Jeffrey Stepan, MD
Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
University of Chicago Medical Center
Chicago, IL
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
The Academy has always been an educational resource for me. In residency, I was able to utilize ResStudy, the JAAOS® journal, and the Academy meetings themselves to enhance my educational experiences.
As a Candidate Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
Currently, I mostly utilize the journal access of CORR® and JAAOS® that a Candidate membership provides. Although I may not see direct immediate benefits, the AAOS plays an important role in advocacy for orthopaedic surgeons. I think it is important to be a part of the AAOS to support the advocacy work that is done by the organization and our colleagues.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
"Luck is hard-work meets opportunity." - College Soccer Coach David Masur. In life sometimes you have to make the most out of the opportunity that is put in front of you rather than what you imagined.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
Not necessarily a trick, but limiting all possible distractions. Close out of your EMR, close your email, turn off all notifications on your phone. That has helped me focus with much fewer distractions.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
Going to bed earlier and getting more sleep!
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
Golf, soccer, any outdoor activity.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I am a first generation American, my parents immigrated in their late teens/early 20’s to the U.S. My father from the Czech Republic and my mother from Hong Kong. They met in Jr. College in a rural town in California.