Why did you join AAOS?
I joined AAOS for a greater connection to the field of orthopaedic surgery. This organization offers the opportunity to get involved, through volunteering and committee work, networking with friends and colleagues, and keep up-to-date on advances and innovation in surgical practice and medical knowledge.
Do you currently volunteer with a committee? If yes, which one(s)?
I am on the Shoulder and Elbow Examination Committee and involved in the Upper Extremity Practice Analysis initiative currently. Previously, I was on the Emerging Professionals Committee and an ex-officio member of the Board through the Resident's Assembly.
How do you define success?
I define success by accomplishing goals that have meaning and value. Making money or becoming busy in practice mean nothing unless there is quality and fulfillment in what I do. Being able to make a positive difference through my endeavors and enjoy what I am doing is the benchmark for success in my world.
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My twin brother - he is a minimally invasive/robotics expert and the busiest colorectal surgeon on the West Coast. He started as a solo practitioner in a very competitive field, and through hard work, skill, determination, and affability, grew a successful practice. He tries so hard for his patients and has saved so many lives through his innovative treatments for colon cancer, and he treats each patient as if they are family. Despite how busy he is, he remains humble, grounded, and involved in the community through volunteering and teaching. He's been my biggest cheerleader through my training, and it's been fun sharing our experiences in medicine together.
What do you love most about AAOS?
I love the opportunity to get involved and to learn from each other. AAOS offers so many great educational programs and connects surgeons from all over the world. It's been a great way to connect with new and old colleagues and to stay current on practice concepts. Involvements through committees has also left me with a greater sense of belonging.
What advice would you give to new members of AAOS?
Get involved because you'll only get out of AAOS what you put into it. Leverage the opportunity to network with others.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I just completed an MBA at UC San Diego's Rady School of Management, which allowed me to be involved in two successful start-ups: Ethos Mask, a masking company that distributed about 50,000 masks to healthcare workers during the start of the pandemic, and Ravara, a health-tech start-up for optimizing surgical care.