Allicia Imada, MD
Hand and Upper Extremity Orthopaedic Surgeon
Northwestern Medical Center
Center for Orthopaedics
Saint Albans, VT
Member Since: 2018
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
During residency and into my early practice, I relied heavily on the AAOS Video Theater and the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (the "Yellow Journal"). These resources were foundational in helping me build a robust, evidence-based practice and stay current on evolving best practices. Additionally, the ResStudy question bank proved to be an invaluable tool that directly supported my preparation for both the OITE and my board certification (ABOS).
Beyond written and digital resources, attending the AAOS Annual Meetings has allowed me to present my own research, engage in peer-to-peer learning, and network with leading experts in the field. Coupled with the Academy’s comprehensive webinar series, these experiences have continually sharpened my clinical skills and deeply connected me to the broader orthopaedic community.
As a Candidate Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
As a Candidate Member, I primarily utilize the AAOS patient education library, the Video Theater, and the Yellow Journal to support both my clinical practice and technical growth. In my daily practice, the AAOS patient resources are essential for delivering high-quality care. They allow me to provide patients with vetted, evidence-based information about common conditions, which enhances their understanding and strengthens the shared decision-making process.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
The best advice I ever received came from my father who reminds me not to forget to find joy and happiness in life.
Throughout my journey, my father has always been incredibly proud of my drive to continuously improve and excel. However, in a demanding field like orthopaedics, it can be incredibly difficult to slow down and appreciate milestones. I actively try to practice this advice now more than ever as a mother; my daughter is truly the best part of my day every day, and I am intentional about protecting my time with her. This philosophy has also profoundly shaped my clinical outlook. As surgeons, it is easy to let the cases with poor outcomes or complications overshadow our successes, even though the vast majority of our patients do exceptionally well. My father's advice serves as a daily reminder to actively celebrate those positive patient outcomes and maintain a balanced, resilient perspective in both medicine and life.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
I use a combination of task listing and reminders. I enjoy physically crossing items off a list or checking a box.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
Establishing a consistent habit of sitting down for family dinners as many nights a week as possible.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
Riding my Peloton bike, crocheting, listening to audiobooks, hiking, and spending time with my family
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I’m terrified of grasshoppers. I don’t mind most bugs, but as a child a large grasshopper jumped on my head when I was playing outside which left a lasting impression.