Meet Dr. Aidlen
Dr. Jessica Aidlen knew from an early age that she wanted to have a career as a surgeon and was very driven by her interest in science and medicine, particularly with the idea of restoring function. She went on to study biochemistry at LeMoyne College, where she also played Division II soccer, and graduated summa cum laude. From there, she completed medical school at the University at Buffalo, where she was very active in working with their prestigious Department of Orthopaedics doing research in sports medicine and joint arthroplasty. She completed orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Massachusetts, and pursued a fellowship in Adult Reconstructive Spine Surgery at Brown University. She is currently the Chief of the Spine Surgery Division at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, as well as the Medical Director of the NWH Spine Center and Spine Consultant for Boston College Athletics. At Newton-Wellesley Hospital, she has led several institutional initiatives to improve access and care for spine patients. In the area of orthopaedic research, she has several peer-reviewed published journal articles in her areas of expertise particularly related to spine surgery. She credits her successes to the many strong professional mentorships that she benefited from. For over a decade, Dr. Aidlen has paid forward the knowledge and guidance she received in the beginning of her career by teaching residents and fellows, with a specific focus on female leadership in a male-dominated field.
She thinks fondly of minimally invasive spine surgery as art and science combined. She sees time and time again how choosing the right minimally invasive procedure for a patient gives amazing outcomes that boosts their quality of life immediately. Her heart is to give her patients, no matter the age, the quality of life they deserve–from the 65 year old marathon runner to the 18 year old landscape employee. Her holistic approach includes facets such as patient education, preventive measures via lifestyle changes, nutrition, exercise programs, psychological evaluations, and more. This team approach in conjunction with her minimally invasive techniques allows the patients who need surgery to experience quicker and stronger recovery, less need for opiates, and the best solution possible.
Meet Cara
Cara Layman, PA-C
(certified physician assistant)
Cara earned her undergraduate degree from Stonehill College in Biochemistry. She went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in 2008. She has been working in spine surgery since 2010 and loves to help patients through surgery to get them back to an active lifestyle. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her two children and family. She can also be found early in the morning on her peloton.
Meet Amanda
Executive Administrative Assistant
Amanda earned her Associates degree from Massachusetts Bay Community College. She has been working in the medical field on and off since 2008 and has been with Dr. Aidlen since 2012. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband, her 2 sons and their golden retriever Bergy.
