Kamali Thompson, MD, MBA
PGY-2 Orthopedic Surgery Resident
Temple University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA
How has the AAOS helped you during residency?
Some of my most memorable moments in orthopaedics occurred at the AAOS Annual Meetings. I was fortunate to attend several annual meetings in medical school to present research projects and I received a research grant from the JRGOS. The extensive network through the AAOS has provided a lot of guidance through residency.
As a Resident Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
ResStudy is without a doubt a favorite amongst all my mentors. When I started residency, it was highly recommended and I’m glad I listened! ResStudy has been an effective study tool for rotations as well as the OITE.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
One of the best pieces of advice I received was from my medical school dean. The beginning of our third year she told us to get comfortable being uncomfortable. In residency we're constantly learning, thrown into new clinical situations/surgeries, and don’t have the experience to know how to handle every scenario. The more adaptable you can be, the easier situations become.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
My go-to productivity trick is to schedule out my week (almost to the hour) on Sundays. This allows me to know exactly what needs to get done during the week and how much time I have. It helps me stay on task and build personal time into my schedule during the week.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
I want to get into the habit of exploring new spaces in Philadelphia. Residency can be exhausting. It’s easy to fall into a rut of staying in the house on our days off. I want to get in the habit of going somewhere new at least once a month so I can explore the city, re-energize, and have no regrets about my time spent in residency.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
I just recently retired from fencing for Team USA and I'm currently in search of a new hobby! I really enjoy tennis (because it's just like fencing) and want to start taking lessons. I also want to start dancing again, a hobby I had as a child.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I was a model in a Gentle Monster fashion show during New York Fashion Week a couple of years ago. It was a great (and nerve-racking) experience. I was happy to check it off my bucket list!