Alireza Nazemi, MD, MS
Orthopaedic Surgery Resident
Stony Brook University Hospital
Stony Brook, NY
How has the AAOS helped you during residency?
The AAOS has started me off on the right foot from the beginning. In medical school, one of my research projects was accepted to the AAOS Annual Meeting, and after this I was continuously in this organization. The opportunities available through the AAOS have allowed me to meet like-minded residents, fellows, and attending surgeons that are active in the orthopaedic surgery community.
As a Resident Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
I use the AAOS Resident Orthopaedic Core Knowledge (ROCK) outlines often. I find the high-yield summaries of topics to be great compliments to doing practice questions. I also enjoy the videos that delve deeper into the topics.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
"Time is the greatest equalizer". I still remember hearing this from my mentors in medical school when I asked them how they balance busy lives in orthopaedic surgery with research endeavors and spending time with family. Knowing the importance of time management early on made it easier for me to navigate the challenges of medical school and orthopaedic surgery residency.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
I set goals by short, medium, and long-term. Then I check back weekly to make sure that I am accomplishing those goals. This is a good way to ensure that I am making progress and setting aside time for what is most important.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
I recently started listening to podcasts about orthopaedic surgery. These have been great ways to hear more about interesting topics from experts in the field. In addition, they make driving around much more enjoyable!
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
I truly enjoy being active. My hobbies include playing golf, basketball, tennis, and lifting weights.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I played basketball with Adam Sandler, and he is pretty good!