Brett D. Steineman, PhD
Instructor
Hospital for Special Surgery
New York, NY
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
The AAOS has helped me transition from an intern at an orthopaedic implant company into my academic career. I remember when the annual meeting for the AAOS overlapped for a day with ORS. I was able to interact with my old colleagues and feel comfortable walking around the floor talking to other companies while I was preparing for the more basic science meeting. As an early-stage investigator, I am sure that the AAOS will continue to help me as I advance in my career.
As an Affiliated Professional Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
I probably haven’t taken full advantage of all the resources that the AAOS provides yet, but the annual meeting has been the most beneficial so far. The annual meeting for the AAOS is an opportunity for me to learn from and interact with clinicians, researchers, and innovators all in one place.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
I don’t remember who I got it from, but I think the best advice I received (or at least the most impactful) was in high school and it was, “Never be satisfied.” I credit this mentality for my success so far and as motivation to push myself towards more opportunities and responsibilities.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
I certainly haven’t figured out how to be the most productive all the time yet, but I know that I am at my best when I make time to exercise in the early mornings before I do anything else. If I get a good, hard workout completed in the morning, then the hardest part of my day is over, I can feel accomplished throughout my workday, and everything else during my day seems easier.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
I am trying to get into the habit of reading one research article per day, regardless of how busy I am or what I need to do on any given day. It is too easy to get consumed in your own work and wait until right before writing a paper to review the literature. I would like to develop this habit to stay up to date on research as best as I can and be prepared for developing new ideas or writing manuscripts.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
I enjoy designing and making things, whether that is through woodworking, 3D printing, or painting. I enjoy remaining active through organized sports like softball or golf. I also enjoy reading mostly nonfiction books but have a bad habit of not finishing them before moving on to the next one.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
My first job was as a lifeguard at 14, which I kept doing for almost a decade because I was too lazy to do anything else until I got into engineering.