Resident Roundup: Arya Aminorroaya, MD, MPH

Meet Arya Aminorroaya, MD, MPH, from Tehran, Iran. He attended Tehran University of Medical Sciences, and is a PGY-1 in the Traditional Internal Medicine Residency Program.

What led you to pursue a career in medicine?

My path toward medicine was shaped by both my upbringing and my family’s long history with cardiovascular disease. My father was a physician, and growing up, I saw the compassion and purpose he brought to his work. He lost his own father to cardiovascular disease at a young age, and later in life, I experienced the loss of my father against the background of the same condition. Witnessing how premature cardiovascular illness affected two generations of my family had a profound impact on me. It ignited my desire to help people live longer, healthier lives beside the people they love. As I moved through medical school and began caring for patients myself, that sense of purpose only deepened and continues to guide my path today.

What are your goals after you complete internal medicine residency? Where do you see yourself?

I hope to build a career as an academic cardiologist and physician-scientist. I’m committed to a path that integrates clinical excellence with meaningful scientific inquiry and innovation. My interests lie firmly within cardiology, and I look forward to deepening my expertise, refining my procedural and clinical skills, and contributing to research that advances how we diagnose and care for patients. Ultimately, I envision myself in a role where I care for patients, mentor trainees, and lead impactful, curiosity-driven research that pushes the field forward.

Why did you choose Yale for your internal medicine residency?

I chose Yale because of its unique combination of clinical rigor, humility, and genuine humanism. During my postdoctoral years here, I saw firsthand how deeply faculty invest in trainees, not only as future physicians and scientists but as people. The culture encourages thoughtful patient care, intellectual curiosity, and a collaborative spirit. I knew that if I wanted to grow into a well-rounded physician-scientist, Yale was the place where I would find both the support and the challenge to do so.

Describe your experience at Yale IMed in 3 words.

Humbling, collaborative, transformative.

What is your fondest memory at Yale thus far?

One of my fondest memories came in intern year, when I grew concerned about my procedural skill development. I brought it up with my MAC (Mentor/Advisor/Coach Program), APD, and PD, unsure of how the conversation would go. To my surprise, each of them made time, immediately and generously, to hear me out. My APD even met with me one-on-one to understand my concerns, share her own experiences, and help me think through next steps. Their support was so genuine that it felt almost parental. It reminded me that our program leadership truly cares about who we are as people, not just residents. That experience left me feeling seen, supported, and deeply grateful to be training here.

Who has had the greatest influence on you, and why?

My father has been the greatest influence on my life. As a physician, he modeled humility, empathy, and a deep commitment to the people he cared for. Watching him navigate his own health challenges with strength and grace shaped my understanding of compassion and resilience. His example continues to guide how I approach my patients and my work, reminding me to stay grounded, to listen carefully, and to honor the trust that patients place in us. His values remain central to who I am, both as a person and as a physician.

If you could say anything to your younger self, what would you say?

Be patient with the process. Growth often appears first as uncertainty or challenge. Stay curious, stay steady, and trust that each experience, good or difficult, is shaping a path that will eventually make sense.

What's a fun fact about you?

I’m constantly reminded that the world is a very small place. Thousands of miles away from Iran, I’ve somehow ended up doing residency at Yale alongside several of my closest friends from medical school at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. It still feels surreal, and a little funny, that so many of us converged here. Their friendship has meant a lot throughout this journey, and training together again has been one of the most unexpected and meaningful parts of my time at Yale.

What is one piece of advice you'd give someone who is applying for internal medicine residency?

Programs differ far more in culture than in curriculum, so focus on the places where you feel genuinely supported and inspired. Ask honest questions, observe how people treat one another, and choose the environment where you can imagine growing both as a doctor and as a person.