Urvi J. Patel, MD, MS
Trauma plasty Fellowship
Ray White and Hansjörg Wyss Trauma-Arthoplasty Fellowship Program
MaineHealth
Portland, Maine
Member Since: 2020
How has the AAOS helped you during residency?
The AAOS provides an exceptional foundation for residents, fostering excellence throughout our careers. Through the academy, I have gained an invaluable network of mentors and colleagues, access to world-class educational resources, and a strong professional network that continues to strengthen my development.
As a Resident Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
I have personally benefited from ResStudy for OITE and ABOS preparation, OVT for pre-operative planning, and the JAAOS review articles to strengthen my understanding of key orthopaedic concepts. Additionally, the AAOS Annual Meeting provides an unparalleled opportunity for networking and staying informed about the latest research breakthroughs. The AAOS Clinical Practice Guidelines serve as an essential, evidence-based resource, and is particularly valuable for on-call decision-making. The Career Center has also been an instrumental resource as I begin exploring potential job opportunities.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
Dr. Sandeep Soin once shared two pieces of advice that have profoundly shaped my approach to patient care. He taught me that the most important thing is to “never stop caring”—because when you truly care, you will always strive to provide your patients with the best possible care. His second lesson was equally powerful: “If you’re presented with two options, the hard one is the right one.” These words serve as a constant reminder that excellence in medicine is built on dedication, compassion, and the courage to embrace challenges that push us to grow. Whether it’s making a difficult clinical decision, advocating for a patient, or choosing the path that demands greater effort, the commitment to doing what is right will always lead to better outcomes.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
I establish both weekly and daily goals, structuring each day with a well-defined plan that includes scheduled events, prioritized tasks, and strategic organization. Efficiency and resourcefulness are essential in ensuring tasks are clearly defined for optimal execution. To stay organized and productive, I consistently utilize to-do lists as a tool for tracking progress and staying on course.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
I prioritize meticulously documenting every case I participate in, noting key learning points, challenges encountered, and valuable surgical techniques or strategies. Additionally, I incorporate relevant images to serve as a visual reference and analytical repository for future review. Over time, this practice has evolved into a comprehensive, personalized database that allows me to systematically track my progress and refine my clinical decision-making. This resource has become indispensable for case discussions, presentations, and preoperative planning, while equipping me with a set of tools in my toolbox to approach each case with a well-rounded perspective.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
After my move to Upstate, NY, I embraced the region’s rich outdoor culture, and discovered a passion for bowhunting, fishing, and hiking. Beyond my outdoor pursuits, I enjoy staying active, cherish spending quality time with my family, and traveling with my husband.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I’ve been skydiving, cliff diving, scuba diving in the breathtaking waters of Alaska, and have swam with sharks.