Daniel Christoph Karczewski, MD, PhD
Final-Year Orthopaedic Surgery Resident
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology
Inselspital, Bern University Hospital
University of Bern
Bern, Switzerland
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
The AAOS has played an important role in my clinical and academic development by providing access to outstanding educational resources, scientific exchange, and an international network of orthopaedic surgeons.
My professional journey has taken me through several renowned academic institutions, including Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, where I completed my medical education and habilitation, as well as research fellowships at Mayo Clinic and Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital. In addition, I earned a PhD in Medical Sciences and am currently pursuing a Master of Public Health at Imperial College London to further strengthen my expertise in epidemiology, clinical research, and evidence-based medicine.
Throughout this journey, the AAOS has been an important connection to the international orthopaedic community, helping me integrate scientific knowledge with clinical practice. Today, I am privileged to continue my clinical and academic development at Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, under the leadership of Professor Moritz Tannast. Working in a highly specialized academic orthopaedic department with extensive expertise in complex hip surgery, joint preservation, and revision arthroplasty provides an exceptional opportunity to translate international scientific knowledge into clinical practice.
The AAOS complements this experience by fostering lifelong learning and connecting orthopaedic surgeons across institutions and countries.
As an International Resident Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
My favorite AAOS resource is ResStudy, which has been an invaluable companion throughout my orthopaedic residency and played an important role in helping me successfully pass the written component of my orthopaedic board examinations.
Its comprehensive, structured educational content and board-style questions helped me systematically consolidate my knowledge, strengthen my clinical reasoning, and prepare effectively for the examination.
As a final-year orthopaedic surgery resident at Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, I have the privilege of training in a highly specialized academic environment under the leadership of Professor Moritz Tannast. Our department's expertise in complex hip surgery, joint preservation, and revision arthroplasty provides exceptional opportunities for clinical and surgical development.
ResStudy perfectly complements this experience by combining structured, evidence-based education with the practical knowledge gained from challenging surgical cases and mentorship at our institution. For me, the combination of outstanding clinical training at Inselspital and the educational resources provided by the AAOS has been instrumental in my development as an orthopaedic surgeon.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
One of the most valuable pieces of advice I have received from senior mentors throughout my academic and clinical career is to remain curious, humble, and committed to lifelong learning.
Medicine, and orthopaedic surgery in particular, is a field in which there is always more to learn. Scientific achievements and surgical experience are important, but the willingness to question established practices, critically evaluate evidence, and learn from colleagues is equally essential. This mindset has accompanied me throughout my research experiences in the United States, my habilitation at Charité, and my current clinical training at Inselspital Bern. I believe that the best surgeons never stop being students.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
My most important productivity principle is consistency. Rather than relying on occasional bursts of motivation, I try to make steady progress toward larger goals every day. Balancing a demanding orthopaedic residency with academic research, a PhD, habilitation, and postgraduate studies in public health has taught me the importance of prioritization and effective time management.
I try to make productive use of small windows of time, whether reviewing scientific literature, working on a research manuscript, or studying with AAOS ResStudy. I have learned that small, consistent efforts can lead to substantial achievements over time.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
I am currently working on making structured daily reflection an integral part of my surgical training. Having recently joined the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology at Inselspital Bern, I am fortunate to work in an academic environment characterized by complex clinical cases, interdisciplinary collaboration, and extensive surgical expertise. Under the leadership of Professor Moritz Tannast, the department offers excellent opportunities to learn from experienced surgeons and participate in the management of challenging orthopaedic conditions.
My goal is to identify at least one important clinical or surgical lesson every day and continuously translate these experiences into better patient care.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
Outside the hospital, I enjoy traveling, exploring different cultures, staying physically active, and spending time with family and friends. Having lived and worked in Germany, Switzerland, and the United States, I particularly enjoy discovering new places and learning from people with different backgrounds. Living in Switzerland also provides wonderful opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and appreciate the country's beautiful landscapes.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know.
Despite my academic background and interest in scientific research, I have always been fascinated by gorillas. Their remarkable intelligence, complex social structures, and extraordinary strength make them my favorite animals. I find it fascinating how these powerful animals combine physical strength with sophisticated social behavior.