Amar D. Rajadhyaksha, MD: Orthopedic Surgeon at Miami Institute for Joint Reconstruction

Dr. Amar D. Rajadhyaksha, a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon at the Miami Institute for Joint Reconstruction, has built a career rooted in resilience, family, and purpose. But his story begins long before medical school—back in 1971, when his parents left everything behind in India for a new life in America.

His mother and father met while studying medicine in India, but cultural differences and expectations surrounding arranged marriages made their union anything but simple. Defying the odds—and without the support of everyone in their families—they married and boarded their first flight together, from Bombay to Boston, with just five dollars in their pocket. By the time they landed, they had three dollars left. The remaining two had gone toward renting a pair of headphones so they could watch an in-flight movie. For them, experiencing the journey was worth more than holding onto the last dollar.

They settled in Boston, lived in a friend’s basement, and completed their medical training. There, they welcomed Amar and his brother, and began the foundation of a life built on education, sacrifice, and perseverance.

Growing up in a household of physicians, medicine always felt like a natural path for Amar. But he had another love, too—baseball. For years, he dreamed of going pro. It wasn’t until he attended a Red Sox game and saw the team’s doctor in action that he had a realization: sports medicine was the perfect way to bridge his two passions. That same doctor worked at the hospital where his mother practiced, and Amar seized every opportunity to observe and learn.

Over time, Amar’s interest in sports medicine evolved into a deeper curiosity about orthopedics and eventually, spine surgery. He earned his medical degree from New York Medical College, completed a prestigious fellowship at NYU, and conducted research at Johns Hopkins before receiving additional training at Cornell. Today, he is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and specializes in both spine surgery and complex revisions.

Dr. Rajadhyaksha brings that same passion and precision into every patient interaction. At the Miami Institute for Joint Reconstruction, he treats a wide range of spine conditions—always with a focus on getting patients back to doing what they love, safely and confidently.

When it comes to workers’ compensation, he applies a thoughtful and balanced approach. “I treat my work comp patients the same way I treat my private patients,” he explains. “But the mindset can be different. Many feel that someone else is at fault, and understandably so. My goal is to find the actual cause of the injury—to identify the missing puzzle piece—because with the spine, you often find multiple issues. You have to dig deep to determine what’s truly driving the pain.”

Like many physicians, the COVID-19 pandemic brought major changes to his practice. He and his team shifted to telemedicine and limited in-office visits to keep patients safe, all while continuing to deliver high-quality care. While challenging, the shift also allowed him to spend more time with his wife and two young children—something he deeply cherishes. “It’s amazing how two kids can grow up in the same home and be so different,” he says with a smile. “I learn more about them every day.”

Dr. Rajadhyaksha’s story is more than a professional journey—it’s a reflection of his family’s strength, the values they passed down, and the unwavering belief in building something better. His approach to medicine is personal, purposeful, and deeply human—a legacy in motion.