Tejbir Singh Pannu, MD, MS
Orthopaedic Surgery Resident Physician
Larkin Community Hospital, NSU
Miami, FL
How has the AAOS helped you during residency?
I was introduced to AAOS even before starting my orthopaedic surgery training, consistently given an opportunity to present podiums on the research findings at the annual academy meetings. It is interesting how the research presented at AAOS Annual Meetings eventually makes its way into the reading materials and tested questions on the boards. With the development of the ROCK curriculum, resident education has improved immensely. This is a great source not only to prepare for OITEs but also to expand on the overall knowledge and gain a conceptual framework.
As a Resident Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
While I use ROCK for everyday reading, I routinely reference the Yellow Journal for new developments. The AAOS Now supplement is a great resource for a succinct review of the new research. The Annual Meeting is an excellent way to catch up on the practice-altering research studies from all over the world.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
The best advice ever given to me was from my mentor, Dr. Carlos A. Higuera, Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. I still remember him saying to me, “Speak as little as you can, let your work and achievements make all the noise”. This has never faded away in my memory and is there to stay for the rest of my career in orthopaedic surgery.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
Not one, several. If I am ever stuck on something, I always like to take a short break and handle the situation shortly thereafter, an opportunity to approach in a different manner and solve it. I love my Celsius drinks, espressos, and protein shakes, they are fuel for my turbo engine.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
Balance. While it’s important to work tirelessly in orthopaedic surgery training, finding a good balance between work and personal life is pertinent. I don’t want to compromise on any aspect of my training and am currently, trying to develop habits to reach the best possible balance. Be it waking up extremely early to catch up on the ignored subjects before OR or clinic day or finding a few minutes to call my family in one of the drives between hospitals.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
Horse riding, weight training, singing/songwriting, cooking (if there is time, hardly ever), experiencing new cuisines.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I used to sing in all major events and festivals at my medical school. It's still etched in my mind when I performed one time, and a good friend of mine said, "Nice lip syncing". He was surprised when I told him that I was actually singing to the beat myself, without the background vocals of the original artist.