Austin Q. Nguyen, MD
Orthopaedic Surgery Resident Physician
Houston Methodist Hospital
Houston, TX
Member Since: 2023
How has the AAOS helped you during residency?
One of the most valuable aspects of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has been the sense of community it provides. Through its educational resources and networking opportunities, AAOS has supported both my clinical training and professional growth throughout residency.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
The best advice I’ve received comes from my faith and from my parents, who often reminded me of Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” That verse has guided me through residency by reminding me to pursue excellence with purpose, integrity, and perseverance.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
My go-to productivity strategies are Pomodoro intervals for focused work, spaced repetition for long-term retention, and the method of loci for organizing complex information. These techniques have been so impactful in my own training that I’ve also incorporated them into educational resources through SnapOrtho, a start-up focused on increasing early exposure to learning orthopaedic surgery, to help others learn more efficiently.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
I’m currently trying to build a more intentional work-life rhythm that balances family, research, and entrepreneurial projects while still prioritizing becoming the best surgeon I can be for my patients. That means being more disciplined about protecting time, focusing on high-yield work, and being fully present in each role rather than trying to multitask everything at once.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy traveling with my wife, spending time with family, golfing, and playing tennis and pickleball to stay active. I also follow and cheer for Chicago sports teams, which keeps me connected to home and helps me unwind outside of residency.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
During medical school, I co-founded Medical School Partners LLC, an educational tutoring and advising company I started in 2021 with my best friend, who I’ve known since high school and attended college with. We’ve continued to run it together throughout residency, focused on helping pre-med and medical students succeed on exams and in their training.