Brenden Ronna, MD
Orthopaedic Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery Fellow
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI
Member Since: 2020
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
AAOS has played an important role by providing academic resources, professional connections, and mentorship opportunities through meetings and educational programs. These resources have helped my early career in orthopaedics to develop and grow. The professional connections and mentorship have been the most impactful to me personally and professionally. It has also curated an interest in orthopaedic leadership within AAOS and other subspecialty societies. I aim to serve as a mentor to up-and-coming surgeons and students throughout my career.
As a Fellowship Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
As a resident and fellow, I have consistently used the AAOS ROCK curriculum and ResStudy to deepen my understanding of various orthopaedic topics and prepare for board and sub-specialty certification examinations. Additionally, the AAOS Career Center was paramount in my job search.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
The best piece of advice I have ever received came from a church leader: “Be present in your current task.” While at work, be the best surgeon you can be and take excellent care of your patients. While at home, be the best husband and father you can be. There is no "true balance." Like a circus plate spinner who must prioritize the most wobbly dish, you have to accept that you can't be all things to all people at all times. Intead, live in the present. Prioritize people and relationships over tasks. Never let a task become more important than a person sitting in front of you.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
It may not be intuitive, but having a busy family life with kids has made me more intentional with my time. I try to spend as much time with them after getting home and avoid feeling guilty for doing so. This has been restorative and allows me to really hone in and focus after they go to sleep.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
Read one paper a day. I've tried to do this during fellowship (not always successfully!) and have really enjoyed it. I feel that my knowledge and expertise have grown immensely.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
Spending time with my wife and kids. Movies. Sports. Playing outside with my kids and dog, particularly any sport involving a ball. Our family loves to travel. We lived in Munich, Germany during summer 2024 for a visiting fellowship and loved traveling throughout Europe with our kids.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
During college I worked in customer service for Mrs. Fields Cookies!