Description
Get to know Dr. Chad E. Songy, an orthopaedic surgeon at UAMS Health. In the Q&A below, Dr. Songy shares what inspired his work in healthcare, his life outside of medicine, and more.
Questions and Answers
What inspired you to work in healthcare?
I’ve always enjoyed working with people and knew from an early age that I wanted a career centered around helping others. I never wanted a desk job or a profession that involved spending the day staring at a computer screen. For a long time, I debated between becoming a teacher and becoming a physician because both careers allow you to build meaningful relationships and make a difference in people’s lives. Ultimately, orthopaedic surgery was the perfect fit because it combines those personal connections with problem-solving and the opportunity to work with my hands.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is helping people get back to the life they want to live. Sometimes I meet patients right after a traumatic injury that has completely changed their day-to-day life. I enjoy supporting them through that challenging period, helping them navigate the recovery process, and giving them hope that they can get back to doing the things they love. Whether that means returning to sports, working in the garden, or playing with grandchildren, it is incredibly rewarding to restore function and help patients regain confidence in themselves and their future.
What do you like about working at UAMS?
What I appreciate most about UAMS is that patient care is clearly the priority. There is a shared commitment to doing what is best for our patients, and that culture is reflected across the institution. I also enjoy working in an academic environment and having the opportunity to teach and mentor learners at different stages of their training while continuing to learn from my colleagues.
Who has had the biggest influence on your life, and why?
My father has had the biggest influence on my life. He worked incredibly hard as an architect and business owner, but no matter how busy he was, he always made time for his family. He coached our sports teams, rarely missed an event, and was always our biggest fan. He taught my sister and me the importance of doing things the right way, without shortcuts, and showed us through his actions that while work is important, taking care of your spouse and children should always come first.
What book, podcast, TV show, or activity are you enjoying right now, and why?
I don’t have a particular book, podcast, or TV show I’m following at the moment outside of keeping up with college sports. Most of my free time is spent with my family and running outdoors. My children are very active in sports, so you’ll often find me at a game, practice, or coaching one of their teams when I can. Watching them develop their skills, compete, and have fun is something I really enjoy.
Running is my favorite personal hobby, especially early in the morning when I can watch the sunrise. There is something peaceful about being out before the rest of the world wakes up, and I enjoy capturing those moments with a photo or short video. I’m also fortunate to have a very supportive running group that makes the miles more enjoyable and keeps me motivated.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
One item on my bucket list is completing a thru-hike, the Pacific Crest Trail. I’d also love to run a 100-mile trail race someday. Both would be significant challenges, which is part of what makes them so appealing.