Important Lessons Learned From Nearly a Half-Century of Orthopedic Practice.

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” (1). The famous quote from Hispanic American philosopher George Santayana reminds us of the critical importance of constantly reflecting on the most important lessons garnered from both our own personal experiences and those of our peers. In 49 years of academic orthopedic practice, I have frequently reflected on the most important lessons I have learned, and to which, in addition to hard work and perhaps simple luck, I attribute much of my success: