Lessons in Orthopaedic Leadership: An AOA Podcast The American Orthopaedic Association

Dr. Alex Jahangir, MD, FAOA, an Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, spoke with Dr. Douglas W. Lundy, MD, MBA, FAOA, about the governmental influence on change of culture in orthopaedics.
Dr. Jahangir shared his experience as the Chair of the Board of Health and the COVID-19 Taskforce, during the global pandemic. Taking on this government position allowed Dr. Jahangir to see what matters most to the community of Nashville regarding Health and Safety. He found that physicians need to build relationships with patients so they can have trust in the methods that doctors advocate for. A sense of trust and transparency between government officials and the community are also a necessity to address everyone’s issues. Dr. Jahangir is optimistic about the future of orthopaedics and believes that establishing good relationships and civil discourse are an investment in the successful future of the orthopaedic profession.  

Deana Mercer, MD, FAOA, Professor at the University of New Mexico at Albuquerque and Hand and Upper Extremity Surgeon, spoke with Douglas W. Lundy MD, MBA, FAOA, to discuss the misogynistic culture of the orthopaedic specialty. Dr. Mercer explains the changing norms of society and how young orthopaedic surgeons can adjust their views to succeed. Rather than focusing on diversity, biases, and difficulties, orthopaedic departments need to give women the tools to succeed, build their confidence, and empower them to be successful orthopaedic surgeons. Dr. Mercer believes that all prospective orthopaedic surgeons need to engage, challenge others, and be a part of the discussion. 

Drs. Douglas W. Lundy, MD, MBA, FAOA and Aaron Brandt, MD, sat down with Dr. Matthew R. Schmitz, MD, FAOA to discuss the development of two new Lessons in Leadership Podcast Series. Dr. Lundy discussed his intention to interview different leaders on the topic of the future in orthopaedics. This primarily involves changes in culture, employment, and technology—factors that have a major effect on the careers of orthopaedic surgeons. Dr. Brandt indicates that different leaders will be interviewed on the best ways to develop skills early in their practice. This includes addressing the importance of meaningful mentorships, finding success at your first job, and being as productive and efficient as possible. By interviewing these leaders about their early career best practices, Dr. Brandt’s goal is to give young orthopaedic surgeons valuable and relevant information as they evolve in their practice. 

Matthew R. Schmitz, MD, FAOA, sat down with the Chief of Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, Neil P. Sheth, MD, FAOA, to discuss ways that young orthopaedic surgeons can be efficient early in their practice. Throughout their conversation, they articulate three key points to being efficient: managing your attention and energy, finding a work-life balance, and using your time wisely by creating good habits. Not only do they share their tips on finding efficiency early in your career, but they provide real life examples of how they implemented these points in their own lives. 

AOA President, Ann Van Heest, MD, FAOA, connected with Australian Orthopaedic Association (AOA) Past President, Dr. Chris Morrey, to discuss their new programs that have been put into place to diversify the orthopaedic specialty, how the AOA is trying to improve healthcare in regional/rural areas, and how they implemented competency based training into their healthcare system. The Australian Orthopaedic Association is hopeful that the future of orthopaedics will continue to improve by training a diverse, competent fleet of surgeons. to provide equitable healthcare. 

AOA President Ann Van Heest, MD, FAOA, connected with New Zealand Orthopaedic Association (NZOA) President, Haemish Crawford, FRACS, to discuss the structure of orthopaedics in New Zealand, the status of the workforce, and the best way to provide value to young orthopaedic surgeons. The discussion led to an in-depth conversation about the challenges New Zealand orthopaedic surgeons are dealing with, including a lack of healthcare providers, inability to find employment after training, and the lack of resources needed to create a better infrastructure.