Matthew Nguyen, MD
Fellow
Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery
Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center
Arrowhead Orthopaedics, Inland Empire, CA
Member Since: 2019
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
The AAOS has been instrumental throughout my training as a medical student, resident, fellow, and beyond. From online resources, to journal issues, and the Annual Meeting, the AAOS has formed and shaped the foundation of knowledge to learn and grow as an orthopaedic surgeon and clinician. In particular, the Annual Meeting was a highlight each year in learning ongoing research efforts outside my subspeciality and also provided an opportunity to connect with old colleagues and form relationships with new ones.
As an Fellowship Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
As a resident, the ROCK curriculum and ResStudy were the most useful resources to learn the necessary core principles of orthopaedic knowledge, and also for passing ABOS Part I. For continuing knowledge, the JAAOS as well as OVT are helpful in staying up-to-date with current orthopaedic research and learning specific surgical techniques. The AAOS CPG is also a useful general resource in compiling the current body of studies to direct evidence-based standard of care for our patients.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
“Taking care of patients, both surgically and non-surgically, is like a game of chess. Don’t just think about the next move, always think 2, 3, 5, even 10 steps ahead.” -Mark Rekant
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
Taking breaks is important. Don’t try to do it all in one go; if concentration is fading, get some brain rest, take a walk, clear your mind, then get right back at it.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
Reading one article a day, front to back. If you stick at it, that’s 365 articles in 1 year!
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
Hitting the gym, cooking, piano, snowboarding. If ample time, traveling and backpacking!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I’ve done close to 100 escape rooms. The best part about it isn’t solving the puzzles, but rather spending time in high-pressure situations with friends.