Ramon L. Jimenez, M.D., former president of the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF), is the recipient of the 2018 William W. Tipton, Jr., MD, Leadership Award from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Dr. Jimenez is also a former recipient of the AAOS Diversity award.
According to AAOS, “The Tipton Leadership Award recognizes Academy members who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities which have benefitted the orthopaedic community, patients, and/or the American public. The award honors and celebrates the life, accomplishments and qualities of the late William W. Tipton, Jr., M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon, educator and former AAOS chief executive officer.”
“Dr. Jimenez knew at an early age that he wanted to be a leader and emulate the role models and mentors he encountered throughout his childhood, education and career. As a second-generation Mexican-American, his parents instilled in him the importance of working hard, receiving a good education and assimilating, while remaining true to his culture.”
“Dr. Jimenez embraces the words of Alfred Lord Tennyson: ‘To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield’ as this sentiment has been a benchmark that has helped shape a career-long history of leadership focused on giving back to his profession, his heritage and the community.”
“Embracing diversity in the orthopaedic work force is another passion for Dr. Jimenez. As a result, he was one of the founding members of the AAOS Diversity Advisory Board and oversaw efforts to improve patient care domestically and internationally by leading the development of the AAOS Culturally Competent Care curriculum.”
Dr. Jimenez founded and managed a five-person practice in San Jose, California, for 35 years where he specialized in arthroscopy, reconstruction of hips and knees, and spine procedures. He is currently a senior consultant for an orthopaedic and sports medicine group in Monterey.
Asked for an example of how he has led others using the Tennyson quote, Dr. Jimenez told OTW, “I have utilized this quote myself, using it as an unspoken mantra whenever I encountered obstacles to attaining my goals. I impart to students, be it middle school, high school, college or medical school that they have a right to dream and to follow their dreams no matter the barriers. They have to be resilient and flexible. They must use all their God-given talents and skills to maximum advantage as they strive to attain their goals—one step at a time.”
As for what gives him hope for the future of diversity in orthopedics, Dr. Jimenez stated, “When I see bright young excited faces (particularly on students of color) it gives me great hope for the future of diversity of orthopaedics. When they realize or see orthopaedists who look like them that are successful and welcoming, they will embrace orthopaedics. There is no greater thrill for me than to see or hear that a young student has found a role model and is on the path to become a physician (better yet, an orthopaedic surgeon). They, in turn, must reach out and bring someone else along with them.”
