Augustine M. Saiz Jr, MD
Orthopaedic Trauma Fellow at University of Texas
Health Science Center
Soon to be Assistant Professor of
Orthopaedic Surgery at UC Davis Health
University of Texas Health Science Center
Houston, TX
UC Davis Health
Sacramento, CA
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
AAOS has been an excellent all-in-one resource throughout my training.
As a Candidate Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
I used ResStudy during residency to prepare for the OITE and ABOS Boards Part I. I attended the AAOS Annual Meetings to present research, network, and attend workshops targeted for young surgeons interested in how to successfully jumpstart a career. I was a delegate for my residency and part of the AAOS Resident Assembly which gave me experience in contributing to healthcare through a professional society.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
The best advice I've received has been from my father, Augustine Saiz Sr., who always stressed taking pride in what you do. He taught me that your words and actions reflect who you are. No matter what you're doing, do your best, be confident, and do the right thing.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
I keep a spreadsheet of goals and tasks to accomplish with dates, either self-imposed or set by formal deadlines. The timeline spans from that day's tasks to long-term goals years from now. Each day I look at this sheet and work toward getting items completed. This way, I can keep track of what I am working on, and progress being made.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
I am trying to avoid screen time before bed. My goal is to read at least 10 min of a book every evening. I've noted this helps with sleep hygiene and broadens my reading background beyond medical texts. I finished Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro last month and Nudge by Thaler and Sunstein this month using this technique.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
I enjoy fitness, specifically cardio, lifting, and playing sports (especially tennis or basketball) as this gives me energy and helps with mental recharge. My wife Allison Saiz, a gynecologic oncologist, and I especially enjoy the outdoors for hiking and backcountry camping. Each year we set out to explore a new National Park which is a good chance to reset and get off the grid.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I am a proponent of intermittent fasting, started about 3 years ago and feel healthier for it! "Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Health, Aging, and Disease" NEJM 2019 PMID: 31881139