Acácio JC Ramos, MD
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Lisbon, Portugal
Why did you join AAOS?
As a very young Resident, once I found out about AAOS I decided to apply for membership for the access to online updated quality learning resources that is offered.
How do you define success?
Talking about medicine and orthopaedic surgery and the obvious benchmarks perceived by patients and peers and the quality of the work that one is developing. If, by the end of the day, I can say that I genuinely helped a patient, a peer, or a Resident, I would say “it was a good day”.
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
Understanding inspiration as the process of being mentally stimulated to do something, especially to do something creative. My drive is patient needs, Residents, other peer’s challenges and most of all, my wife and kids. Without these, I would probably be lost and stagnant.
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
First, it was very useful in the understanding process and dynamics of scientific learning in the context of the AAOS Annual Meeting. It was fascinating to see the differences between European and American models of sharing knowledge. Secondly, a substantial part of my certification process, both nationally and at the European level, depended on the content available through AAOS.
What advice would you give to new members of AAOS?
Dive deep into the resources of the Academy. If you're looking to solve a particular problem (either from clinical, scientific, ethical, career, academic, or management perspective), look for the contributions that others have already made before assuming that you’re the first one to face this obstacle. Most likely your best answer can be found in the AAOS resources. After getting experience, don’t forget to give back and help because even a small contribution can make all the difference for someone who is starting.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
During a small fellowship outside of Portugal in my residency period, I was observing a new technique that was very interesting. I decided to take a picture, but I was stopped by a staff member. During my conversation with him, I realized that I was being confused with some kind of spy!