Jacob Hartline, MD
Orthopedic Surgery Resident, PGY-4
University of Maryland
Baltimore, MD
Member Since: 2020
How has the AAOS helped you during residency?
First, the AAOS has been a foundational part of my education as an orthopedic trainee through the various resources offered, covering everything from in-training exam prep to early career guidance. I was fortunate enough to attend the Annual Meeting this past year where I was able to engage with and learn from the leaders in our field.
As a Resident Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
Like a majority of residents across the country, ResStudy has been a staple of my in-training/board preparation. The JAAOS Yellow Journal is one of the first resources I turn to before taking a deep dive on a specific topic. Finally, as I begin to turn my focus to life after residency, I’ve found the ACCELERATE tool to be very helpful in seeing what the current job market looks like.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
Never stop challenging yourself. As soon as you become complacent and stop taking on difficult endeavors, the things that used to be easy for you will eventually become hard. This was from one of my residency mentors regarding clinical practice, although I believe this applies to every facet of life.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
I read a book recently discussing how bad our attention spans and ability to think deeply have become, in large part due to technology and social media. When I have to do something I know requires deep thinking, I’ve become more intentional with setting aside time to be free from distractions, hiding my phone somewhere I can’t see it, and, most importantly, making sure my coffee’s strong.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
I’m trying to read or listen to podcasts on completely non-orthopedic-related topics more often. As a resident, it’s all too easy to become locked in on the field we’re trying to master. I think being well-rounded and engaged with the rest of the world is crucial to being a good surgeon and a good human.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
I’m trying to shake off the rust of years of living a junior resident lifestyle to get back into marathoning. I’m an avid Georgia football fan and Memphis Grizzlies fan which has been exhilarating and disappointing, respectively. As a now four-year Marylander, I spend a lot of time testing the culinary limits of Old Bay.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
Don’t tell anybody but, despite being born and raised in Tennessee, I don’t like country music.