AAOS Career Podcast

Hosted by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

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Sep 2026

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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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September 28, 202628 min

Occupational Musculoskeletal Injuries: Building Habits for Surgical Longevity

In this episode of the AAOS Career Podcast, host Ellen Lutnick, MD, is joined by Ronald Navarro, MD, FAAOS, to talk about occupational musculoskeletal problems among orthopaedic surgeons and why it’s never too early to focus on preventing them. Dr. Navarro shares how his interest in the topic began after seeing colleagues develop neck pain and radiculopathy, some of whom ultimately required surgery. He discusses his published survey studies on occupation-related cervical spine disease, which found that older age, female sex, job stress, and greater surgeon experience were associated with neck problems. That’s in addition to frequent and prolonged use of arthroscopes, endoscopes, and loupes. Dr. Navarro also highlights the risk of injuries from hammering in hardware and how OR ergonomics – things as seemingly simple as monitor placement and table height – can lead to aching joints in the surgeons who treat aching joints. In addition to neck pain, common problem areas include the shoulder, hips, knees, hands, and feet.  The conversation then turns to practical solutions. Dr. Navarro and Dr. Lutnick discuss the importance of making equipment adjustments, how attendings can advocate for both their own occupational safety and that of trainees who may be reluctant to speak up, and how a culture shift is needed to make the surgeon’s physical safety as much of a routine priority as the patient’s. Key topics covered in this episode: Common problem areas for orthopaedic surgeons, including the cervical and lumbar spine, rotator cuff, hands, hips, and knees Findings from studies of neck pain among surgeons who use arthroscopes, endoscopes, microscopes, and loupes The role of job stress and mental health in musculoskeletal symptoms Why surgeons may not connect operating room ergonomics to their own aches and pains Practical ergonomic fixes, such as monitor placement, table height, stools, risers, and loupes designed to keep the head in a neutral position The idea of observing colleagues' OR setups and offering peer feedback Building ergonomic checks into existing safety routines, such as the surgical time out How attendings can set the tone by modeling breaks and self-care, so residents feel comfortable doing the same Warning signs not to ignore, including persistent pain and radicular symptoms, and why seeking an outside evaluation matters The value of stretching and core strengthening for long cases Why prevention is worth prioritizing early, much like planning for disability insurance As Dr. Navarro emphasizes, a long orthopaedic career depends on taking care of your body just as diligently as you develop your technical skills. Starting healthy habits and open conversations now can help protect the career you have worked so hard to build. Host: Ellen Lutnick, MD, Resident Assembly Executive Committee Chair Guest: Ronald Navarro, MD, FAAOS, Sports Medicine Surgeon and Regional Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery, Southern California region, at Kaiser Permanente

August 18, 202650 min

Managing Early-Career Finances: Budgeting, Paying Off Debt, and Building Wealth

This episode of the AAOS Career Podcast tackles one of the most pressing concerns for orthopaedic surgery trainees: managing money on a resident's salary while carrying significant student debt. Host Ellen Lutnick, MD, is joined by Maxwell P. Courtney, MD, FAAOS, an adult reconstruction surgeon at Rothman Orthopaedic Specialty Hospital, for a candid, practical conversation about budgeting, saving, debt, and building long-term financial stability. Dr. Courtney speaks openly about his own financial starting point — a first-generation college student who, together with his physician wife, left training with a combined $500,000 in student loan principal that grew to $800,000 with interest by the end of residency. That personal experience grounds his advice: Avoid consumer (credit card) debt and start saving or investing if it’s financially feasible, but do not feel obligated to save or invest every spare dollar. He encourages residents to enjoy themselves as a reward for the hard work and grueling hours and shares how he managed to have fun, including traveling at every opportunity, without breaking the bank. The conversation covers the practical mechanics of getting ahead financially, including why Dr. Courtney favors low-cost index fund investing over active stock-picking or a paid financial advisor, the benefits of starting a Roth IRA during training, and how loan repayment programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness work (and how recent policy changes have affected them). He also discusses the pros and cons of having a financial advisor and when it makes sense to hire an accountant. A significant portion of the episode focuses on insurance and risk management. Dr. Courtney shares his own experience being diagnosed with and treated for a low-grade brain tumor, and how having "own occupation" disability insurance and term life insurance in place beforehand gave him and his family critical protection and peace of mind. He also walks through the tradeoffs between academic, private practice, and hospital-employed positions, what to look for in a first contract (restrictive covenants, CME budgets, retirement contributions), and why avoiding lifestyle creep after residency matters as much as any single investment decision. Key topics covered: Dr. Courtney's own path through medical school and residency debt, and how his financial picture has changed since becoming an attending How to set a realistic budget as a resident and why avoiding credit card debt is the top priority The case for still enjoying residency — travel, meals out, time with co-residents — without derailing your finances When and how much to save during training, and why compound interest favors starting early even in small amounts Roth IRA contributions as a resident and how income limits change that picture as an attending Navigating student loan repayment options, including Public Service Loan Forgiveness and recent program changes Why Dr. Courtney invests in low-cost index funds rather than actively picking stocks or using a financial advisor Why it makes sense to hire an accountant once you are an attending, if you plan to have additional revenue streams (consulting, legal work, etc.)  Balancing those “side hustle” opportunities against additional call shifts and family time The importance of disability insurance, including "own occupation" coverage, illustrated by Dr. Courtney's personal health story Term life insurance considerations for residents and early-career attendings with families Differences in compensation and lifestyle across academic, private practice, hospital-employed, and hybrid job models What to evaluate in a first job contract, including restrictive covenants, CME budgets, and retirement/profit-sharing plans Avoiding lifestyle creep after residency and reframing student debt relative to attending-level income Guest: Maxwell P. Courtney, MD, FAAOS, Adult Reconstruction Surgeon, Rothmann Orthopaedic Specialty Hospital; Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University; Assistant Residency Program Director; National Service Chief of Joint Replacement Host: Ellen Lutnick, MD, AAOS Resident Assembly Executive Committee Chair

July 24, 202642 min

How To Prepare for and Pass Your Boards

In this episode of the AAOS Career Podcast, Alexandra E. Page, MD, FAAOS, joins host Ellen Lutnick, MD, for a conversation about Board certification – emphasizing the American Board of Orthoapedic Surgeons (ABOS) Part II oral examination. Dr. Page spent many years as a Part II Board examiner. In this conversation, she pulls back the curtain on what that process really looks like and offers practical guidance to help Board-Eligible surgeons (those who have passed Part I) prepare for the rigors of Part II. Dr. Page opens up about her path to becoming a Board examiner, noting that she came from a non-academic, community-based practice rather than the academic setting many assume is required. She walks through the multi-year arc of Part II certification, starting with the 17-month continuity of practice requirement and case tracking, through the submission of 12 cases, peer review, professionalism letters, and patient-reported outcomes. A recurring theme throughout the episode is reassurance. Dr. Page repeatedly emphasizes that examiners are not looking for perfection. The oral exam evaluates clinical reasoning and judgment, not memorization or polished oral delivery. Complications happen; what matters is how a surgeon recognizes, responds to, and learns from them. Candidates are encouraged to acknowledge uncertainty, own their mistakes in real time, and explain the "why" behind their decisions rather than simply reciting facts. The conversation closes with concrete study strategies (including leveraging the myriad resources on the ABOS website) and a broader message: The ABOS should be viewed as a career-long ally rather than an adversary. Key topics covered: How non-academic surgeons can become ABOS Board examiners and the value of serving as an examiner The three-part structure of certification: Part I, Part II, and ongoing maintenance of certification The nearly two-year timeline leading up to Part II, including the 17-month continuous practice requirement and six-month case list The role of the 12 submitted cases, peer review, department and hospital letters, and patient-reported outcome measures How patient safety and complications are actually assessed during the oral exam, and why zero complications can itself be a red flag What examiners look for beyond medical knowledge, including data gathering, differential diagnosis, and treatment planning How the ABOS scoring rubric works and why candidates should find it on the ABOS website and study it directly The exam's structure (four panels, eight examiners, statistical normalization) and why each examiner’s assessment remains confidential from the other examiners Study strategies, including forming a "study buddy" group and running mock oral exams with peers How to recover from a wrong answer or acknowledge uncertainty during the exam What a well-organized case presentation includes, such as pertinent negatives and clear clinical rationale Practical logistics, including deadlines and the alternate October exam date for candidates with scheduling conflicts Why listeners preparing for Part II should treat the ABOS website as a central resource and start planning at least two years in advance Host: Ellen Lutnick, MD, Resident Assembly Executive Committee ChairGuest: Alexandra E. Page, MD, FAAOS, orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon and Editor-in-Chief of AAOS Now

July 24, 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