Nashville's Leading Hand & Nerve Surgeon
Mihir J. Desai MD
Feel Better, Live Better
Hands are precious, priceless.
They are the gateway to living life fully. Through them we
feel, we act, we communicate, we love.
That's why
I've devoted my career to a deep knowledge of the wonderful
complexities of the human hand and nerves.
Hello!
I'm Dr. Mihir J. Desai. Currently I professionally serve in
the following roles:
What Matters Most
Medicine is the ultimate team sport.
As an Orthopaedic surgeon, I have the honor of seeing many of
my patients bounce back from devastating injuries. It’s
gratifying to accompany patients on their journey through
their recovery. I went into medicine because I always liked
working with people and medicine is the ultimate team sport.
I have a wonderful family – my wife Megan (also a
physician here at Vanderbilt) and our two great kids. I love
any food that my mother makes when she comes to visit! Reminds
me of my childhood. In my free time, I enjoy spending time
with my family and traveling. My wife and I have always loved
spending time outdoors and we also try to catch some live
music at the Ryman any chance we get.
ABOS Certification demonstrates an Orthopaedic Surgeon’s attainment to high standards for education, knowledge, experience, and skills.
Core Beliefs
Respect The Patient
A great doctor treats the patient, not the disease, and provides care with compassion and respect.
The Maxim Of Medicine
Before you examine the body of a patient,
Be patient to learn his story.
For once you learn his story,
You will also come to know
His body.
Heal With Care
"The best doctor gives the least medicines." – Benjamin Franklin
Expertise
Adult Orthopaedics
Hand Surgery
Orthopaedics
Fractures
Orthopaedic Surgery
Pediatric Hand Surgery
Nerve Surgery
Nerve Repair
Experience & Certifications
Fellowship
Duke University Health System
Durham, NC
2015
Chief Residency
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
2014
Residency
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
2013
Doctor of Medicine
Georgetown University
Washington, D.C.
2009
Masters Of Science
Georgetown University
Washington, D.C.
2005
Featured Works
Featured Patient Story
Endure & Prevail
"Joe call 911! I just cut my leg and I'm bleeding out..."
Not quite the ending I expected to my scheduled phone call
that day. One second I'm mid-sentence catching up with a
friend, the next I'm lying on the floor frantically fumbling
with my belt as a tourniquet. It's slowly sinking in that I
won't get it tight enough before I lose consciousness. I'm
staring at the result of a freak accident ending up with a 4"
pocket knife sticking straight out the side of my leg and more
blood sprayed everywhere than most TV murder scenes (only this
time it wasn't ketchup). 911 needs to know my address and my
memory is getting hazy...
I guess this is how it ends for me. But I was wrong. I must have more work to do.
And that's how I ended up in Dr. Desai's office.
The Procedure
Since my injury was time-sensitive, the Good Doctor rushed me
in to surgery right away.
His bedside manner is the best! He kept me
hopeful by telling me an inspiring story of a famous NFL
quarterback who won the playoffs after suffering the same
injury I had.
That mindset shift was the turning point for me – I knew I
could make it and I was in good hands.
He carefully explained what he would do in
(mostly) non-medical jargony words that I could understand.
The nurses and anesthesia team were fun to joke around with,
lightening the mood.
I woke up two hours later and
left the clinic grateful that all went well. I understood to
expect 3 months to walk again, with a brace. 6-9 months to run
again. 12-24 months until the incessant electric shock
feelings subside, feeling in my leg returns & my calf
muscles can move my foot again. Hopefully.
The Transformation
Well, after only three weeks I'm walking again!
I can't even believe it!! I stopped taking the pain pills even
though there's a couple left in the bottle – don't need them
anymore. Exactly a month after the accident I ran my first
mile! Looks like I'll still be able to take my 9 year old on
his birthday backpacking trip later this summer and run my
next Spartan race this October. Life goes on!
Dr. Desai, his wonderful PA Daniel and the whole
team
transformed a life-changing accident full of "will I ever
walk again" fear and unknown into the most amazing
experience I could imagine
(under the circumstances).
It started with
the office staff - always friendly, smiling and never a
wait or an insurance issue. They treated me like a real person, not just a number. PA
Daniel and nurse Tina carefully took out my stitches, got me
fitted for a boot and set me up with physical therapy to learn
to walk again with my "new" leg.
I don't wish a
life-changing accident on anyone, but if you find yourself in
that situation,
having Dr. Desai beside you makes all the
difference.
And in the wise words of the last great Roman
emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius – ENDURE &
PREVAIL!
– Daniel
Founder, Legend Group
Peroneal nerve laceration repair, 2021
Patient Reviews
Eleonora F.
Hand Surgery
“Dr. Desai has been nothing short of a blessing to myself and family. He was my trauma doctor from the night I was life flighted. He saved my arm and is doing everything possible to get my arm to operate normally. He has had so much sympathy and concern.“
Mary P.
Pediatric Hand Surgery
“Doctor Mihir Desai has consistently provided exemplary care to my child. He is a skilled physician with an incredible empathy for his patients. He always listens with intent and provides insightful feedback. He is thorough in his explanations and includes me in the decisions about my child's care. The video conference setting was no different. Dr. Desai is always professional and deeply invested in my child's care. I would highly recommend him as a care provider without any hesitation.“
Pătru G.
Adult Orthopaedics
“Dr. Desai is amazing. I have spent 5+ years trying to find someone to treat my problems and he knew how right away!“
Eddie Y.
Hand & Nerve Surgery
“Dr. Desai is THE BEST!!!! Without him I would have an unusable right arm. He is kind, compassionate, a very good listener and very, very competent. I have complete confidence in his ability to care for me.“
© Mihir J. Desai MD️ // Finely crafted by Legend Media ★
