Armin Akbarzadeh, MD, MPH

Why did you join AAOS?

For me, Membership with the AAOS means to be in the big family of orthopaedic surgeons where I can improve my knowledge and surgical skills. Also, it gives me the opportunity to network with the best orthopaedic surgeons from all over the world and to "Stand on the shoulders of giants".

How do you define success?

I believe that success is not a destination, but a process, the process of growth and improvement to be a better version of yourself. It is the key factor leading you to a balanced life from different perspectives, which is not only limited to your professional career but also assists you in your personal life among family and friends.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

My biggest inspiration are my parents. My father is an engineer, and my mother is a housewife. They taught me the value of altruism, commitment, and dedication. I think you do not have to achieve extraordinary success to be considered as a role model. The main characteristic feature of an individual is his or her attitudes which represent his/her personality, and it is independent of his or her nationality, religion, socioeconomic status, or education level.

What do you love most about AAOS?

The AAOS organization has provided a useful educational platform for all orthopaedic surgeons, whether you are a junior resident or a senior surgeon in a subspecialty area. The AAOS is a society beyond geographical and political boundaries that allows orthopaedic surgeons to keep in touch and share their knowledge and expertise.

What advice would you give to new members of AAOS?

Being an AAOS member is a unique opportunity to take advantage of various educational resources such as webinars, journals, and tutorial videos. Utilize the user-friendly platform of AAOS to classify and organize your learning.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?

When I was a kid, I had severe trauma to my dominant hand, and doctors told my family that it might get amputated. However, thanks to the great job of my orthopaedic surgeon, my hand not only has survived, but is also doing orthopaedic surgeries now!