AAOS Career Podcast

Hosted by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

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Jun 2026

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About the show

The AAOS Career Podcast covers professional development topics of interest to the musculoskeletal community, from financial literacy and research opportunities to surgical skills and networking. Conversations between early-career surgeons and experienced attendings offer practical tools for guided growth in the specialty. Part of “The Bone Beat” orthopaedic podcast channel.

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48 recent

June 12, 202635 min

Guide to Surviving the Orthopaedic Surgery Fellowship Application Process

This episode of the AAOS Career Podcast, hosted by Ellen Lutnick, MD, offers orthopaedic surgery residents a practical guide to navigating the fellowship application process, featuring perspectives from two experienced fellowship program leaders: Scott P. Steinmann, MD, FAAOS, Chair of the AAOS Board of Specialty Societies Fellowship Committee, and Roman M. Natoli, MD, PhD, FAAOS, Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship Program Director at Indiana University School of Medicine and Chair of the Fellowship & Career Choices Committee for the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA). Episode highlights: Addresses common myths about the fellowship application process, including the misconceptions that more applications lead to better outcomes and that research is the most important factor, while clarifying what programs actually prioritize. Emphasizes that the in-person interview and letters of recommendation carry more weight than many applicants expect, and that "fit" between a candidate and a program is often the deciding factor. Provides advice on how to ace in-person interviews, including leveraging personal connections with the interviewers, limiting your questions, and for those who get anxious during interviews: practice, practice, practice! Explains what not to do after an interview (e.g., don’t call interviewers or send thank-you notes!). Highlights the newly introduced signaling process for fellowship applications, including its purpose and how applicants can use it strategically. Offers a preparation timeline by training year, from establishing credibility as a PGY1 or PGY2 to going all-in on applications as a PGY4. Offers encouragement to applicants, noting that the vast majority match within their top three choices. Host: Ellen Lutnick, MD, Resident Assembly Executive Committee Chair Guests: Scott P. Steinmann, MD, FAAOS, Chair, BOS Fellowship Committee; Professor Emeritus, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic Roman M. Natoli, MD, PhD, FAAOS, Associate Professor and Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship Program Director, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine; Clinical Associate Director, Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health; Chair, OTA Fellowship & Career Choices Committee

May 26, 202640 min

Mentoring Medical Students: How To Make a Lasting Impact and (Hopefully) Inspire an Interest in Ortho

This episode explores the art and responsibility of mentoring medical students in orthopaedic surgery, featuring guest Amiethab Aiyer, MD, FAAOS. Dr. Aiyer, Division Chief of Foot and Ankle Surgery in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Deputy Editor of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and founder of the widely followed OrthoMentor Instagram channel, joins host Ellen Lutnick, MD, AAOS Resident Assembly Executive Committee Chair, for a candid conversation about mentorship at every stage of training. Dr. Aiyer shares his own unexpected path to orthopaedics, pivoting late in medical school after originally planning a career in pediatric oncology, and reflects on how that experience shaped his deep commitment to making himself accessible to students navigating similar crossroads. He draws a meaningful distinction between mentorship, advising, and coaching, and offers practical guidance on how trainees and attendings alike can be more intentional about building those relationships. Listeners will also hear his perspective on what makes a good mentee, the growing role of social media and orthopaedic organizations in connecting students with resources, and why availability and accessibility are among the most important qualities a mentor can offer. Guest: Amiethab Aiyer, MD, FAAOS, Division Chief of Foot and Ankle Surgery and Associate Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; Deputy Editor, Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Host: Ellen Lutnick, MD, AAOS Resident Assembly Executive Committee Chair

April 16, 202633 min

Pros and Cons of Early Subspecialization in Orthopaedic Residency

This episode examines the potential benefits and pitfalls of early subspecialization in orthopaedic residency training, featuring trauma surgeon and AAOS Now deputy editor Doug Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, Deputy Editor of AAOS Now and Chairman, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Senior Vice President of Medical Services at St. Luke's University Health Network. Dr. Lundy joins host Ellen Lutnick, MD, chair of the AAAOS Resident Assembly Executive Committee, for her inaugural episode of the AAOS Career Podcast. Drawing on more than 27 years in trauma surgery, extensive experience in private practice and academics, and his tenure on the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS), Dr. Lundy defines early subspecialization and explores where the line falls between a helpful early interest and a narrowing of focus that limits a resident's growth. He discusses the importance of generalized training for board certification, the value of learning about multiple subspecialties throughout training, and why the PGY-3 year is often the sweet spot for identifying a subspecialty direction. Dr. Lundy emphasizes that the quality fellowship directors seek most is a teachable spirit — the willingness to learn rather than a demonstration of what a resident already knows. He also addresses the potential inequities early subspecialization can create within a program, the growing trend of dual fellowships, and which skills every resident should seek to take away from their training. Listeners gain candid, practical advice on navigating subspecialty decisions without limiting future opportunities, and Dr. Lundy leaves residents with a memorable guiding principle: Pursue the subspecialty you simply cannot live without. Guest: Doug Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, Chairman, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Senior Vice President of Medical Services, St. Luke's University Health Network; AAOS Now Deputy Editor and AAOS Now Podcast host Host: Ellen Lutnick, MD, AAOS Resident Assembly Executive Committee Chair

March 25, 202625 min

Breaking Bad News to Patients

In this episode of the AAOS Now Podcast, host Rex Lutz, DO, sits down with orthopaedic oncologist Odion Binitie, MD, FAAOS, to discuss a challenging yet inevitable part of transitioning from medical training into practice: breaking bad news to patients. Whether you are a resident, fellow, or attending surgeon, navigating difficult conversations requires a delicate balance of directness and deep empathy. Dr. Binitie shares his expert advice on how to read the room, communicate effectively with patients and their families, and practice crucial self-care to maintain a long and fulfilling career. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: Dr. Binitie's Career Path: His unique journey navigating dual fellowships in pediatric orthopaedics and musculoskeletal oncology. Assessing Patient Knowledge: Why it is critical to ask questions and understand what a patient already knows — and who is in the room with them — before delivering a difficult diagnosis. Balancing Compassion and Directness: The importance of active listening, taking strategic pauses, and giving patients grace to process life-altering news. Handling Surgical Complications: Why you must be 100% truthful, share updates with family members immediately in the recovery room, and acknowledge when mistakes happen. Managing Anger and Safety: How to compassionately handle patient anger while prioritizing your own physical safety in the exam room. Physician Self-Care: Strategies for coping with surgical complications, including utilizing institutional counseling programs, leaning on peer support, compartmentalizing, and finding physical outlets like yoga or meditation. The Power of Patient Relationships: How building a strong foundation of trust makes having difficult conversations much easier down the road. About Our Guest: Odion Binitie, MD, FAAOS, is a Professor in the Department of Sarcoma at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida. He is also a member of the AAOS Now Editorial Board. The AAOS Now Podcast is part of the BoneBeat Orthopaedic podcast channel, with production and editing provided by MK Quinn Media. For more conversations on professional development within the field of musculoskeletal healthcare, please visit aaos.org/thebonebeat. Host: Rex Lutz, DO, AAOS Resident Assembly Executive Committee Chair

February 20, 202620 min

How To Build Your Dream Team as a New Attending

This episode, hosted by Rex Lutz, DO, is designed to help residents and fellows make the transition from training to practice. Guest Gregory Gilson, DO, FAAOS, discusses what it takes to become the leader of your own surgical and clinical teams. Drawing on his experiences as an adult reconstruction surgeon at St. Luke’s University Health Network, Dr. Gilson shares insights on how to establish a strong team culture based on mutual respect and collaboration, how to navigate early career challenges, and how to foster genuine camaraderie among your staff. The advice Dr. Gilson offers will give new attendings the building blocks to create a supportive, efficient work environment that both provides the highest quality patient care and enables every team member to thrive. Host: Rex Lutz, DO Guest: Gregory Gilson, DO, FAAOS

January 30, 202625 min

Establishing Yourself as a Leader During Residency

This episode offers valuable insights into leadership development for orthopeadic surgery residents, exploring the parallels between military and medical hierarchies, strategies for effective leadership, and actionable tips for residents (and medical students) to distinguish themselves at every stage of their training. Drawing on extensive experience as both a military officer and a residency program director, Joseph N. Daniel, DO, FAAOS, discusses the importance of adapting leadership styles to individuals, the merits of democratic leadership, and the critical role of delegation and team-building in shaping successful surgeons and leaders. Dr. Daniel also explains which qualities the most inspirational leaders possess and what he looks for in his chief residents. Whether or not you think of yourself as a leader, Dr. Daniel’s advice can help you optimize your training and gain valuable people skills to take with you into practice. Host: Rex Lutz, DO Guest: Joseph N. Daniel, DO, FAAOS

December 27, 202535 min

Why Humanitarian Work Makes Us Better Orthopaedic Surgeons

This episode explores the value and impact of humanitarian work in orthopaedics, with a focus on resource-limited settings and the importance of education and capacity building. Rex Lutz, DO, sits down with AAOS Humanitarian Award recipient Coleen Sabatini, MD, MPH, FAAOS, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, as she reflects on her journey from early public health advocacy to her ongoing efforts partnering with local surgeons and helping to train future generations of orthopaedic surgeons in Uganda and East Africa. Dr. Sabatini discusses sustainable models of humanitarian outreach that emphasize local education, system building, and community integration. The conversation highlights practical ways early-career surgeons can get involved in global health work, the lessons learned from international partnerships, and the profound career and personal fulfillment that comes from humanitarian service. Host: Rex Lutz, DO Chair, Resident Assembly Executive CommitteeGuest: Coleen Sabatini, MD, MPH, FAAOS, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital

November 25, 202524 min

How Moments Become Memories for Residents at the AAOS Annual Meeting

This episode explores the AAOS Annual Meeting from the perspective of orthopedic Residents and Attendings, highlighting the academic and social experiences that make it the premier event of the year for musculoskeletal healthcare professionals. Host Dr. Rex Lutz is joined by Dr. David Kantrowitz and Dr. Jaehon Kim, who share their memorable moments from past meetings — from presenting research to global audiences to receiving recognition for innovative surgical technique videos to reconnecting with colleagues. They discuss the benefits of institutions sending their entire Chief Resident class and how the meeting fosters professional development, collaboration, and lifelong connections. Host: Dr. Rex Lutz, Sports Medicine SpecialistGuests: Dr. David Kantrowitz, Sports Medicine Fellow; Dr. Jaehon Kim , Hand and Microvascular Surgeon, Director of Hand & Upper Extremity Fellowship, Mount Sinai

October 31, 202524 min

Prepare Your Career for Takeoff with AAOS Launchpad

This episode introduces the AAOS LaunchPad program, a comprehensive initiative aimed at guiding orthopaedic residents as they transition into fellowship and early career practice. Host Dr. Rex Lutz is joined by Dr. Valerie Lewis, Chair of the AAOS Membership Council, and Dr. Max McQuaid, a hand surgery fellow and member of the inaugural LaunchPad cohort. Together, they discuss the personalized mentorship component—which connects younger members with both early- and late-career surgeons—the curated resources for board preparation, career planning, and financial education, as well as the networking and leadership opportunities available at the AAOS annual meeting. The conversation covers how LaunchPad supports specialty interests, organizes small group sessions, and collects participant feedback to constantly refine its offerings. The episode wraps up with application guidance and encouragement for residents to engage in the next LaunchPad cohort, emphasizing the program’s positive impact on preparing for a successful start in orthopedic practice. Host: Dr. Rex Lutz, AAOS Career PodcastGuests: Dr. Valerie Lewis, Chair, AAOS Membership Council; Dr. Max McQuaid, Hand Surgery Fellow, Rutgers University Hospital

September 19, 202526 min

Research in Residency

This episode delves into the integral role of research in orthopedic residency and early career development. Dr. Dustin Greenhill, a nationally recognized pediatric orthopedic surgeon and active researcher at St. Luke’s University Health Network, discusses his unconventional path from West Point to medicine, and how hands-on research experiences shaped his focus within orthopedics. He shares insights on motivating trainees, building productive research teams, and overcoming common barriers to launching and completing meaningful projects, especially in environments with limited resources. Dr. Greenhill also emphasizes the personal and professional rewards of mentoring residents and medical students, turning academic challenges into lasting collaborations and career-defining moments. Host: Dr. Rex Lutz, Chair, AAOS Resident Assembly Executive CommitteeGuest: Dr. Dustin Greenhill, Associate Program Director, St. Luke's University Health Network