Zan Naseer, MD
Deformity and Minimally-Invasive Spine Surgeon
Medstar Orthopaedic Institute at Medstar Health
Baltimore, MD
Member Since: 2017
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
The AAOS has been an invaluable resource throughout my training and early career. It has provided a strong foundation for staying current with advances in orthopaedic surgery through evidence-based educational materials, courses, and national meetings. The AAOS also connects surgeons across the country and fosters a sense of shared mission in improving orthopaedic care. This networking and sense of camaraderie that AAOS enables is what makes our speciality one of the best.
As a Candidate Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
I frequently use AAOS educational materials and surgical technique resources to stay updated on best practices and evolving evidence. Medicine and surgery require life-long education and learning. The Annual Meeting and specialty sessions are also incredibly valuable for learning from leaders in the field and exchanging ideas with colleagues from different institutions.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
One of my mentors told me early in training, “Every case is routine until it isn’t.” That advice reinforced the importance of preparation, humility, and always respecting the complexity of surgery. That perspective has shaped how I approach every patient interaction and surgical decision.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
I write every task and commitment on a running to-do-list and have a shared calendar with my wife.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
Being more intentional about protecting time for family and my personal health despite a busy clinical schedule. The key to having a long and impactful career as a surgeon is to maintain your own health and maximize longevity. Long surgery days can be physically demanding, so keeping your body and mind healthy is essential.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
I enjoy international travel, going to the gym, and spending time with family. I am a big time NY sports fan, so you can routinely find me watching a Knicks or NY Giants game.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I have three young kids under the age of five, so my spare time is often spent building Legos, collecting Pokémon cards, and watching Disney princess movies on repeat.