Earlier this year, orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Amir Misaghi joined the CHOC Orthopaedics Institute. A member of CHOC’s sarcoma team, his special clinical interests range from bone and soft tissue tumors to limb deformities. He shared with us why he decided to become a doctor, new developments in his field, his hobbies outside of work and more.
What is your education and training?
I completed my undergraduate, medical school and orthopaedic surgery residency all at the University of California, San Diego, followed by a pediatric orthopaedic fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and an orthopaedic oncology fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
What are your special clinical interests?
My clinical interests are bone and soft tissue tumors, trauma, hip disorders, limb deformities and other standard pediatric orthopaedic conditions. The vast majority of tumors in kids are benign but can still be complicated. Tumors can be found in difficult-to-operate areas, or be benign but hard to eradicate, so having both a pediatric orthopaedic and an orthopaedic oncology background helps me manage these complexities.
Why did you decide to become a doctor?
I love working with and helping others, and I was drawn to orthopaedics because I’ve always enjoyed using my hands to build and repair things. I also like working in pediatrics because I find kids fun and fascinating to be around. Oftentimes, especially when working with pediatric cancer patients, some very difficult situations and decisions arise, but I feel privileged to partner with families and navigate these challenges alongside them. Kids tend to do remarkably well and have incredible resilience, and I have encountered very powerful moments working in this field. It is an amazing feeling to witness my patients growing up and thriving.
What are some new programs or developments within your specialty?
CHOC is an amazing place with a fantastic pediatric orthopaedic department and cancer center.
Pediatric orthopaedics and pediatric orthopaedic oncology have changed with advances in growing type prosthesis for limb salvage surgery, as well as advances in lengthening limbs and restoring function after major trauma or cancer treatment. We have access to many exciting new pediatric-focused technologies at CHOC.
CHOC also has a great sarcoma team, and it is incredibly rewarding to be part of this multidisciplinary group. We take care of complex patients with the shared goal of providing the best care and getting them back to living happy, healthy lives. I love being able to work closely with Dr. Elyssa Rubin, medical oncologist, and Dr. Raj Vyas, plastic surgeon, to grow our limb salvage and musculoskeletal oncology/sarcoma program. We also have fantastic pediatric interventional radiology with Dr. Tamman Beydoun, and an amazing pathology department with Dr. Aaron Sassoon and Dr. Ali Nael.
What would you most like referring providers to know about you or your division at CHOC?
I want providers to feel confident referring patients to us. We are set up to take care of all benign and malignant bone and soft tissue tumors with a comprehensive team. The oncology program at CHOC is a dedicated group of multidisciplinary providers, including oncology, pediatric surgery, radiation oncology, interventional radiology, radiology and pathology. We meet weekly at our oncology tumor board meeting to discuss complex cases, ensuring we can provide up-to-date, cutting-edge treatment. We are fully equipped as a sarcoma team to manage all malignant bone and soft tissue tumors, and we all focus specifically on pediatrics.
What inspires you most about the care being delivered here at CHOC?
The various providers and patients inspire me. I am constantly impressed by the dedication of the nurses, physicians, child life specialists and countless other staff who work so hard. Taking care of pediatric patients, seeing their strength and witnessing them overcome their challenges is incredible.
If you weren’t a physician, what would you be and why?
I would open a small restaurant – I have always loved cooking, especially outdoors. One of the things I love most about my current job is talking to and getting to know my patients and their families. I think that the restaurant world might offer similar rewarding interactions with people, like chatting with regulars over the years, all while making delicious food.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
I enjoy outdoor activities like camping and fishing, and have recently been trying to interest my kids, ages 3 and 7, in these hobbies as well. We’ve also taken up gardening as a family, and we are always ready for a good barbecue or soccer match.
What have you learned from your patients?
I’ve learned that life is a marathon, not a sprint. It is a joy to watch kids heal after surgery, and to then see them months or years later recovered and back to life. They have also taught me some practical things to keep me plugged in to what is cool and trendy. Recently I was educated about TikTok and some of its popular personalities – one patient suggested I even make a TikTok profile and start showing off some of my dance moves.
