Welcome back listeners! The ninth episode of our Conversations series features a generational leader, Dr. Alexander Vaccaro, an orthopedic spine surgeon, President of the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, the Richard H. Rothman Professor and Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. In this episode, he reflects on the values instilled in him by his mentors, managing a research powerhouse with the business aspects of a large private practice, and his perspectives on maintaining authenticity as a trainee pursuing orthopedics. Tune in to learn more about his journey into becoming one of the most influential leaders not only in spine surgery, but also in the field at large.

Welcome back listeners! The eighth episode of our Conversations series features a lineup of exceptional orthopaedic applicants who recently matched into some of the top institutions nationwide. Many of our dear friends enjoyed great success in the 2025 match cycle and we wanted to share their insights with you. We hope that our listeners are able to benefit from learning about our panelists’ unique experiences and pearls of wisdom gained throughout their journey into orthopaedic residency. We personally look up to these superstars as our peer mentors and hope that this episode can be helpful to your journey as well.

Welcome back listeners! The seventh episode of our Conversations series features an exceptionally strong orthopedic resident at Hospital for Special Surgery, Dr. Joshua Bram. Josh is a PGY-4 who is planning to pursue an academic career in pediatric orthopaedics. He is very active in research, leading several projects that are pushing the boundaries of innovation forward, not to mention serving as a mentor to many young researchers like Patrick who is currently on a research year at HSS. In this episode, he discusses his path to a prestigious orthopedic residency, cultivating his research niches, and the importance of not only finding great mentors, but also paying it forward as one. Tune in to hear more about the making of a rising star in the field.