Ajai Cadambi, MD
Orthopaedic Surgeon Specializing in Adult Reconstruction
Texas Hip and Knee Center
Texas Health Resources
Fort Worth, TX
Member Since: 1990
As an Emeritus Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
My most recent and important use of AAOS resources was reading information on retirement planning for ortho surgeons. It’s a big step to leave a busy career and to enter retirement.
If you were mentoring a new member, what important advice would you give them as they progress in their career?
Perfect your technical and organizational skills, be kind and compassionate, and communicate clearly with patients and staff. The rest will follow, including financial security. The key is to find joy and gratitude in the work you do.
What aspect of retirement surprised you the most?
I’ve only been retired a few months, but I’m surprised how busy I am. I don’t have the stress, worry, and responsibilities associated with patient care. I therefore am more rested and sleep better. I still get up every morning with a sense of purpose. I definitely have more energy to exercise daily.
Surgeons have a “shelf life.” We face physical and mental stresses throughout long careers. There’s quite a bit of literature emerging about the wear and tear that occurs during a surgeon’s career.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
I’m an avid cyclist and a former marathon runner. I spend time every summer at a second home in Colorado. The last several years I’ve ridden the 118 mile “Triple Bypass” bike ride that goes from Evergreen to Avon, Colorado. The route goes over three mountain passes including Loveland at 12,000 feet altitude. I love riding bikes in the mountains. I love the outdoors and also hike and play golf. I’m an avid motorsports fan, owning several sports cars that I drive on race tracks, to car shows, and to events.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I was born in Stuttgart, Germany. My dad was an engineer studying in Germany. He was from India and married my German mom. I then lived in India, but our family immigrated to the US in 1968. I’ve been a Texan since then.