Ameen Barghi, MD
Orthopaedic Spine Surgery Fellow
Rothman Orthopaedic Institute
Philadelphia, PA
Member Since: 2020
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
AAOS has played an important role in providing mentorship and professional connection throughout my training. Through meetings, educational programming, and volunteer opportunities, AAOS has helped me connect with surgeons at different stages of their careers who were willing to share guidance, perspective, and honest advice. That exposure has helped me think more intentionally about career development, leadership, and the kind of surgeon and mentor I hope to be.
As a Fellowship Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
Beyond the educational content, I value AAOS as a platform for building professional networks and long-term mentorship relationships. Courses, meetings, and committee involvement create opportunities to learn not just from content, but from people who have navigated similar career paths. Those conversations often provide context and insight that cannot be found in textbooks and have been especially valuable during fellowship as I prepare for independent practice.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
“When you’re stuck between two choices, the harder choice is often the right one.”
This advice came from a mentor early in my training and has stayed with me. Choosing the harder path often means prioritizing growth, accountability, and long-term development over short-term comfort. Those decisions tend to shape who we become.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
I rely heavily on voice-activated reminders on my phone to offload small tasks and follow-ups. I also prefer dictating text messages rather than hand-typing them. Offloading these details allows me to focus my mental energy on family, learning, and the work that matters to me.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
Being more intentional about small, selfless contributions to those around me, whether that’s mentorship, supporting teammates behind the scenes, or helping without expectation of recognition.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
Travel, fitness, yoga, and eating. I enjoy exploring new places through food and am always interested in learning about local restaurants and culinary traditions wherever I go.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know.
I’m currently learning to DJ, and my goal is to perform at a live venue at least once before the end of my fellowship. So far, it’s been a lot harder than I expected, and it’s not going particularly well.