Name: Jordan Leith
Degree & Year: BSc'86, MD'94, MHSc'04
Current Profession/Employer: Orthopaedic Surgeon

Why did you choose to study/play at UBC?
I was recruited to play football for UBC. I chose UBC because they had a nationally renowned football program. It gave me the opportunity to play and pursue the goal of playing football at a high level with the hopes of playing professionally. I also chose UBC because of its Academic credentials in Canada and Internationally. This also allowed me to pursue my goal of academic achievement and eventually entering Medicine.

What is your favourite T-Bird memory?
Winning the National Championship in 1986 and returning in 1987 to defend it.

What is your favourite place at UBC?
War Memorial and the SUB, which is no longer.

What is your biggest takeaway from the UBC MD and/or Master of Health Science program?
Knowing that I received excellent teaching and training to become a MD from UBC, which allowed me to then become an Orthopaedic Surgeon, also from UBC. The MHSc has provided me with additional resources that permit me to critically assess evidence and apply it to my practice. It also has enhanced my ability to participate in clinical research.

What advice do you have for current Faculty of Medicine students or student-athletes?
It is a long road and hard work, don't get discouraged and keep moving forward. Follow your passion and make it happen.

What's the best advice you can give to new Faculty of Medicine alumni for their career and/or life?
It is what you make of it. Practice with integrity and professionalism while maintaining a good life balance and you will be happy.

Describe what you do, in a few sentences.
I care for and treat mostly injuries of the shoulder, elbow, knee and hip seen in athletic individuals who want to return to their recreational activities and sports. I do this in conjunction with being on the Clinical Faculty at UBC teaching Medical Students, Orthopaedic Residents and Orthopaedic Fellows.

How have you used your varsity athletic experience in your current career/life?
It has provided me with the tools needed to be successful. Hard work, dedication and commitment, planning and preparation and finally teamwork.

What is the best professional advice you've received?
Pick the winners. Recognize your strengths and weakness and avoid compromising patient care by not having insight into what you can or cannot do.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected you?
It has allowed me to slow down and enjoy some of the things in life that we take for granted. It has put me back in time when we did not have smart phones and people were less stressed with day to day life. Life was much slower then.

Can you share any new quarantine hobbies/goals?
No new hobbies or goals, just more time now to do the things I enjoy doing but had less time to do them, such as golf.

Who is the most influential person of your life so far?
It is more than just one person. Parents, first and foremost, coaches I have had over the years, my first encounter with my Orthopaedic Surgeon when I was 8 years old, mentors during my Medical School and Orthopaedic Residency and Fellowship years and lastly, and probably the most influential at this time, my wife.

How and where do you find inspiration?
I get it most now from the young athletes that I see and from the students that I teach.

What do you consider your greatest achievement or what are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my family and my children.

Name one thing on your bucket list.
To either play a round of golf with Tiger Woods or attend the Masters.

How can other alumni/student-athletes connect with you?
They are free to contact me either through my office or via email direct with me.