Xiao (Tony) Chen, MD
Orthopaedic Surgery Resident, PGY2
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, MN

How has the AAOS helped you during residency?
AAOS provides a variety of great academic resources and networking opportunities. Most recently, I attended the AAOS 2023 Annual Meeting and had the chance to present my research, catch up with old mentors, learn about upcoming developments in the field, find inspiration for new research ideas, and attend a number of incredibly educational instructional course lectures.

As a Resident Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
I enjoy reading JAAOS® review articles for quick, comprehensive brush ups on various orthopaedic topics. I am also starting to use ResStudy for OITE preparation. In the future, I hope to attend some of the AAOS surgical skills courses. 

What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
Dr. Jay R. Lieberman, one of my key orthopaedic surgery mentors during medical school, told me to always be impeccably dressed, the first to arrive, the last to leave. He also stressed the importance of stepping up, going the extra mile, and doing whatever it takes to get the job done. This may seem like simple advice, but it has helped me establish a reputation for being hard working, trustworthy, and reliable, which is something I take great pride in. My parents also raised me to treat everyone with respect and listen to all different perspectives, and I think this has helped me develop a great rapport with the people I work with on a daily basis. 

What’s your go-to productivity trick?
When I need to be productive over the weekend, I'll go to the orthopedic workroom in our hospital which has a quiet, spacious area with dual monitors that puts me mentally in the zone to get work done. Also, matcha green tea, noise-cancelling headphones, and the Peaceful Piano playlist on Spotify. 

What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
I am currently trying to wake up at the same time every day to establish better sleep hygiene. Let's just say it's a work in progress. 

What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
Basketball, weightlifting, trail running, reading, traveling, and cooking. 

Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I trained in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from college through medical school but stopped when COVID hit. I hope to get back to them eventually, but in the meantime, I occasionally go to a local open mat with one of my co-residents for a good sparring session.