AANA Hosts Three MAST Events in Q4 2024
AANA continued its mission of advancing orthopaedic education and fostering collaboration through three impactful events in the final quarter of 2024. Part of the AANA Military Advanced Surgical Training Program (MAST), these initiatives connected distinguished surgeons and trainees, offering pathways for professional growth, mentorship and the exchange of innovative ideas.
MAST Visiting Professorship at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, November 18-22
Dr. Brian R. Waterman from Wake Forest University and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist served as the AANA MAST Visiting Professor at Walter Reed, hosted by Sports Medicine Chief, Dr. Liang Zhou, Senior Sports Medicine Physician, Dr. Daniel Song and Residents, Drs. Hannah Prock Gibbs and Scott Feeley. Throughout the week, Dr. Waterman participated in clinics, the operating room, surgical skills labs, journal clubs and Grand Rounds, sharing his expertise and unique perspective as a military and civilian Orthopaedic Surgeon.
Dr. Gibbs remarked, “Dr. Waterman was an absolute pleasure to host at Walter Reed. He has a true passion for teaching and learning and is a role model to all. We thank him for his time and expertise that he shared with us.” Dr. Feeley added, “The Military Advanced Surgical Treatment (MAST) program continues to be a phenomenal opportunity for the development of military Orthopaedic Surgeons. Staff and trainees of all levels benefited immensely from Dr. Waterman’s mentorship and military background.”
Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Waterman shared, “It was an honor to serve as the MAST Visiting Professor at Walter Reed, an institution I hold in high regard. This program provided a unique opportunity to connect with current active duty and former military leaders, fostering collaboration and innovation in orthopaedic care.”
MAST Mini Fellowship November 4-8; December 2-6
Dr. Bobby Yow at Wake Forest University
Dr. Bobby Yow was hosted by Dr. Brian Waterman at Wake Forest University and Atrium Health as part of the AANA MAST Mini Fellowship program. This immersive experience allowed Dr. Yow to participate in military-civilian collaboration, while gaining valuable insights from Dr. Waterman’s expertise and mentorship.
Dr. Yow described the program as “an incredible experience” and expressed gratitude, saying, “I truly want to thank everyone involved for helping to facilitate it!” Dr. Waterman echoed the sentiment, stating, “Hosting Dr. Yow was an absolute honor. He embodies the best of Military Medicine and this fellowship highlights the incredible synergy between military and civilian surgeons.”
The fellowship provided an invaluable platform for sharing ideas and advancing orthopaedic care, reinforcing AANA’s commitment to supporting the professional growth of military surgeons.
MAST Mini Fellowship November 18-22; December 2-6
Dr. Stephen Fernicola at SCOI
Dr. Stephen Fernicola spent two weeks at the Southern California Orthopaedic Institute (SCOI) under the guidance of Dr. Mark Getelman. This fellowship allowed Dr. Fernicola to engage in clinical and surgical learning, gaining exposure to cases commonly seen in the military and others rarely encountered in his practice.
“The two weeks at SCOI were a fantastic experience,” said Dr. Fernicola. “I left having learned a lot and with plans to implement what I learned into my practice immediately. The SCOI team did a great job including me in both fellowship academics and extracurricular activities, and I truly felt like part of the SCOI family.”
Dr. Getelman expressed his gratitude for the program, saying, “The exchange of ideas, camaraderie and mutual learning was very beneficial. It is an honor to support AANA’s MAST initiative and provide valuable services to colleagues caring for service members and their families. Dr. Fernicola, welcome to the SCOI family!”
These events underscore AANA’s dedication to fostering collaboration, mentorship, and innovation within the orthopaedic community. Programs like the MAST Visiting Professorship and Mini Fellowships create meaningful opportunities to advance the field and support the professional development of military and civilian surgeons alike.