Justin Cardenas, MD

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Justin Cardenas, MD
Orthopedic Surgery Hip & Knee Fellow
Carrell Clinic, Dallas, TX

How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
The Academy has given me educational opportunities to learn through the monthly Yellow Journal, ResStudy question bank to prepare for boards, and the yearly meeting to interact with my colleagues. It gave me residency experience and connections to trainees across the country. 

As a Fellowship Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
Mainly access to the reading materials. The Yellow Journal to stay up to date with all of orthopedics as I focus on my fellowship. The AAOS Now publication has been useful as well to follow the governing body and what they are doing for the members. 

What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
“When you take a patient back to the OR, you’re putting a ring on their finger. They are yours for life.” - Dr. Kurt Kitziger 

What’s your go-to productivity trick? 
Grab a cup of coffee and make a to-do list and check the tasks off as I get them done.

What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
Meditating on life and going through mental case preparation in the sauna. 

What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
I love spending time with my two boys playing outside, teaching them to ride bikes, or going on walks with the my wife. I love fly fishing for trout and try to get a trip in every year with my dad or college buddies. 

Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I took a gap year before medical school and spent time as a missionary in Argentina followed by traveling Brazil for the World Cup.