Mentors are MAGICAL!

August 16, 2022

I am product of exceptional mentorship throughout my life. From high school until now, they have poured countless hours into me! Some mentors were family friends. Others were gained through structured programs such as the American Academy of the Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Leadership Institute (ALI).


Through Vigeo Orthopedics and my work as the Lady Bone Doc, I continue the legacy of mentoring. Unfortunately, there are only so many hours in the day! While I cannot (and should not) mentor everyone, here are some tips for finding and keeping a good mentor.


Reach out to the right person

I still have multiple mentors; however, the best place to start is someone who has been where you want to go. For example, a medical student can be an exceptional mentor for a college undergrad. Also, look for family and friends in the field. One of my first mentors in high school was an orthopaedic surgeon and close family friend. Ideally, reach out to a person that you have a connection too. 

Initial Contact is Key

Your first email or message should be concise and cordial. Introduce yourself and why you are writing in the first 1-2 sentences. List 1-3 things that you would like to discuss with the potential mentor if they are available. Note that you have attached your curriculum vitae (CV) or resume. Thank them for their time/consideration.

 

Have Realistic Expectations

People are extremely busy. Respect their time by asking for a 30 min initial meeting. It is unreasonable to expect an immediate commitment for weekly mentorship meetings from someone that you just met over social media.


Want to know more? Leave a comment below! Also, I highly recommend an early episode of the Brown Ambition Podcast (starting at 30 minute time mark). Mandy and Tiffany share some great insight to seeking mentorship in business that can easily be transferred to medicine.


Enjoy!

Did you know that approximately 3 million Americans have a preventable fracture every year?

August 16, 2022
After experiencing a fragility fracture (a broken bone due to poor bone quality), only 10%–20% of patients are started on appropriate treatment, and treatment rates have worsened in recent years. A broken bone is not benign! In addition to the pain, loss of independence, and disruption to daily life, the 1-year mortality rate for hip fracture patients is between 21-30%. That means that 1 out of every 3 people with a hip fracture will die within 1 year of having a hip fracture. The clinical and economic burden of osteoporosis related fractures is projected to increase significantly with the aging of the U.S. population. The annual number of fractures experienced by U.S. women over 65 years of age is projected to increase from 1.9 million in 2018 to approximately 3 million by 2040, with associated total societal costs rising from $57 billion to $95 billion. At Vigeo Orthopedics, we believe that we can do better! We are committed to ensuring that communities have access to high quality musculoskeletal care. We help individuals achieve their bone and joint health goals by using evidence-based medicine, technological innovations, and community engagement. Find out more about how Vigeo Orthopedics can improve access to compassionate, high quality, cost effective musculoskeletal care in your community by visiting vigeoortho.com.