Bruce V. Darden II, MD, FAAOS
Partner, OrthoCarolina
Retired Spine Surgeon. Fellowship Director, OrthoCarolina Spine Center
Charlotte, NC
As an Emeritus Member, which AAOS resources do you use the most and why?
As an Emeritus member, I plan to continue to use the online learning options. While I am no longer a practicing surgeon, I have many reasons to stay current in our field, especially for teaching residents and fellows.
If you were mentoring a new Member, what important advice would you give them as they progress in their career?
As a mentor, I would recommend that a new member try to seek balance between his/her practice and personal life. Medicine is a jealous mistress, but carving out time for personal growth, physical fitness and family is as important in the long term.
What non-financial aspect of retirement living surprised you the most?
While I am adjusting to ‘retirement living’, it has been challenging to set a new routine and not to feel guilty about having more unstructured time. I have just become President of the Lumbar Spine Research Society, which will soon fill much more of that time!
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
I enjoy biking, wine, pickleball, tennis and golf.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I have long harbored a desire to be a NASA astronaut. I applied as a mission specialist in the 1990’s. Lastly, I have an encyclopedia knowledge of 60’s & 70’s R & B music.