Sriharsha Duddilla Sripadrao, MS
Medical College of Georgia
Augusta, Georgia
Member Since: 2024
Why did you join AAOS?
I joined AAOS to become part of a close knit community of medical students, residents, and attendings who are passionate about orthopaedics. Also, the organization’s commitment to advocacy aligns with my interest in shaping healthcare policy to improve patient care. Additionally, AAOS provides access to cutting-edge orthopaedic research and surgical advancements, which I believe are crucial for staying at the forefront of the field.
What are you looking forward to most about AAOS?
I’m most looking forward to AAOS’ Annual Orthopaedic Advocacy Week and engaging with the AAOS Advocacy Action Center. As someone passionate about health policy and organized medicine, I’m excited to see where AAOS makes the biggest impact on healthcare policy and how we can continue advocating for policies that improve patient care. Whether it’s addressing surgical access, musculoskeletal health initiatives, or reimbursement challenges, I’m eager to be involved in shaping the future of orthopaedic surgery through advocacy.
What interested you about orthopaedics?
My passion for orthopaedics started with martial arts. As a second-degree black belt, I had to complete an instructional certification course that included learning about common musculoskeletal injuries in martial arts. A pivotal moment for me was creating a 3D clay model of the muscles, bones, and neurovasculature of the forearm. Through this process, I developed a deep appreciation for biomechanics, injury prevention, and surgical repair.
Beyond martial arts, my interest in orthopaedics can be traced back to childhood. My dad used to call me a "mechanical freak" because I was obsessed with breaking things apart and putting them back together using various tools. I was fascinated by how things worked and had an innate drive to fix and optimize mechanisms—whether it was a toy, a remote control, or a bicycle. That same hands-on, problem-solving mindset directly translates to orthopaedic surgery, where the ability to restore form and function is at the core of the specialty.
I've also had 3 knee surgeries because of athletics!
What is the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
One of the best pieces of advice I ever received came from my martial arts instructor, who told me: “Success isn’t about avoiding discomfort—it’s about choosing the struggle that leads to growth.”
This philosophy has shaped how I approach both medicine and life. Whether it’s doing what I believe is right, preparing for a challenging day during medical school, or advocating for patients, I remind myself that every worthwhile achievement requires effort and persistence. The temporary challenges of discipline always lead to greater rewards than the lasting weight of missed opportunities.
What's one thing you're currently trying to make a habit?
I’m trying to take a cold shower every morning. Since I recently started rotations and don’t drink caffeine, I needed a way to wake up and stay sharp for long days in the hospital. It’s definitely a challenge, but I’ve found that it helps me stay alert and improves my focus.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
I am a sports geek. I love watching or playing any and every sport. I'm also a martial artist with a background in karate, kickboxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and Silat. I also love dance, having been a captain and choreographer for a Bollywood fusion dance team, as well as a hip-hop and Bollywood instructor. Additionally, I enjoy runway modeling, obstacle course running (Tough Mudder and Spartan races), chess, and pencil drawing.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know!
I once ate 15 pancakes in one sitting because I lost my fantasy football league. I couldn't look at an IHOP for a whole year after.