Alex Ha, MD
Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon
Montefiore Hospital
Why did you join AAOS?
AAOS is the very top-notch resource for orthopaedic education, research, and networking. The collaborative nature of the organization helped me excel in my field of study and allowed me to pursue research studies that was of interest to the orthopaedic world.
How do you define success?
For me, success really boils down to my ability to mentor those around me so they can achieve their goals. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a Resident understand the pathology and execute surgical steps as well as I do, or better.
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My biggest inspirations are Drs. Lenke, Riew, and Lehman, who were my Fellowship mentors last year. They continue to look for ways to improve their craft and mentor the fellows to their highest potential. The responsibility and the dedication they have for the field are unparalleled and really inspired me to follow in their steps so that I can one day mentor my Residents to their highest potential and lead the field of spine surgery.
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
AAOS has given me the opportunity to present my research to the orthopaedic world and discuss my findings with others to improve my study. I recently attended AAOS Annual Meeting in San Diego this year and really appreciated meeting up with my old and new colleagues to discuss the up-and-coming ideas in orthopaedics.
What advice would you give to new members of AAOS?
I would tell them to remain humble and curious. As orthopaedic surgeons, we are lifelong students to the field, and it is critically imperative that we learn to appreciate the new evidence-based research and strive to improve our field with research of our own.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I am a third-generation orthopaedic surgeon in my family, starting with my grandfather to my father and then to me. It's always fascinating to discuss spine pathology and treatments with my father, who is also a spine surgeon and hear his thoughts.