Dan Viola, MD, PhD, MBA
Oncological Orthopaedic Surgeon
Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP)
Sao Paulo (SP), Brazil
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
AAOS played an important role in my development. My first contact with AAOS was in 2005, during my Observer Fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (NY/USA). At that time, the residents and fellows showed off exclusive resources available on the site, such as JAAOS, CME programs, the bookstore, and some classes. As soon as I returned to Brazil I started to be a member and in 2007 I went to my first AAOS Meeting. During the last 15 years, AAOS has helped me to keep up to date in Orthopedic Surgery and to deepen in Orthopaedic Oncology Surgery. In addition, discussions about quality and practice management allowed me to create a safety environment mindset in Orthopaedic Surgery. Also, AAOS helped me to create a very good network in Orthopaedic Surgery.
As an International Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
As an International Member I use a lot of the resources on the website. First, the JAAOS and CORR present up-to-date papers as excellent sources for actualization. Second, I watch the AAOS webinars and OVT Plus Videos about surgical techniques. I used to go to AAOS and MSTS meetings and next year I hope to be there in person.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
A few years ago, when I was visiting HSS (NY/USA), Dr. Mathias Bostrom said something I carry with me throughout my professional life. The most important asset for a Surgeon is his reputation. And reputation isn't just very brilliant results, it's how you practice medicine. We need to stay patient-focused and carry out best practices every day, with every patient.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
I understand that to be productive you need to do everything with passion. If you like the work, you will be satisfied, and you can be creative. Pleasure at work makes hard days smoother.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
I'm trying to get into the habit of street running. I believe it's an easy and inexpensive way to exercise. However, it is important to be evaluated by a physician before starting training.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
In my spare time I like to hike in the Parks with my family. Also, I like to cook for my family and friends on the weekends.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I had many minor accidents and suffered several fractures during my childhood. My doctor once said, "You must be an Orthopaedic Surgeon to see how difficult it is to take care of a child like you." Today I understand this prophecy.