Why did you join AAOS?
I joined AAOS to become involved in the larger orthopaedic community. The AAOS has offered me numerous educational, research and networking benefits throughout my residency and helps me keep up with the latest advances in our field.
How do you define success?
Success to me is a moving target, and therefore the definition is as well. The best definition I can come up with is the ability to achieve what you set out to do, while staying adaptable enough along the way to learn from mistakes and figure out what went right. Success is sometimes in the process itself and not just the result.
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My biggest inspiration is my father, John Ostergaard. My father is a family physician in Wisconsin, and has always instilled values in me, that I continue to use each day. He is the ultimate role model, team player, leader, listener, and friend. If I am half the physician or father that he has been, I will no doubt consider my journey a success.
What do you love most about AAOS?
Again, I think what I enjoy most about AAOS is the various educational and networking benefits it provides. In addition, it helps keep me up to date through email or other online platforms about the newest developments across the field.
What advice would you give to new members of AAOS?
I would tell any new Members to embrace the educational opportunities. Whether it be through the newsletters, online continuing medical education materials, or at the Annual Meeting, the opportunities are endless.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
A fun fact about me that most people don’t know is that I love making homemade pastas and breads. It really took off during COVID times, but I have continued to dabble in all sorts of pastas and bread making over the last 1-2 years.