Mentorship in Orthopedics: A Conversation with Dr. Aiyer

Welcome to Six to Eight Weeks! This week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with my friend

and colleague, Dr. Aiyer from Johns Hopkins. Dr. Aiyer has built an incredible reputation, not
only as a foot and ankle surgeon but also as a mentor to so many budding orthopedic surgeons
across the country. I wanted to dive into how he became the “ortho mentor” everyone looks up to
and hear about his journey.

“You know, it’s funny,” Dr. Aiyer said, “I don’t consider myself famous at all! Becoming a
mentor happened naturally because I saw gaps in guidance when I was a medical student and
resident. I wanted to be the person that I needed back then.”

The “Ortho Mentor” Journey
Dr. Aiyer’s mentorship journey began as he navigated his own orthopedic training, often later
than some of his peers. “When I was a medical student, I was asking myself questions like,
‘Should I take a year off for research?’ and there wasn’t a clear path or reliable advice,” he
shared. “I was fortunate to cross paths with some great mentors, but the guidance wasn’t
consistent.”

He started filling this gap by supporting students at his institution, the University of Miami, but
soon realized the need went far beyond one school. “There was a real disconnect,” he said, “and I
thought, ‘Why not be a bridge for students?’ So, I started an online community for orthopedic
mentorship on Instagram, which is where most students are these days. That’s how ‘Ortho
Mentor’ took off.”

A Labor of Love
While mentorship has brought Dr. Aiyer plenty of connections and professional satisfaction, it
hasn’t exactly made him rich. “I wish I could say I’m living off the proceeds of mentorship,” he
joked, “but it’s really a labor of love.” Mentorship, for him, is an investment in the next
generation. “Working with students keeps me grounded. I remember what it’s like to be in their
shoes, and I feel responsible for helping them navigate the tough parts of their training.”
Mentorship Beyond Orthopedics

For Dr. Aiyer, mentorship doesn’t stop within the realm of orthopedics. His family has been a
huge influence on his life and career. “My parents, especially my father, were incredibly
influential in shaping my work ethic and sense of ambition,” he shared. “People assume I’d list a
famous orthopedic surgeon as my biggest influence, but honestly, my family—my dad, my mom,
my wife—have shaped who I am today.”

Dr. Aiyer’s brother, who’s in politics, is also a key mentor, despite working in a very different
field. “He’s my ‘ride or die,’” Dr. Aiyer said. “Even though he’s not in medicine, we’ve been
through so much together. He’s taught me about navigating challenges, both personal and
professional.”

The Power of Many Mentors
When it comes to orthopedic mentorship, Dr. Aiyer doesn’t believe in the “one mentor”
approach. Instead, he talks about a “board of mentors,” describing influential figures like Dr. Bill
Levine, Jay Parvizzi, and others who have been instrumental at different points in his career.
“I’ve learned something from everyone I’ve worked with,” he explained. “Mentorship is more
like a network than a one-on-one relationship.”

This approach also allows him to pass along varied perspectives to his own mentees. “I’m always
telling people to keep an open mind and learn from as many people as they can,” he said.
Building Mentor-Mentee Relationships

Dr. Aiyer emphasizes the importance of building a collaborative, bi-directional relationship with
mentees. “I think the ideal mentor-mentee relationship grows into a friendship,” he said. “It’s not
just about hierarchy. When both sides feel comfortable and open, that’s when the most learning
happens. Mentorship should evolve into a dialogue, where both people are learning from each
other.”

Advice for Medical Applicants
As interview season approaches, Dr. Aiyer offers essential advice for medical students,
especially those interviewing for orthopedic residency programs. “Know your CV inside and
out,” he advised. “If it’s on your application, you should be able to discuss it confidently—
whether it’s research, hobbies, or anything else.” He also emphasizes the importance of practice.
“You need to practice how you respond to questions, especially if it’s virtual. Body language
doesn’t come through the same way on a screen, so it’s crucial to know how to articulate your
answers.”

And, of course, Dr. Aiyer suggests tailoring responses to the audience. “If you’re interviewing
with someone like Dr. Feeley here, who’s an expert in rotator cuff research, make sure you’re
ready to talk about your experience in related areas,” he laughed. “It’s all about understanding
who you’re speaking to.”

The Transition from Saying “Yes” to Saying “No”
For new attendings, Dr. Aiyer encourages openness to opportunities but also emphasizes the
importance of balance as one’s career progresses. “Early on, you need to say yes to build your
practice,” he noted. “But as you gain experience, it’s okay to say no, or even better, direct
opportunities to others. It’s not about hoarding titles or cases; it’s about lifting everyone up
together.”

We wrapped up the episode with some final thoughts on mentorship and growth. Dr. Aiyer
reflected on the importance of finding harmony in work-life balance and prioritizing mentorship
as part of a bigger picture. “It’s a work in progress,” he said. “But when you’re willing to
sponsor those around you, it benefits everyone—patients, colleagues, and the field as a whole.”