Lisa G.M. Friedman, MD
Orthopaedic Resident
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
How has the AAOS helped you during residency?
AAOS has helped me by connecting me with other orthopaedic surgeons, presenting me educational opportunities, and providing me a platform to present and publish my research, as well as stay updated on the latest research in the field.
As a Resident Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
I read the Journal of AAOS regularly because I believe it provides a strong background on many fundamental topics in orthopaedics. The Annual Meetings provide a valuable opportunity to share research and learn from others.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
One of my mentors, Dr. Franklin Sechriest, once told me, "I shall either find a way or make one." I think it speaks to the determination and resilience needed to be successful in orthopaedics. It takes years of training to become competent and the steadfast, diligent pursuit of excellence is required to become a proficient surgeon. Orthopaedics is also a creative endeavor. When faced with a difficult situation, often one needs to be resourceful and make their own path to find success. In surgery and in life, if an obstacle is faced, one must keep trying different approaches until a solution can be found.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
I have a 2.5-year-old son, so I try to do as much at work as I can and be present at home for him. This means I try to be as productive as possible during my downtime at work—studying, working on research, and prepping for patient care in the hours and days ahead. I also make it a habit to try to work on anything as soon as it is assigned, even if it is not due for awhile. One never knows when one is going to have to stay later than expected, or if an assignment is going to come in at the last minute, and getting work down as soon as possible allows more flexibility to take on additional projects and be available to help when opportunities and unexpected situations arise.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
I am trying to work on my sleep hygiene and bedtime routine. Like many residents, I could do a better job of going to bed at a similar time every night and could probably prioritize sleeping over wasting time on the internet.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
I love American history, particularly the Civil War. In my free time, I love reading about history, watching documentaries, and visiting battlefields and museums. I also enjoy playing and watching sports, particularly baseball and soccer, along with creative writing and trivia.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I love playing sports and grew up playing a wide variety of sports. In high school, I was the only girl on the men's varsity baseball team. I moved from Los Angeles to Minnesota for college and picked up ice hockey for the first time, having never skated before, because I was worried if I didn't pick up a winter sport, I would never leave my dorm because it was so cold. I fell in love with the sport, but I did lead the team in penalty minutes because it took me 6 weeks to learn how to stop, so I kept crashing into people.