SpineLine Back Page: Behind the Mask
Ethan Cottrill, MD, PhD, MS
Ethan Cottrill, MD, brings a steady presence to everything he does. He was shaped by a childhood on an Ohio farm, sharpened by a teacher’s approach to preparation, and grounded by family. That sense of intention shows up in and out of the OR: a lucky alien scrub cap on surgery days, long walks with his Golden Retriever, or documenting meaningful spine cases through photography. This Behind the Mask paints a portrait of a surgeon who values intention, both at work and at home.
What’s your go-to breakfast before a long day in the OR or clinic?
1L of ice-cold water.
What’s in your white coat pockets right now?
A BIC 4-color ballpoint retractable pen and a scoliometer.
Do you have any superstitions or rituals before a big case or a busy clinic day?
I wear my lucky alien scrub cap when I have a big case.
OR (or commute) playlist: Silence, music, or podcast? What’s playing?
Music, top country hits.
Go-to snack to stay fueled during a long shift?
Blueberries or brookies.
Favorite OR or clinic life hack?
Abridge, it’s an AI software that helps me stay on top of my notes during busy clinic days.
Favorite thing about an early morning start?
More hours in the day for me to work on the spine.
If you had to do a TED Talk on a nonmedical topic, what would it be?
Setting Expectations and Boundaries: The Essential 101 Guide to Thriving in Teach for America
What’s the most surprising skill you have outside of medicine?
I can drive just about any tractor. I grew up on a cattle and row-crop farm in Ohio and can work almost any piece of heavy machinery.
First thing you do when you walk into the hospital or clinic each day?
Walk faster, so I get to where I need to go without the ED grabbing me for a curbside consult.
Coffee, tea, or something else?
Orange juice.
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
Sir William Osler – Go Jays!
What book has had the biggest impact on you—medical or otherwise?
The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone
Do you collect anything?
Images from some of my favorite spine cases!
What’s your go-to way to unwind—hobby, sport, guilty pleasure?
I enjoy being outside. There’s no better way to unwind than going for a hike in the woods with my family and Golden Retriever.
What’s a TV show or movie you’ve watched more times than you’d like to admit?
Silo. It’s got to be my favorite TV show of all time.
If you had an extra hour in your day that wasn’t for work, how would you use it?
Spend it with my family. I have a daughter who is a couple months old and it’s so fun to watch her grow and explore the world.
If you could instantly master any skill (medical or not), what would it be?
Scuba diving. My wife and I love snorkeling, and I would love to take the next step in exploring.
If you weren’t able to work in medicine, what completely different career would you choose?
Good question, probably a teacher. My mother was a teacher for almost 30 years and I participated in Teach for America after undergrad. Being a good teacher requires a lot of the same skills as being a good surgeon. You have to be patient, meticulous, and prepared every single day.
Are you a dog person, cat person, some other type of pet person, or none of the above?
A dog person. I have an 80lbs Golden Retriever named Cash.
What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
I’ve only been to one, and it was The Band Perry.
What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
I focus more on quantity when it comes to food – I love any AYCE buffet. My 1L of ice-cold water in the morning doesn’t last me that long.
What’s your favorite place you’ve traveled to?
Zion National Park – my wife and I got engaged there, and it’s absolutely gorgeous.
What’s your favorite phone app?
My camera app. I’m the designated family photographer and love taking pictures to capture my family’s adventures together.
What’s a song that always puts you in a good mood?
Anything Shania Twain, who doesn’t love her?