Olivia Okoli, BA
Stanford University School of Medicine
Stanford, CA
Member Since: 2023
Why did you join AAOS?
As a medical student, I was looking for ways to increase my exposure to and understanding of the world of orthopedic surgery. I was especially hoping to increase my network of mentors and surgeons whose work and careers could continue to inspire me along my path to an orthopedic surgery residency. In addition, as an AAOS member, I also gained access to events, instructional courses, webinars, and many more resources that could guide me at this stage of my career and will continue to be a resource for me into residency and beyond. I am continually learning the importance of mentorship and access to resources, and was grateful to find a hub that could provide me access to much of this, in the form of AAOS.
What are you looking forward to most about AAOS?
I’m looking forward to the opportunity to engage with the expert and diverse community within AAOS. The ability to learn from thought leaders, pioneers, and innovators in orthopedic surgery is invaluable. The organization's commitment to advancing the field through education, research, and advocacy aligns with my goals of becoming a well-rounded orthopedic surgeon. Furthermore, the networking opportunities within AAOS will allow me to gain mentors and meet and collaborate with my peers who are passionate about advancing orthopedic practice and improving outcomes for patients.
What interested you about orthopaedics?
I was an athlete for most of my life, and still enjoy working out. Despite benefitting immensely from amazing orthopedic care that enabled me to persevere through multiple injuries, I was not initially considering orthopedics. However, during my first year of medical school, I happened to choose a spine surgeon to shadow for one of my surgery intro classes. And I loved it. The combination of the intricate understanding of the underlying anatomy required, the analytical thinking and ability to think on your feet needed, and the surgical skill and dexterity demonstrated. In addition, it gave me a profound appreciation of the resilience of the human body and the manipulation and forces it is able to withstand. As I explored other subspecialties, I continued to feel this same level of interest and awe. My background in athletics helped me frame these experiences from the perspective of someone living with an injury or physical disability, and I felt great potential to be able to contribute to the well-being and quality of life of others through the musculoskeletal system. In addition, everyone I met was excited to share the field with me and engage me in their work.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
I recently started business school (I am an MD/MBA dual degree student). On our first day, as the Dean addressed the entering class, one of the pieces of advice they gave was “And when you leave don’t forget why you came”. The quote itself is from Adlai Stevenson. It was profound to me because I think it can be applied to all experiences and interactions in life. It served as a reminder to me to live life with intentionality, within the framework of goals and core values that I set for myself. It is key advice for me as I set upon my dual degree, but I also regard it within the context of my life overall.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
I am a big fan of lists. Whether I’m trying to get personal tasks done or study, I like to list out all my ‘big-ticket’ items/objectives as a way to make sure I understand my overall goals for the task ahead and to give me a framework to move through it.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
Making time each evening to reflect on the day that has passed and highlight experiences and interactions that I am grateful for.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
I used to run track and continue to enjoy working out avidly. I also love to cook and love a good series on Netflix when I have time
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I’ve played/engaged in many sports in my life, but my ‘first love’ and one of the sports I am most passionate about still is gymnastics. I love watching gymnastics and comparing the evolution of styles and skills over time.