We had the good fortune of connecting with Shylaja Arya and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Shylaja, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
By starting my own medical practice I knew I was pursuing my Truth as a physician to provide the best care on my terms. Starting my own business gives me autonomy over how my patients are treated, how much time they are given, and what modalities I could offer on site to optimize the patient experience. Despite the barriers of the global pandemic, a new city, and almost no connections- starting a solo private practice from scratch has a HUGE upside- I choose how I guide the patient experience. In a society where insurance companies, hospitals, and large administrative groups are calling shots; we’ve seen a direct correlation with the time a physician can afford to spend with their patients. I am grateful for the opportunity to provide patient care that puts the patient first. We run a tight streamlined small business model, where the patient is greeted and treated in an intimate, one-on-one manner with their doctor. I pulled the trigger to open Arya Foot & Ankle in an effort to pursue my Truth, and I haven’t looked back!
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Arya Foot & Ankle is a podiatry practice with a unique business model. When a patient calls the office, a human being picks up the phone…no prompts! The patient is greeted by the doctor in a timely fashion and taken back to their room for an individualized experience. The goal of the appointment is patient-centric, meaning the patient’s concerns and goals are both discussed. The patient is encouraged to voice their opinions and isn’t told what to do in a “do as I say.” The patient is given education information on their pathology, the possible treatment options, benefits, risks, and provided with an opportunity to give their input before a treatment course is finalized. Advanced imaging including diagnostic x-ray and ultrasound are done in house, by the doctor, and reviewed immediately “on the spot” with the patient. Treatment is also “on the spot”-for example if the patient needs a nail procedure, custom orthotics, or needs to be immobilized in a boot–those things can be dispensed and treated the same day. I want people to realize that medical care doesn’t have to feel “corporate”–and that trend is not because of the physicians. It is definitely external administrative and insurance related factors, but at our practice–we have tried to put the focus back on the patient. It’s beautiful to see Arya Foot & Ankle grow towards success with this unique mindset.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Some of my favorite places to check out in Phoenix are the Desert Botanical Gardens, Piestewa Peak, and Papago Park. I take my friends that visit on walks down the canal and we frequent Old Town. I love some of the hot spots like The Montauk, Sumomaya, and the charm of all the quaint shops in Old Town. I never skip an opportunity to take my loved ones to Sedona. I feel humbled by the allure of the Red Rocks, the drive is gorgeous, and it’s always an unforgettable trip!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family played an enormous role in supporting and encouraging me that I could open my own medical practice, both indirectly and directly. Indirectly I watched my mother and father both run their medical practices for 30+ years in Ohio. They started from scratch & had 2 employees at a time max. My mother is a Family Practitioner. I would spend summers and free time helping the staff at the office; answering the phones, checking patients in and out–and I loved watching generations of my mother’s patients come through. She built relationships with not just the patient themselves, but their whole family. When I decided to take the big leap to open my own business in a new city, I had the encouragement of all of the other physicians in my family–my parents, aunts, uncles, brother, cousins… we’re a family of doctors! I also want to give a shout out to my employee Vanessa Vanegas, we started from scratch to build Arya Foot & Ankle during the pandemic in 2020–and she’s maintained a great attitude in a loyal way from day one. Couldn’t be more thankful for all the love my friends, family, and our patients have given us!
Website: www.aryafootandankle.com
Instagram: @aryafootandankle
Linkedin: @aryafootandankle, @drshylajaarya
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aryafootandankle
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/arya-foot-and-ankle-phoenix
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHKMmkAM7-PTdMNSO5M5JKw