Matthew H. Adsit
Professional Designation(s)/Title:
Student
How long have you been a member of VOS?
2 months
Please list a few of your most recent accomplishments:
One of my proudest recent accomplishments was establishing an Orthopedics research rotation for 3rd-year students from Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS). Since EVMS has no Orthopedics department, finding research in Orthopedics can be challenging for students. I worked with EVMS faculty and Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Orthopedics to develop a research rotation for EVMS students. This opportunity gives students a specific time during their 3rd year to be involved in Orthopedics research. As one of the first students to do this rotation, I can firmly say that it will be a very valuable rotation for students wishing to pursue a career in Orthopedics.
Another set of accomplishments that I am proud of is my experience lobbying and drafting policy for the Medical Society of Virginia. I recognize the importance of physician involvement in healthcare policy and legislation at the state and national levels. I hope that my participation in organized medicine will allow me to be an active proponent for Orthopedic Surgery as a resident and attending surgeon.
Why did you join VOS?
I joined VOS for two main reasons. The first reason is that involvement with VOS is an opportunity to learn about the challenges facing Orthopedic surgery with the changing healthcare landscape. VOS is a political voice for Orthopedic surgery in Virginia and creates an opportunity to learn about lobbying efforts to protect the specialty. I hope to stay educated on these issues as someone who wishes to practice and live in Virginia.
The second reason I joined VOS is that it gives me an opportunity to present my Orthopedics research at a regional conference. As an EVMS student, there are fewer Orthopedics related opportunities, and VOS creates a venue for students to learn from and connect with Orthopedic surgeons in Virginia.
Short Biography:
I am born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, and I am fortunate to go to Eastern Virginia Medical School. For undergrad, I went to James Madison University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. After my undergraduate education, I worked for LifeNet Health in Virginia Beach, VA. At LifeNet Health, I processed musculoskeletal tissue for transplant use. The allografts I was trained to make had applications in orthopedic trauma, sports medicine, and spine cases. My experiences at LifeNet Health are what attracted me to medicine and specifically Orthopedic Surgery. After three years at LifeNet Health, I entered the Medical Master’s program at EVMS and matriculated into the MD2021 class the following year.
Outside of my education, I enjoy reading, gardening in the summer, exercise, and spending time with my wife. I also enjoy spending time with my two Labrador retrievers.