Wakenda K. Tyler, MD, MPH, FAAOS
Associate Professor of Orthopaedics, Division Chief of Musculoskeletal Oncology and Vice Chair of Equity and Inclusion for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Deputy Editor for JAAOS, Oncology Section
Columbia University Medical Center and Herbert Irving Cancer Institute
New York, NY
Member Since: 2005
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
AAOS has helped me build connections with many of my colleagues. It has helped me find mentorship and friendship among my peers. It has also provided me with a way to contribute to the growth and development of our field, including in the areas where I have the most interest, like education. It has allowed me to give back to the field of orthopaedics through education of the younger generation.
As an Active Fellow Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
I find the Orthopaedic Video Theater helpful for both myself, but also to direct residents to use prior to more complex cases. I also like the self-assessment exams. And, of course, I utilize the annual meeting as a chance to reconnect with my colleagues and both gain and impart knowledge to and from others.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
Always keep striving to improve no matter what point in your career or life you are in. Always self-critique and review. -Carol Morris, MD, FAAOS
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
Make lists of what needs to get done and tackle the list as best you can. If you get distracted, go back to the list. I also realize now more than ever that it is okay to outsource things that can be done by others, so my own expertise can be best utilized. That can include doing the food shopping online, rather than in person if it saves a few hours, or hiring cleaning services.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit of?
Getting back to emails more timely and staying on top of those emails better. It is not my natural forte to want to communicate through a digital format, such as emails. On top of that, there are a lot of junk emails that fill up one’s in-box, so it is easy to want to steer clear of the whole thing. But important communication comes through daily on one’s email, so finding time whenever feasible to stay on top of that is important.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
Competitive running and training, snowboarding, and cooking.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I am a serious foodie. I love when I find new flavors or combinations of seasonings to work with. I love eating other people’s food creations (as long as they are vegetarian). Oh, I am a vegetarian foodie.