Johannes Michael Gruenwald, MD
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Practice locations as contractor in Anchorage Alaska
Anchorage Alaska
Member Since: 2005
As an Emeritus Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
Anything CME. Member catalogue, to reach out to colleagues and former residents.
If you were mentoring a new member, what important advice would you give them as they progress in their career?
- Don’t worry about the money.
- Mehr sein als scheinen. This German phrase stands for: to be more than to appear. It’s a call to value inner qualities, character, and integrity more than external show, pretense, or superficial image.
- Family. It is not your career, not your profession, but your immediate family, spouse, and kids, who are your most important asset. Treat them as such. Don’t “pay them off”, again, with this super expensive vacation to an exotic destination; rather, spend plenty of quality time with them.
What aspect of retirement surprised you the most?
I tried for full retirement on two occasions and failed miserably. I became fat, stupid, lazy, and unhappy rather quickly. Not even my intellectually and physically high-end/high-demand hobbies saved the day. I really needed those daily interactions with patients and the team to stay happy. Once regular work becomes impossible, volunteer work at a much lower level will probably give you very similar satisfaction.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
Astrophotography. Sailing. Philosophy.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I am joining a choir in Leipzig where JS Bach lived and worked. Goal is to perform the St. Matthew’s Passion there. Bucket list item.