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Dr. Michael C. Ain is a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Affected by achondroplasia, a short-limbed form of dwarfism, Ain is one of only a handful of physicians in America who are little people and is believed[by whom?] to be the only orthopaedic surgeon in the world who is a dwarf.

Early life and education

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Ain was born in Roslyn Heights, New York on March 15, 1961. His parents were average-stature and raised him without any special privileges; he was never allowed to use his short stature as an excuse to fail. Ain attended Philips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts where he was a regionally-ranked wrestler and elected the most-respected student in his class. At Brown University, he played varsity baseball, served as an officer in his fraternity, and volunteered for numerous charities--all while maintaining excellent grades. During his senior year at Brown, Ain applied to thirty medical schools, and based on his application, he should have been a top pick by any medical school.[citation needed] But as soon as the schools realized that Ain was a dwarf, they quickly rejected him, saying that patients would never respect a doctor who was 4 feet 3 inches tall and that he could not handle the physical demands of the job.[citation needed] Over the next two years, Ain was rejected by every one of the sixty schools he applied to.

One school gave Ain a chance to realize his dream of becoming a physician: Albany Medical College in Albany, New York offered him a place in their program. Ain excelled and planned to pursue a career in some type of surgery. He applied to several neurosurgical residency programs, but was once again rejected. He was repeatedly told that no neurosurgical residency program would accept someone of his stature. Reluctantly, he accepted a residency in general pediatrics, but longed to be in the operating room. Following the advice of a close friend, Ain sent out one more residency application, but this time to the orthopedic program at his alma mater, Albany Medical College. Albany offered Ain the last place in their program.

Career

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Ain spent the next five years honing his skills as an orthopedic surgeon, all under the close scrutiny of his instructors, some of whom doubted his ability solely based on his stature. He not only proved that his size wasn't an obstacle, but that his skills were among the very best. He graduated near the top of his class and accepted a fellowship in pediatric orthopedics at the Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Ain now specializes in treating patients with all types of dwarfism. Considered to be one of the best pediatric orthopedic surgeons in America, families travel from all over to seek his expertise.[citation needed] He is a member of the Medical Advisory Board for Little People of America and has published extensively in orthopedic texts.

He has appeared on the Today Show, Good Morning America, 20/20, Hopkins 24/7, and specials on TLC and HBO.

Personal life

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He is married to Valerie Frinks and has two daughters.

References

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  • Johns Hopkins Magazine, April 1999: Aiming High by Melissa Hendricks
  • The Johns Hopkins News-Letter; March 1, 2002 "Ain Discusses Overcoming Disease"
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