Sofia Bougioukli, MD, PhD

How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
AAOS is an exceptional organization, committed to providing orthopaedic surgeons at all stages of their careers with educational and professional opportunities. As an orthopaedic resident, the AAOS meeting has always been the highlight of my year. I have been attending the AAOS Annual Meetings since my PGY2 year. The annual AAOS meeting is an outstanding opportunity for orthopaedic residents to present their research findings to the orthopaedic community and interact with peers and mentors coming from all over the world. During these meetings, I had the opportunity to present our research work, and learn about the innovative work of other research teams, which led to exciting conversations with world-renowned orthopaedic surgeons. Furthermore, the AAOS meetings have strengthened my fund of knowledge, helped me keep up with the latest advancements in hand surgery by the masters in the field, while also allowing me to connect with leaders in our field, an opportunity that has been paramount in achieving my professional goals.

As a Fellowship Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
The JAAOS review articles have been my go-to resource when doing some background reading for cases or departmental conferences. I also find practice questions from prior OITE exams in the AAOS website particularly helpful in preparing for the OITE and Part I of the board examination.

What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from? 
My father used to say that you don’t get what you wish for, but what you work for. As a female, international medical graduate from Greece, this simple advice has helped me overcome the odds and get to where I am today. Building a strong work ethic, being a team player, and always trying to do what is best for your patients will get you places.

What’s your go-to productivity trick?
I review the week that lies ahead every Saturday morning and make a list of tasks that I need to accomplish. I also set reminders for myself for upcoming deadlines. That helps keep me motivated and on track since I know what to expect on a daily basis and don’t end up being overwhelmed, trying to figure out how to best divide my time between clinical duties, studying, and research. Finally, during residency, whenever I wanted to do some serious studying or research, I would go to Norris Medical Library at the USC medical campus, with an iced, double espresso and my “Two Cellos” playlist. I am currently in the process of finding my new study spot in Ann Arbor.

What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
I try to exercise for at least 30 minutes on a daily basis.

What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
I have always enjoyed traveling and try to do so at every given opportunity. I love visiting historical sites, learning about art and history, experiencing new cultures, and meeting new people. Moreover, I am a big fan of swimming, preferably in the sea, and recently love hiking. Last, I am a keen cook; I like experimenting with different ingredients and cooking styles but my expertise is Mediterranean cuisine.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I hold a music degree and used to be in a band, singing and playing the oud in local festivals and coffee shops.