Diane Ismat Ghanem, MD
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Member Since: 2023
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
Through national meetings and symposiums, the AAOS has helped me connect with peers and established professionals in the field. These events acted as key opportunities for mentorship and collaboration.
As an International Resident Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
AAOS provides a comprehensive set of tailored educational resources. The ones I’ve used most are the Resident Orthopaedic Core Knowledge online portal, ResStudy, journals such as JAAOS, and various online courses and webinars. By covering a wide range of topics, from basic science to clinical practice guidelines, these resources support not only my research endeavors but also my learning and preparation for board exams.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
My current mentor Dr Babar Shafiq – orthopaedic trauma surgeon at The Johns Hopkins Hospital – gave me this insightful piece of advice: “It’s not about balance, it’s about shifting priorities.”
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
Using a planner to keep track of tasks and prioritizing them according to the Eisenhower Matrix is an efficient way to increase productivity. Taking breaks and, for me, exercising regularly are key to boosting and maintaining productivity over time.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
Keep it light – you don’t need to “keep pushing” as long as you “keep doing”.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
As a former soccer and futsal player for the Lebanese Women’s National Teams, I joined the “Baltimore Royals” women’s professional futsal team and still find some time to play coed soccer with friends and colleagues. I also enjoy horseback riding, traveling, and writing.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I speak four languages and if I get too comfortable you might hear all of them in one sentence!