In 2019, the AOAO Foundation developed the Emerging Leader Award. Recipients are selected by the Foundation Board of Directors based on AOAO membership in good standing, community service and hospital and/or community leadership.
Where did you grow up and what was it like for you?
I was born and raised in Grand Rapids MI, the daughter of a DO Vascular Surgeon and Diabetes Education Nurse. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a doctor, but it wasn’t until my ortho rotation third year that I became interested in orthopedic surgery.
What were your interests outside of school?
I couldn’t be an orthopedic surgeon without loving sports, right? And I do, especially skiing, running, and yoga. Aside from that, I really love Broadway! Part of my residency graduation gift was tickets to a show (the junior residents knew me well).
How did you decide to become an Orthopedic Surgeon?
I rotated third year and absolutely loved it. I had two great mentors who encouraged me to go for it, so I did!
Tell us about your current life, e.g. family, hobbies, interests.
I am married, and my husband is about as non-medical as you can get (he’s in advertising). I convinced him to move back to Grand Rapids with me, and we now have two daughters and a black lab. The whole family loves to ski, which fortunately is easy to do in Michigan even with COVID restrictions.
What are your goals for the future?
Professionally, I have a strong interest in orthopedic bone grafts and have given several presentations nationally on this topic. I am an advocate for women in the field, and serve as Second Vice President of the AOAO’s Women in Orthopedics section. Additionally, I’m the newly appointed Deputy Editor for the Foot and Ankle section of the Journal of the AOAO, and am a reviewer for Foot and Ankle International, which is the flagship journal for the AOFAS.
DOs That Do
There are surgeons among us who do amazing things, and who have unique and interesting talents in the arts, music, sports, community service, etc. The purpose of “DOs That Do” is to showcase these individuals and their special talents or contributions.
Read about them here!