Yasser Ali Elbatrawy, MD, PhD
Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Head of Orthopaedic Department
Al-Azhar University
Cairo, Egypt
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
AAOS has played a very important role in my practical life for many years. In 1997, I became a member of AAOS and was exposed to its scientific activities. I attended the Annual Meeting and the Specialty Days. I explored the great online scientific materials. All of these increased my social network as well as my scientific knowledge.
I was able to do fellowships in the best centers in the US for my specialty: limb lengthening and deformity correction. A few years later, after I returned to my country, Egypt, I mastered my specialty and I have published many scientific studies with innovations and tricks in the field. I have also worked as an editor to the specialty scientific journals.
Every week, for many years, I have received a patient from abroad who traveled by plane to Cairo for treatment with me: either a mom carrying her baby, a young boy with a congenital or post-traumatic bone problem, or a girl who wants to be taller and wishes to do cosmetic lengthening.
In time, I became a well-known specialist worldwide with many invitations to give lectures, teach workshops, or do demonstration surgeries.
As an International Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
First of all, I used to attend the Annual Meeting which is full of knowledge. I used to plan for what sessions I would attend in person. Later, I would gather online what I had missed.
The Orthopaedic Knowledge Update is one of the best resources for increasing the knowledge of any orthopaedic surgeon.
The AAOS website is full of videos and studies that can fulfill the scientific satisfaction of any orthopaedic surgeon who is looking to develop their knowledge and skills.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
It was from my dear mentor, Professor Maurizio Catagni. I was his fellow in 2001, and we had a complex reconstruction operation to do together. Before the operation, I told him, “It is really too difficult!”
He looked at me and said, “Nothing is difficult. There are some things that you know how to do and some things that you do not know. You learn how to do it first, and it will be easy to do.”
Second best advice was from Professor Ponseti from Iowa, whose techniques changed the management of clubfoot worldwide. When I asked him, “What is the best time to start manipulation and casting for a baby with clubfoot?”
He joked, “If the baby is in breech position, and the club foot comes out first, start manipulation before the head comes out.”
The message was very clear: Earlier manipulation will have the best outcome!
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
Going to sleep early after fully preparing for the tasks of the next day. Then, waking up early and starting work as early as possible, while being precise and caring about the fine details. That really makes a difference.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
Practicing sports. It’s important, not only physically, but also mentally and psychologically.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
Reading and playing squash.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
Although I am an orthopaedic surgeon who deals with trauma patients, if I see someone killing an animal, or even just a chicken or a turkey, I will pass out like a baby.