The Gladden Society is Strengthening the Foundation for Careers in Orthopaedics
The J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society (JRGOS) continues to expand its Regional Pod Mentoring System, designed to strengthen mentorship by bringing together Gladden members and non-member orthopaedic surgeons—across both private and academic practices—alongside residents from training programs within the same region. These Gladden Regional Receptions are essential touchpoints that ensure mentorship remains a driving force behind the Society’s mission.
The Mayo Clinic recently hosted its Gladden Regional Meeting and Reception, led by Krystin Hidden MD, Mayo Clinic, and JR Smith, MD PGY-2, Mayo Clinic. The day featured a robust program including lectures, group breakout sessions, peer-to-peer networking, and concluded with a dinner program. Jon Belding, MD, Co-Chair of the Gladden Mentorship Committee, attended the event alongside residents from Ohio, underscoring the cross-regional engagement the initiative continues to foster.
Top row (left to right): Jerome Murray MD (PGY-4), Mark Morrey MD, Krystin Hidden MD. Second row from top (left to right): Latarsha Taylor MD (PGY 4), Confidence Njoku MD, Nicholas Pulos MD, Jon Belding, MD. Third row from top (left to right): Virgenal Owens MD, Jalen Warren MD (PGY-1), Jonathan Barlow MD, JR Smith MD (PGY 2), Derrick Williams MD. Fourth row from top (left to right): Kiersten Sydnor MS, Courtney Carlson-Strother MD, Jordan Ammons MD (PGY-1). Fifth bottom row (left to right): Kareme Alder MD (PGY-5), Miles Fisher MD, Emmanuella Oduguwa MD (PGY 2), Victoria Oladipo MD (PGY-3), Prince Boadi MD (PGY-2), Angela Mercurio MD (PGY-2), Ian Marigi MD (PGY 2), Jaques Williams MD (PGY-2), Candice Legister MD (PGY-3).
JR Smith, MD, a PGY-2 at Mayo Clinic, highlighted the profound impact of the Gladden Society Regional Pod System and Regional Receptions on the orthopaedic community.
Why are the Gladden Regional Receptions and Mentorship Pods important?
A lack of mentorship—at any stage—can significantly affect an orthopaedic surgeon’s career trajectory, professional opportunities, and long-term success. The pathway to becoming an orthopaedic surgeon is not a straight pipeline, but a circle. Any “pipecircle” leakage at a single stage of this continuum contributes to resident attrition, surgeon burnout, and the loss of future leaders in the field.
The Gladden Regional Receptions and Mentorship Pods directly address this challenge by creating structured, regionally based opportunities for connection, guidance, and community-building—ensuring support is not incidental, but intentional and accessible.
Pictured: Latarsha Taylor MD (PGY 4), Ian Marigi MD (PGY 2), Emmanuella Oduguwa MD (PGY 2), JR Smith MD (PGY 2), Krystin Hidden, MD
How does the Gladden Regional Pod System address critical gaps in orthopaedic careers? The Gladden Regional Pod System is intentionally designed to intervene at the points where mentorship and support often fall short.
Through Gladden programs, orthopaedic surgeons gain improved access to mentorship, expanded academic opportunities, targeted professional development, and meaningful networking with peers and senior leaders. Most importantly, they gain the support of a strong, diverse community committed to equity and excellence.
Together, these elements help ensure that surgeons are not navigating their careers in isolation, but are connected to the resources, guidance, and relationships necessary for long-term success.
Pictured: Jon Barlow (attending), Nicholas Pulos (attending), Jaques Williams (PGY-2), Prince Boadi (PGY 2), JR Smith (PGY 2), Emmanuella Oduguwa (PGY 2), Jerome Murray (PGY 4), Jon Belding (attending), Mark Morrey (attending), Virgenal Owens (spine fellow), LaTarsha Taylor (PGY 4), Jalen Warren (PGY 1), Derrick Williams (PGY 1), Kareme Alder (PGY 5), Jordan Ammons (PGY 1), Angela Mercurio (PGY 2), Victoria Oladipo (PGY 3), Candice Legister (PGY 3), Confidence Njoku (PGY 2), Courtney Carlson Strother (attending), Kiersten Sydnor (medical student), Krystin Hidden, MD
The absence of mentorship in orthopaedics has real and lasting consequences for careers. Inadequate guidance and professional isolation can contribute directly to surgeon attrition and burnout, weakening the workforce at every stage.
When mentorship is limited or inconsistent, it hinders career development, slows advancement, and restricts access to leadership pathways—ultimately impacting both individual surgeons and the broader orthopaedic community.
Pictured: Mark Morrey, MD (attending), Jon Belding, MD (attending), Emmanuella Oduguwa, MD (PGY 2), JR Smith, MD (PGY 2), Prince Boadi, MD (PGY 2).
The Gladden Society Regional Pod Receptions create networking opportunities and provide additional points of connection for orthopaedic surgeons and resident trainees, strengthening relationships and support across the training and career continuum.
Pictured: Jon Belding MD, Prince Boadi MD (PGY 2), Jalen Warren MD (PGY 2)
Pictured: Derrick Williams MD (PGY 1), Kareme Alder MD (PGY 5), Jalen Warren MD (PGY 1), Courtney Carlson Strothers MD, Miles Fisher MD (Fellow)
Pictured: Jon Barlow MD, Nicholas Pulos MD, Jaques Williams MD (PGY 2), Derrick Williams MD (PGY 1), Kareme Alder MD (PGY 5)
Pictured: Victoria Oladipo MD (PGY 3), Kiersten Sydnor MS
