Hometown: Katy, TX

Name of Undergraduate Institution: Princeton University

Major(s)/Minor(s) in College: Chemistry, Minors in Materials Science and Engineering

Name of Medical School: Wake Forest School of Medicine

Residency and/or Fellowship: Harvard Combined Orthopedic Residency Program Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA

Favorite Quote:

“ …the only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars…” – On the Road, Jack Kerouac

Contact Info: aousoro@gmail.com

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Where are you currently at in your career path and why did you decide to pursue this career path?

I am currently a first-year resident in Orthopedic Surgery at the Harvard Combined Orthopedic Residency Program affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA. I chose to pursue orthopedic surgery after loving my orthopedic surgery rotation in my third year of medical school. I believe that mobility is a central component to a life fulfilled, and orthopedic surgery helps people maintain and obtain that.

If you could go back and have a chat with your 1^st year postgraduate self, what would you tell him?

As a first-year medical student, I had no idea that I would eventually specialize in orthopedic surgery. It wasn’t even on my radar at that time. I think the most important thing I’ve learned is to reach out to as many people as possible to get advice, whether it be about school work, career advice, or personal goals. You’ll be amazed by the variety of opinions (and the confidence in which people portray those opinions). There is no correct way to achieve your goals.

What advice would you give to someone getting ready to start their application process to residency?

It’s important to remember that until you appear for an interview, you are simply just a summation of a few sheets of paper. And what goes on that paper and how you portray yourself is one of the deciding factors in who gets an interview. I think the single most important question to ask yourself in preparation for interviews is, “How am I unique?” In many cases, the answer doesn’t lie within medical school accomplishments. Is it an interesting hobby? A unique background? Obstacles you had to overcome? I was most surprised to find that virtually none of my interviews revolved around medical school, but rather everything and anything I did outside of school.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

A really great mentor once told me that there is no point in being afraid to ask people for what you want from them. You’d be surprised by how many times people will simply say yes.

Do you have any passions outside of treating patients?

Travel, food, and competitive bodybuilding.

In an alternate universe, what career do you think you would be in right now if healthcare wasn’t an option for you?

Teacher or restaurateur!

Thank you for taking the time to share a bit about yourself with us Andrew! Your words of wisdom are much appreciated and will be taken to heart by many of those who read this feature! Continue killing the game and showing Harvard how great of a physician you’re intending to become!

Health Career Spotlights Home Page

Posted on April 20th, 2017