Gary A. Pattee, MD, FAAOS
Orthopaedic Surgeon - Private Practice
Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center
Thousand Oaks Surgical Hospital
Thousand Oaks, California
As an Emeritus Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
I remain committed to staying current in advances in the world of orthopaedics and regularly review JAAOS and CORR. The CME resources through the Academy help me keep up requirements for my medical license. I also attend the Annual Meeting to maintain connections with colleagues.
If you were mentoring a new member, what important advice would you give them as they progress in their career?
Pay attention to detail - always. How you to anything is how you do everything. Never stop learning and think about how you can make a procedure, technique or device better. At the same time, have interests outside your orthopaedic career. Spend time with your family and actively participate in your kids’ lives.
What non-financial aspect of retirement living surprised you the most?
I was forced to step away from clinical practice relatively early due to loss of function of my dominant right upper extremity secondary to a brachial plexopathy (Parsonage-Turner Syndrome) following cancer surgery. I am surprised by my ability to adapt to the challenging hand impairment which has enabled me to continue participation in and to evolve my hobbies. I have an endless list of projects, pursuits and ideas in progress. I also write a column for a publication - InPickleball Magazine. There just aren’t enough hours in a day.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
I have painted occasionally throughout my life (my father was an artist) and I'm now producing 2-3 works per week (acrylic on canvas) under the pseudonym, Warren Blades. I strap a brush to my hand brace. Sounds odd, but it works. I have done commissions for celebrities and athletes. I also race motorcycles on tracks around California, Spain, Portugal and Italy. I also work as an instructor in Southern California, helping riders develop their skills.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
This is my 38th year as a magician member of The Magic Castle in Hollywood and I have become much more active since stepping away from clinical practice. I work with a group of motorcycle instructors, training motor officers on the track at speed to help them be safer on the street. I’ve heard some of my colleagues say that they are afraid to retire because they would be “bored". Really! I have yet to encounter boredom in “retirement”.