Letha Y Griffin, MD, PhD, FAAOS
Orthopedic Surgeon – Sports Medicine
Peachtree Orthopedics
Atlanta, GA
Member Since: 1982
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
The AAOS has helped me in multiple ways throughout the years. Through attending AAOS Annual Meetings and participating in AAOS committees, I became friends with many orthopedists whose interests were similar to my own. These men and women have been a great source of information, offering insights into complex problems in patient care. In particular, there is a group of women orthopedists in sports medicine (The Forum) who get together at the AAOS Annual Meeting as well as at the AOSSM and AANA Annual Meetings to discuss interesting topics in the area of orthopedic sports medicine as well as have stimulating conversations on a variety of other topics.
The AAOS is also my “go-to” place for current orthopedic information. The AAOS Journals are invaluable educational aids as are in-person and online meetings. The AAOS Annual Meeting is a multi-day smorgasbord of learning including podcasts, videos, lectures, instructional courses, and posters as well as an exhibit hall where one can meet with orthopedists who are introducing new techniques or new equipment that will help to improve patient care.
What is the best advice you were ever given?
My parents instilled in their five children the importance of always giving 100% effort in whatever you are doing whether it be academics, sports, cultural or other activities. Their advice follows the old adage that if something is worth doing, it is worth doing to the best of your ability.
What is your “go-to” productivity trick?
Great things can be accomplished with a smile, a handshake, and a Diet Coke!
What have you always tried to make a habit of doing?
I have always tried to treat each patient as if they were my own mom, dad, brother, or sister. I listen to what each patient has to say and express my care and concern for each patient using my words and body language as I explain the diagnosis and options of care. I try to provide comfort and reassurance to patients through my words, my touch, and my sincerity, all of which I feel are an important part of patient care.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
What busy orthopedist has spare time?!?!
Spare time always seemed to be non-existent especially when I was younger. I was working hard in the clinic, taking calls, and covering sporting events -- all while trying to be a good mom for my two girls. Multi-tasking was a necessity. For example, when my girls were young, I found it helpful to spend time with them by taking them with me when I was covering sporting events. They often laugh and say they grew up in the training room at Georgia State University, the school for which I was the team physician for many years.
What is a fact about yourself that not many people know?
I started college as a medical technology major. However, in my senior year, I changed career paths and became a microbiology major. I got involved in the research lab in the microbiology department and was fascinated by solving research questions. Hence, I stayed at The Ohio State University and got my master's and doctorate degrees in immunology while working as a teaching fellow. It was during this time that medicine caught my attention, and so I changed directions once again and went to medical school. When asked by students worried that they may not want to be in the career path that they initially chose, I am quick to give them the advice my parents gave me which was, to give 100% to what you are now doing. That is, finish your present courses in good standing while investigating other areas in which you might be interested. If you give 100% in your present studies, you can then more easily change to another field. It is often difficult when you first enter college to know what will fascinate and excite you as a lifelong career path.