Shafic Sraj, MD, MBA
Immediate Past President, West Virgnia State Medical Association
Vice President, West Virginia Orthopaedic Society
Associate Professor, Dept. of Orthopaedics
Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery
Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
West Virginia University Orthopaedics,
Morgantown, WV
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
The AAOS has always been my go-to organization for all things Orthopaedics, be it clinical practice, professional advancement, and advocacy for musculoskeletal care. AAOS continues to be the face of our profession and the one stop for high quality information, support, and networking opportunities.
As an Associate Orthopaedic Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
I consider AAOS Now, AAOS Advocacy Now, JAAOS, and the Annual meeting to be some of the most useful AAOS resources. They allow me to stay knowledgeable about what is going on around me and what is coming down the pipe. Orthopaedic surgeons, especially those of us who limit their practice to specific areas of expertise, value timely updates in diverse areas of Orthoapedics and the AAOS facilitates that in smooth and refined ways.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
I have had many mentors during my training and career. Each one of my mentors left a mark and added to who I am right now. The one moment that probably changed my life the most was when I realized that there is a lot more to the practice of Orthopaedics, and Medicine in general, than seeing patients one at a time. This change of perspective led me to engage my peers and build connections. The AAOS allows me to be part of the action, not a bystander.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
Time management is the most effective yet trickiest 'trick'. It involves planning ahead and identifying opportunities to catch up on things that need to be done. I always carry reading material with me and use my spare time to go through them no matter where I am. I use my e-calendar extensively to make sure I fulfil my professional, social, and family responsibilities on time. Communication is also critical. I make sure that people close to me know my schedule and commitments to avoid misunderstandings and disappointments.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
I am trying my best to establish a 'me' time. I am fully aware of burnout, and I believe I have experienced it in the past. I realize the importance of self-care, yet I also know how hard it is to achieve when faced with multitudes of responsibilities. My goal is to have a somewhat protected time for exercise and I would like to learn to play a musical instrument.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
I have been reading a lot recently. Having just finished my MBA, I am intrigued by behavioral finance, the stock markets, and the economy.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
Like many foreign-born individuals, my first name is not easy for people to get. One time I waited on my Starbucks order for over 15 minutes only to realize that the barista wrote my name down as Jeff. Since then, I became Jeff every time I order something- especially at Starbucks!