Anne R. Wright, MD
Orthopaedic Hand Surgeon
(September 2022) Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center - Oahu
Honolulu, HI
Why did you join AAOS?
I joined AAOS as an intern in Orthopedic Surgery because of the vast educational resources they provided, including JAAOS and the ResStudy question bank.
I joined AAOS as an intern in Orthopedic Surgery because of the vast educational resources they provided, including JAAOS and the ResStudy question bank.
How do you define success?
Success is realizing you’ve arrived at a vision you had for your life despite many failures and obstacles you’ve had to overcome. For me, my success has been realized by becoming an orthopedic surgeon that has the tools and knowledge to contribute to society in a positive and meaningful way.
Success is realizing you’ve arrived at a vision you had for your life despite many failures and obstacles you’ve had to overcome. For me, my success has been realized by becoming an orthopedic surgeon that has the tools and knowledge to contribute to society in a positive and meaningful way.
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My biggest inspiration is my grandfather, Dr. Barrister Allen Richardson, who was the first board certified Native Hawaiian Orthopedic Surgeon and a member of the AAOS. My grandfather grew-up in a small town on the Big Island (a.k.a. Hawai’i Island). Through hard work and perseverance, he graduated from the University of Hawai’i with a B.S., attended Yale Medical School, and completed his Orthopedic Surgery Residency at the University of Pennsylvania in 1950. He came back to Honolulu, Hawai’i where he served the Hawai’i people as a general orthopedic surgeon. He lived with the purpose (that many minority families share) to make life better for the next generation through education and opportunity. My family now has three generations of orthopedic surgeons, including my father, the late Dr. Allen B. Richardson, my brother, Dr. Andrew B. Richardson, and myself that have continued to serve the people of Hawai’i and participate in the AAOS.
My biggest inspiration is my grandfather, Dr. Barrister Allen Richardson, who was the first board certified Native Hawaiian Orthopedic Surgeon and a member of the AAOS. My grandfather grew-up in a small town on the Big Island (a.k.a. Hawai’i Island). Through hard work and perseverance, he graduated from the University of Hawai’i with a B.S., attended Yale Medical School, and completed his Orthopedic Surgery Residency at the University of Pennsylvania in 1950. He came back to Honolulu, Hawai’i where he served the Hawai’i people as a general orthopedic surgeon. He lived with the purpose (that many minority families share) to make life better for the next generation through education and opportunity. My family now has three generations of orthopedic surgeons, including my father, the late Dr. Allen B. Richardson, my brother, Dr. Andrew B. Richardson, and myself that have continued to serve the people of Hawai’i and participate in the AAOS.
How has AAOS helped you throughout your career?
As a resident, AAOS was my main source for educational resources. The JAAOS review articles were pivotal in introducing me to cornerstone topics in orthopedics, the ResStudy question bank helped me prepare for the in-training exam, and the AAOS board preparation and review course helped me to pass step one of my ABOS boards. Through the Political Action Committee of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or Orthopedic PAC, AAOS has kept me updated on policy, legislation, and advocacy for Orthopedic Surgeons at a national level. While in residency at the University of Hawai’i, 100% of the residents proudly contributed to the Orthopedic PAC. In the future, I look forward to continuing my education through meetings, courses, and webinars put on by the AAOS.
What advice would you give to new members of AAOS?
I would advise new members to get involved with AAOS and take advantage of the resources and educational opportunities provided. AAOS can help you towards a successful career in orthopedics and achieving your goals. The later you get in your career, start to give back by volunteering for committees and teaching courses. As the next generation, we are the foundation of AAOS and its continued success depends on our enthusiasm for pushing our specialty forward.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I have two kids: My son Keone (8 years old) and my daughter Kalei (4 years old). I had my son in medical school and my daughter during residency. They are tons of fun and keep me quite busy outside of the hospital!
I have two kids: My son Keone (8 years old) and my daughter Kalei (4 years old). I had my son in medical school and my daughter during residency. They are tons of fun and keep me quite busy outside of the hospital!