Mikalyn T DeFoor, MD
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine, Fellow
The Steadman Clinic
Vail, CO
Member Since: 2020
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
I have had the exceptional opportunity of being involved with the AAOS early in my career through my involvement with the Resident Assembly Executive Committee and as Past Chair of the Resident Assembly as a PGY-5 in 2024-25. Through this opportunity, I have met many peers in other sub-specialties that will be lifelong friends, collaborators and colleagues. I have had the opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes infrastructure of the largest organization of orthopaedic surgeons and more so the importance of volunteering and serving as board and committee members, so that our voices will be heard. The AAOS has given me access to mentors, resources and networking opportunities that have accelerated my early career in Orthopaedics.
As a Fellowship Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
Whether gaining access to online one-on-one assistance with CV formatting, mock interview preparation or webinars on navigating the job search, access to the Career Center Resources is a unique experience for Fellowship Members, which is a need only met by the AAOS.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
One of my all-time favorite mentors, Stephen Parada, MD, Director of Shoulder Surgery at Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, encouraged me as I started residency to invest in myself and my career, meaning pay for the conference travel, course registration, ICL fee, publication charge, board review course, etc. because if you don't first invest in yourself, no one else will. He also encouraged me as a trainee to "Be a Gym Rat" -- always be in the OR/clinic/lab, etc. to work towards perfecting your craft. As a former collegiate basketball athlete, that mentality has always stuck with me.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
My go-to productivity trick that I will always live by is my written planner; no shared Google calendar, no iphone appointments, no to-do list tracker app. I plan every week in my written planner to keep me organized and focused. If it's not written down, it's probably not that important to me.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
My current bad habit that I'm trying to unmake, is quitting a Celcius energy drink in the morning to start my day. I no longer work the 90+ hour week demands of a resident!
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy playing pickup basketball, working out in the gym, seeing new movies in the theater and exploring the Colorado outdoors as a local.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
My best fact is that I have a twin brother, Dallas, who is by far my better half and my built-in best friend for life!