Inspired in the OR, Driven by Purpose: Jordan Maurer '17 Pursues a Career in Orthopedics

“Emmanuel had this tucked-away vibe, but you could walk to Fenway in five minutes,” he said. “It was the perfect mix.”

Maurer majored in chemistry and played four years on the soccer team, serving as captain his senior year. He spent several years conducting research in the laboratory of Dr. Bryan Sears, former Assistant Professor of Chemistry, work that deepened his interest in science beyond the classroom. He explored other potential paths during his time at Emmanuel, including a summer internship at a law firm. “It helped me realize I didn’t want to go into law,” he said.

After graduation, Maurer took a clinical research position at Massachusetts General Hospital before moving into medical device sales, where he often observed orthopedic surgeries from inside the operating room. The experience left a strong impression. “I loved being in the OR, seeing procedures up close, and watching how patients’ lives could change almost immediately,” he said. “Someone comes in unable to walk, and the next day they’re up again. It’s very gratifying work.”

Graduate Training and Medical School

Encouraged by that exposure, Maurer set his sights on medical school. He first enrolled in a master’s program at Tufts University to strengthen his application, then was accepted to Georgetown University School of Medicine. He graduated in May 2025, and weeks later he began his orthopedic surgery residency at Georgetown.

Orthopedics appeals to him for both the technical challenges and the opportunity to help patients return to full mobility. He’s still weighing his options for a subspecialty. “I’m keeping an open mind right now. I still have time to decide,” he said.

Foundations at Emmanuel

Maurer credits Emmanuel with preparing him for the demands of medical school. The small classes and close faculty mentorships made a lasting difference, especially his work with Dr. Faina Ryvkin, former Associate Dean of Natural Sciences and Professor of Chemistry. “She was incredibly tough, but she cared so much about her students,” he said. “She pushed me to reach my potential.”

His time on the soccer team also helped build skills that continue to serve him. Many of his former teammates remain close friends, and he even returned to Emmanuel as an assistant coach after graduation. “Being part of a team helped me learn to manage my time and build relationships—skills that have definitely helped me in medicine,” he said.

A Broader View of Patient Care

During medical school, Maurer also developed a growing interest in healthcare disparities, particularly in orthopedics, where access to procedures like joint replacements often depends on a patient’s financial resources, insurance coverage, and ability to take time off for recovery and physical therapy. “The challenges some patients face go far beyond the injury itself,” he said. “I want to be the kind of physician who understands and addresses the broader issues that affect people’s health.”

Balancing Medicine and Life

Despite the demands of training, Maurer still finds time to play soccer, work out, and explore Washington, D.C., where he lives with his girlfriend. And like many young doctors, he has become the family’s unofficial medical advisor. “I’m the first doctor in my family,” he said. “So I get a lot of calls. But I don’t mind.”

For pre-med students considering the same path, he offers simple advice: take your time. “Don’t rush. Work in a clinic, shadow doctors—make sure you actually like the day-to-day before committing,” he said. His own detours, after all, brought him exactly where he wanted to be.