Jessica Pelkowski, DNP, NP, ONP-C, FAANP, FNAON
Nurse Practitioner
Mayo Clinic
Jacksonville, FL
Member Since: 2024
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
The AAOS clinical guidelines and educational materials have helped me provide high-level care to my patients and stay current with advancements in musculoskeletal health. I also enjoy networking opportunities with other orthopedic professionals.
As an Allied member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
I frequently access the clinical guidelines and enjoy keeping up to date with the latest research by reading JAAOS. I also find the webinars and video theater to be helpful – the on-demand access is nice so I can learn anytime and anywhere.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
One of my all-time favorite quotes is from the movie Rocky Balboa. “It ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward.” Life is tough and unpredictable. We all get hit by life. But we define ourselves and our character by how we respond. We can give up and stay down or keep moving forward and persevere.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
I am a huge fan of writing lists (the old fashioned way with pen and paper because physically crossing something off a list feels rewarding). This allows me to prioritize daily and weekly tasks while also batching similar tasks for maximum efficiency. I do keep a spreadsheet of 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year goals to keep me aware of the big picture as well.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
Lately I’ve been trying to incorporate mindfulness into my daily life. I’ve been making an effort to take a few intentional moments each day to slow down, breathe deeply, and simply be present - whether it’s during my morning routine, going for a walk, or just taking quiet pauses between tasks at work.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
My favorite hobby is running. I have run 9 marathons in 4 different countries and 93 half marathons so far with the goal of #100 this fall. I also enjoy cycling, swimming, Florida Gators sports, the beach, cats, Disney, and spending time outdoors.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I know a lot about nothing. If obscure fact recall was an actual college major I would have a PhD (with minors in song lyrics and movie quotes). I love playing trivia (especially pop culture and music trivia) and learning random information about a variety of subjects.