Ali Zarezadeh, MD
Spine Surgery Fellow
University of Colorado
Denver, CO
Why did you join AAOS?
AAOS is the largest professional organization for orthopaedic surgeons. It provides valuable resources to the members at all stages of their professional life.
How do you define success?
Success is being able to do what you enjoy every day and be surrounded by people you love.
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My biggest inspirations are my parents. My father, who is an orthopaedic hand surgeon, showed me selflessness and patient care. I learned devotion and love from my mother.
Professionally, C. Parker Gibbs, MD, has been a mentor, inspiration, and role model for me during the past ten years.
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
As a young surgeon, I have used the educational resources offered by the academy, made connections during the Annual Meeting, and used the Career Center to plan for the future.
What advice would you give to new members of the AAOS?
Try to know the resources available to you and utilize them as best you can. Go to the Annual Meetings, meet colleagues, and find mentors to shape your professional future. And finally, contribute as much as you can to improve the AAOS resources for the younger generation of orthopaedic surgeons.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know.
I am fascinated by aviation and enjoy reading about airplanes engineering, design, and aviation science.