Halil Ibrahim Bulut, MD, MS
Medical Student
Istanbul, Turkey
Member Since: 2024
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has played a pivotal role in shaping and enhancing my dream in numerous ways. Firstly, the wealth of resources available through the AAOS's online library has been invaluable. Before every operation, I have extensively utilized this resource to deepen my understanding of various surgical procedures. By accessing a vast repository of knowledge, I could thoroughly grasp the intricacies of each surgery, enhancing my confidence and proficiency in the operating room.
Moreover, beyond its practical benefits, the AAOS has served as a catalyst for my professional growth and aspirations. Immersing myself in the AAOS community has inspired me to aspire towards a career as an academic and innovative orthopedic surgeon. Through exposure to peers, mentors, and leaders in the field, I have been exposed to cutting-edge research, emerging technologies, and best practices. This exposure has not only broadened my perspective but has also fueled my passion for pushing the boundaries of orthopedic medicine.
In essence, the AAOS has been a cornerstone of my career, providing me with the knowledge, support, and motivation needed to excel in the field of orthopedic surgery. From honing my surgical skills to nurturing my ambitions, the organization has been instrumental every step of the way.
As a Medical Student Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
Surgical videos have been a cornerstone of my education, particularly during my medical school years. In the fast-paced environment of medical training, there's often limited time to fully comprehend surgical procedures in the depth that surgeons do. However, leveraging surgical videos in the perioperative setting has been instrumental in enriching my understanding of various operations.
These resources have provided me with invaluable opportunities to witness surgeries up close and in detail, offering insights that textbooks and lectures alone cannot provide.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
"Don't forget, as a surgeon, you will serve as a translator in the operating room between the god and the patients. You should be ready at all times. If you study seven days a week, you can build your miracle and raise a rose garden in a swamp." - my mentor Mehmet Haberal MD FACS who did the first transplantation of Turkey in 1975.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
My go-to productivity trick involves studying seven days a week without taking a full break day, strictly aligning my tasks to a detailed daily checklist. I plan each day meticulously at the start of the week. I developed this strategy after being inspired by the lives of Dr. Javad Parvizi and Dr. Rose, and by reading Atul Gawande's book "The Checklist Manifesto." This approach helps me maintain consistent productivity and ensures I stay on track with my goals.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
One thing I'm currently working on making a habit is daily meditation. I've recognized the immense benefits it can have on my mental well-being and overall productivity, so I'm striving to incorporate it into my daily routine.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
In my spare time, I find joy in a range of hobbies that cater to both my intellectual curiosity and physical well-being. Delving into the pages of history and geography books allows me to immerse myself in different cultures and civilizations, expanding my knowledge and understanding of the world. I have a particular passion for sea history, especially the British and Spanish expeditions, which captivate me with tales of exploration, adventure, and maritime prowess. As a fan of Captain James Cook and Spanish explorers, I find their voyages and discoveries especially fascinating and inspiring.
When I seek relaxation and a refreshing break, I turn to swimming, finding serenity in the embrace of water while also benefiting from its invigorating effects on my body and mind. Rowing provides another avenue for physical exercise and mental clarity, as I glide across the water, feeling the rhythm and power of each stroke, and connecting with nature in a profound way. Additionally, my love for sea sports keeps me active and attuned to the marine environment, blending my interests in history and physical activity.
As a child of the steppe, cycling has become my preferred method of adventure and exercise. It offers a perfect blend of both as I traverse scenic routes and revel in the freedom of the open road. There's something liberating about the wind in my hair and the rhythm of pedaling, taking me on journeys through breathtaking landscapes and allowing me to connect with nature in its purest form.
These hobbies not only bring me personal satisfaction but also contribute to my overall sense of fulfillment and balance in life.
Tell us a fun fact that not many people know?
Believe it or not, my taste in music is like a wild road trip from the heart of Texas or streets of London to the dusty roads of central-west Anatolian Steppes! I've got country tunes blasting one minute, and then I'm grooving to the lively beats of Ankara Havası or Neset Ertas the next. You could say my playlist is a musical journey that spans continents and cultures, keeping me entertained and toe-tapping wherever I go.