I wanted to become a pediatric orthopedic spine surgeon primarily because of the amazing role model that I had during residency (PON). But after spending 2 years doing research on scoliosis (Ruth L. KirschsteinResearch Fellowship 2006-2008) I became fascinated with the condition, the patients, and how much there was still left to figure out. I think out of all the surgeries that I do; spine surgery has the biggest impact on my patient’s lives and it also keepsme pushing to always keep trying to get better.
My other specialties including pediatric and young adult hip and pediatric orthopedic trauma.
My family is amazing and really helps keep me grounded. I met my wife Priya during college. She is my best friend and my partner in crime. The only reason I can devote myself to my patients and my research is because Priya keeps the home front running smoothly and has come to accept the fact that I am hopelessly unreliable. Do not get me wrong, I try to do my part to help out, but she always tells me she won’t come into my OR and tell me what to do and the same goes for her in our home. We are blessed with three healthy and beautiful children. Amelia is starting 6th grade, Siona is starting 4th grade and Kash is starting 2nd grade.
I was born in Pune, India and my family moved around a lot as I was growingup. In fact, I went to 12 different schools in my first 12 years of school. We lived in India, Dubai and then moved to America in 1986. I then grewupinSouthern California and went to UCLA for undergrad. I did medical school and residency at UCSD and then went to Boston Children’s for fellowship.
In my free time, I have reignited my passion for tennis. I used to play in high school and then on IM teams in college. A year ago, I started taking lessons again and now I’m hooked! Also, during COVID we joined the Pickleball craze. I’ll attach a photo of me playing Pickleball at the beautiful Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Arizona and of my crew enjoying the Final Four run the UCLA Bruins had this year.
