The Friendship of a Lifetime

Two Doctors Speak on Years of Friendship—from Iran to the Palisades

By DALTON HANNA | Intern

Whether it is because they both are experts in the medical field, have matching cars, moved to the United States during the Iranian Revolution—or simply because their houses are down the street from one another in the Riviera—there is no denying the connection between spine surgeon Dr. Arya Nick Shamie and periodontist Dr. Sharyar Baradaran that has lasted them since childhood.

The two first met at a young age, attending the same elementary school in Iran. Instantly, a friendship was formed, and they became aware of their similarities—they even had a crush on the same girl.

Forty years later, they live half a block away from each other and are both at the top of their games within their respective medical careers. However, what they are most proud of is the fact that they have been able to maintain such a special, unique bond after all these years.

“Despite our differences, we have so many things in common,” Shamie said to the Palisadian-Post. “Dr. Baradaran has been an incredible influence on me throughout my entire life.”

While they both moved to the U.S. as a result of the 1979 Iranian Revolution that placed the strict Islamic government in control of the country, Shamie and Baradaran shared that they practice different religions. Baradaran is Jewish and Shamie was born into a Muslim family.

This never proved as a divider in their friendship, though. Growing up they didn’t know what it meant to practice different religions, they just knew each other to be best friends.

Today, Shamie is a frequent attender of Baradaran’s Friday shabbats, which typically consist of a dinner for close family. Shamie said he always feels honored and grateful to be included in this space.

“When you’re young and have a best friend, you have no idea how your paths will cross later on,” Baradaran said. “Wholeheartedly, what I am most proud of is that Dr. Shamie and I are really the experts in our field for what we practice. Having the admiration and respect of our colleagues and community makes it so worthwhile. It’s just wonderful that we are both able to have such great careers and professions.”

Family is also crucial to both Baradaran and Shamie. The Palisades has been integral to the doctors’ lives in Los Angeles, and they shared they have fallen in love with the supportive community that surrounds them.

“The Palisades is one of the most desirable places to live in the country, the gem of Los Angeles that we have been fortunate enough to enjoy,” Shamie boasted. “We love this community and cherish the diversity that it embodies and fosters, and we are so fortunate to live in a place like this.”

While balancing work and life can be challenging, Shamie and Baradaran have always made sure to focus on their personal well-being. Throughout their lives and careers, the two have always fostered their friendship and prioritized time with their families, because, at the end of the day, that is what has improved their own, individual happiness.

“Family and friendship is everything to me,” Shamie said. “If you take care of yourself and your family you can take care of your patients better.”