAOS fostered a sense of community and lifelong learning that supports my work at the Cincinnati VA and University of Cincinnati, where I focus on veterans and resident education.
Which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
I rely heavily on AAOS webinars and instructional courses. They are my go-to because they deliver concise, expert-driven content from leaders in the field that I can immediately apply to complex cases in total joint arthroplasty and revision surgery. The accessibility of on-demand learning fits my busy clinical and academic schedule, while the evidence-based focus aligns perfectly with my emphasis on improving patient outcomes at the VA.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
One of the best pieces of advice came from a senior mentor during my Adult Reconstruction fellowship at The Methodist Hospital in Houston: “Focus on mastering the fundamentals and always prioritize the patient’s function over the latest implant.” This guidance shaped my approach through years of diverse practice—from limb deformity correction and trauma to complex joint replacements—and continues to guide my decision-making in the OR and when teaching residents.
What’s your go-to productivity habit?
Structured preparation the night before: I review cases, anticipate challenges, and prepare a focused plan (including backups) for the next day’s OR schedule and clinic. This habit, refined over years of high-volume arthroplasty and trauma work, reduces intraoperative surprises and allows me to be fully present for patients and residents.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
Delegating more effectively while maintaining oversight—particularly in resident education and committee work. As I balance clinical duties at the VA, academic responsibilities at the University of Cincinnati, and leadership roles, I’m building systems to empower team members while ensuring high standards in patient care and education.
What are your hobbies outside of medicine?
I enjoy staying active through ping pong and pickleball, which provide great outlets for competition and stress relief. I also like exploring advancements in technology and innovation in healthcare, along with family time and occasional travel.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know.
In my spare time, I actively follow financial markets. I find that the disciplined analytical approach required for evaluating market trends and risk management complements the decision-making skills I use in complex orthopaedic cases.