The Enduring Process of Becoming an Orthopaedic Surgeon – A Discussion with South African Orthopaedic Association Past President, Dr. Basil Vrettos

AOA President Ann Van Heest, MD, FAOA, connected with South African Orthopaedic Association (SAOA) Past President, Dr. Basil Vrettos, to discuss his path to leadership, the importance of mentorship, the issues that face South African orthopaedists, and the intense training process to become an orthopaedic surgeon in South Africa.

Mentorship has played a vital role in the career of Dr. Vrettos–he believes a mentorship is a two-way street in which both the mentor and mentee can equally learn from each other. It was the influence of his mentors that led to his effort to lead the organization, push for a more diverse profession, and address the critical issues facing the SAOA.