Naga Suresh Cheppalli, MD
Staff Orthopaedic Surgeon
Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
UNM, VAMC, Albuquerque
VA Medical Centre
Albuquerque, NM
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
I was able to schedule my first few fellowship interviews at AAOS, and that opened my career in the US as an orthopaedic surgeon. AAOS helped me to meet and listen to orthopaedic legends directly and helped me to realize that they are one of us but with sheer determination. In a way, it shaped my career and personality. If I do not get a chance to attend AAOS events I will buy the recorded versions of ICLs and listen to them all and I go through their research presentations to get inspired.
As an Associate Orthopedic Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
I regularly read yellow and blue journal and watch videos from OVT. I listen to prerecorded ICLs all the time.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
“Try to learn from all the difficult situations you face, thus slowly and calmly you learn to navigate these situations.” My mom gave me this advice.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
Have a plan.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
Regular exercise.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
Playing tennis and spending with family.
Tell us fun facts about yourself that not many people know?
I had an opportunity to live, train and work in different countries, including India, UK, Australia and different places in the United States ranging from north, south, east and west. Having seen different ways of practicing orthopaedics in different places always made me think broadly and tailor treatments for patient needs.