Bronco Spotlight: Anderson Egerer
Sr. Mako Product Specialist, Mako Robotics at Stryker
If there was one word to describe the current role which I am in, it would be impactful. In just her two short years I have strived to partner and work alongside 26 Orthopedic and Sport Med surgeons help over 600+ patients move better and achieve successful outcomes across the greater Columbus area both in Robotic and Manual techniques within Partial Knee, Total Knee, and Total Hip Arthroplasty. I am a part of the patient process from the first steps of surgery when getting a CT scan to the final steps in the room with the surgeon achieving mechanical joint alignment and stability. I specialize in Robotic procedures using the Mako system that in packed with SmartRobotics and haptic technology. You may ask what is the the power of robotics in orthopedics? It is knowing more and cutting less with the power of AccuStop haptic technology and perfectly realign that patient native anatomy using joint balancing to simulating the ROM.
What is the most rewarding and the most challenging part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is the ability to help patients move better and give them a better quality of life. Some surgeries are complicated with major deformities and with Stryker's enabling technology we can realign the joint and correct the deformities resulting in a better quality of life. Some patients come in barley walking and after recovery can achieve full range of motion and are back to resuming their normal life. I am very grateful and humble to be a part of this process. The most challenging part of the job is the attention to detail that is required. When it comes to surgery and realigning anatomy mechanically, you need to double and triple check everything with patient landmarks within the Mako system or in the surgery. Thanks to a BSME degree at Western, I was able to develop the skills to be an extremely detailed oriented individual and put my head down to do the best job to my ability.
If you had a campus job or internship, how did they impact your career development?
Throughout college I worked for WMU as a chemistry student instructor leader, completed five internships at Stryker, a member of ALD honors society, deans list, and was an active member of Sigma Phi Epsilon without taking a semester off. This taught me how to be a balanced individual. From my experience, the most important life skill you can have is balance. I was fortunate to learn this early on in my development from all my involvement at Western Michigan University.
What advice do you have for others pursuing a career similar to yours?
Get involved at Western outside of class and pursue real life work experience as fast as you can. This will help yourself tailor your classes to what interests you the most as well as show you what life after college is like, which can be daunting at times. From here you will establish goals and knowledge of what you need to do to get where you want to be.