Carlos E. Gonzalez Rivera Sr, MD
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Hospital Christu Muguerza Alta Especialidad
Monterrey, Nuevo León
México
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
AAOS has helped my career by making me aware of all the progress that is going on in Orthopaedics. Its educational events, journals, and academic materials has made a great evolution on me, well beyond my colleagues here in my city. For me, it is always very important to stay in contact with the Academy so I can keep my career up to date.
As an International Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
I use JAAOS, because for me, its articles are very didactic and updated, and I completely trust the information that is there. I also use the OVT because it makes my procedures have much more quality, and I also use the techniques journal, because there is always something new to learn.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
"Never say you can´t, even if you don’t know how to do it, in such a case you go and learn it and then you do it" This is from one of my resident teammates.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
I struggle a lot for making things, because of procrastination, but when I start doing it then there is nothing that stops me. So, my trick is just to start, and then once I begin, my other trick is "deep work", I work totally focused on the matter for 2 or 3 hours without distractions, and with this I can get things done.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
I have three little children, ages 5, 2, and 3 months. So, my wife and I are really learning how to be parents. So, this is the habit I am trying to develop. It has been hard, but we are enjoying it. Speaking about my job precisely, I am trying to develop this "deep work" thing, so I can be more productive in academics.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
I really don’t have much time for me, but I read every time I can, and my other hobby is to spend time with my wife and children.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I am a cat person, and I have a cat at home even though my wife doesn't want the cat. This is fun because she gets angry at the cat, but the cat is still there.