The aches and pains of life can sometimes slow us down, but thanks to the pioneering work of Dr. Ayesha Abdeen, those challenges are becoming more manageable, helping patients reclaim their active lifestyles. As one of the few female orthopedic surgeons in the country, Dr. Abdeen is making a remarkable impact in hip and knee replacements, treating complex issues, such as degenerative conditions of the hip and knee following childhood joint disorders or prior trauma, and previous failed joint replacements. Named multiple times to Boston Magazine's Top Doctors list, she’s introducing robotic and minimally invasive techniques, which help patients get back more quickly to the activities they love.
In this conversation, we explore Dr. Abdeen’s inspiring journey, her passion for innovation, and how her work is changing the future of orthopedic surgery.
1. What brought you to Boston Medical Center?
What brought me to Boston Medical Center (BMC) was the opportunity to work in a world-class orthopedic department alongside leaders in our field. Additionally, I was drawn by the chance to treat a diverse patient population with complex arthroplasty, or hip and knee, issues. I was also excited to collaborate with leaders in multidisciplinary fields, such as rheumatology and anesthesia to provide comprehensive care for our patients. Plus, BMC allows me to pursue academic research, which I’m incredibly passionate about.
2. What is the proudest moment of your career?
One of the highlights of my time here at BMC has been the opportunity to introduce innovative technologies in our field. For instance, we launched our robotics program this year, which was an exciting moment for me. Bringing cutting-edge advancements like robotics into our practice has allowed us to offer the best possible care to our patients.
3. Why did you choose to specialize in hip and knee replacements?
It happened somewhat organically. I always encourage medical students to explore all fields of medicine. When I started, I was open to everything, and I enjoyed both the medical and surgical aspects of patient care. Over time, I gravitated more toward procedural fields, and by midway through medical school, I knew orthopedics was the right fit for me.
Joint replacement is one of the most rewarding fields in medicine. With hip and knee replacements, we often treat patients who struggle with arthritis and have lost the ability to perform daily activities — things as simple as walking, exercising, or caring for themselves. After surgery, many patients can resume the activities they love and reengage with their families and communities. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the life-changing impact these surgeries have.
4. How do you disconnect from work and recharge?
I spend time with my family. My husband and I have three school-age children, and we love hiking, skiing, and travelling together. I also enjoy playing sports like tennis and golf. It’s a great way to stay active and unwind. Another way I mentally recharge is with my book club — it’s incredibly meaningful to meet regularly with friends, share a good meal and hear others’ perspectives.
5. Who or what inspires you?
I’d say, my father. He was an ophthalmologist who cared for patients in a remote part of Canada with limited access to healthcare. He dedicated his life to serving that community and was deeply connected to his patients. He always put their needs first and had a calm, thoughtful approach to problem-solving. His example has inspired me throughout my career. I often think back to how he would handle situations and strive to emulate his approach to patient care.
