James L. Cook, DVM, PhD
William & Kathryn Allen Distinguished Chair in Orthopaedic Surgery
Director of the Thompson Laboratory for Regenerative Orthopaedics
Missouri Orthopaedic Institute
Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
Being part of the AAOS as an affiliate member has provided excellent clinical insight, application, and validation for our translational research; allowed me to establish an international network of collaborators and colleagues; and served as an excellent forum for peer-review, dissemination, and acceptance of our work.
As an Affiliated Professional Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
I primarily use resources provided through the AAOS website, emails, social media posts, and the Annual meeting.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
My mom always told me “Treat every human being with love and respect.”
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
Clarify action items, resolve them at the first reasonable opportunity, and move on.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
Turning my cell phone off during dinner and when driving.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
Building schools in the developing world – http://www.bethechangevolunteers.org
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I was a professional water-skier for 5 years!