Ryan O’Donnell, MD
Orthopaedic Sport Medicine Surgeon
St. Luke’s University Health Network
Bethlehem, PA
Phillipsburg, NJ
Member Since: 2016
How has AAOS supported your career development?
AAOS has been a consistent, comprehensive resource throughout my career. I began using its resources as an intern and continue to rely on them today as an attending surgeon. Lifelong learning is essential to a surgeon’s success, and AAOS offers outstanding tools, from technique videos and learning modules to peer-reviewed literature, that help me to continue improving. I also value the mentorship and educational opportunities available at the Annual Meetings, which I look forward to each year.
As a Candidate Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
To this day, I continue to use the Orthopedic Video Theater on the AAOS website to help learn techniques or refine my own techniques. This has been very valuable to tackle complex cases and make myself more efficient. I will also routinely read the AAOS journal articles for both my specialty and even outside of my specialty. Working in a rural environment, having a wider knowledge base helps me treat and triage patients out of my scope of practice.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
“Always listen to what the patient says and needs,” was some of the best advice I received from Dr. Ned Amendola, one of my fellowship mentors. Those words shaped the way I approach patient care by reminding me that every patient is unique, and not every orthopaedic problem fits neatly into a predetermined category. Medicine is rarely black and white, and successful treatment requires understanding the individual behind the injury. The goal is to always treat the patient, not just the imaging.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
I learned a lot about productivity from the book Deep Work by Cal Newport. One of the biggest lessons I took away was the importance of separating “deep work” from “shallow work.” Deep work—such as learning new surgical techniques, conducting research, and continuing to expand my knowledge base—requires focused, distraction-free time and intentional concentration. In contrast, shallow work—such as responding to emails, completing administrative tasks, and handling logistics—should be addressed efficiently and not allowed to interfere with time that requires deeper focus.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
One habit I am trying to consistently build is trying to do something daily for myself. Most times this means taking time out of my busy day to schedule exercise to help with my physical health and recharge.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
My favorite hobby in my spare time is golf. This helps me relax and satisfy my hunger for competition. I also spend a lot of time with my family by doing my activities and sports with my kids.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I have been a Jets, Mets, and Knicks fan since I was a child. 2026 was the first championship I have ever experienced as fan! Go Knicks!