Mindset and mentorship

Shev’s career journey stands out for achieving his goals with discipline, perspective, and commitment to his community. This mindset mirrors the influence of his key mentor, Dr Dror Maor – an orthopaedic surgeon whose own path was also shaped by mentorship, including guidance from the late Dr Sol Levitt, MDA National’s former Chair. Dror went on to build an international career in orthopaedics, working alongside organisations such as FIFA, the Royal London Ballet, Chelsea Football Club, and the Australian Wallabies.

For both Dror and Shev, orthopaedics was a natural choice sparked by a shared love of elite sports and the practical, purpose-driven work of helping people move and lead a healthy and fulfilling life.

Shev doesn’t sugar-coat his Doctor of Medicine degree, a highly demanding journey. But he is grateful for the pressure that came with purpose and rewards. He describes the hardest part as pushing for strong results and becoming a capable doctor, while still growing into himself outside medicine – all at once. The supportive environment and the friendships formed along the way were the foundation that helped Shev stay steady during his time at the University of Western Australia, through long weeks and shared resilience.

It all comes to mindset

I like to think I’m someone who performs well and does well under pressure, but it all comes from the mental strength training you do in preparation for it. It’s important to recognise that it’s your mindset that affects all that, more than anything.

— Dr Shev Dias

Having a balanced approach to his medical course was a key success factor for Shev. While working through exams and placement hours, he also leaned into advocacy and community work through organisations like Dr YES, via the AMA (WA), and the Western Australian Medical Students’ Society; and all that balanced with national ultimate frisbee competitions and part-time work.

That combination gave Shev the tools to manage pressure and his mental health, and stay disciplined when time was tight –skills that matter in medical school and hospital wards.

But mindset alone isn’t enough. In medicine, support networks are vital, especially for junior doctors still developing their confidence. Shev credits senior practitioners and broader professional networks for creating the kind of environment where learning from failure is possible, and where it’s safe to ask for guidance.

Under Dror’s guidance, Shev has immersed himself in placements, research and studies. Mentorship has played a central role in shaping his career path. “Having someone like Dror who invests in you, challenges you, and leads by example makes all the difference,” he says.

In 2024, Shev received the Third Prize for a presentation on Calcaneal Osteotomies for Talocalcaneal Coalitions at the Australian Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Conference, with Dror’s mentorship and support. In October 2025, Shev was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship (Australia at Large) and is heading to Oxford this year to pursue a PhD in Musculoskeletal Sciences. He aspires to become a renowned orthopaedic surgeon, just like his mentor, Dror. He says he is accomplishing his goals “simply by doing things I enjoy and striving to be the best version of myself”.

Putting yourself first

Looking back at his medical school journey, Shev says he wouldn’t change a thing. He explains that he put himself first, and medical school second, without neglecting either. Even with the tough workload, he built a full life alongside study: engaging in sports and fitness, volunteering for causes he cares about, leading a fulfilling social life, publishing papers, presenting at conferences, and travelling the world.

Shev frames his graduation with Distinction as the outcome of his balanced approach, adding that lows mattered just as much as the highs – making his achievements possible, and even more special.

A mentorship success story: Dr Dror Maor & Dr Shev Dias

Regardless of what you choose to do, it’s important to say ‘yes’ to everything at the beginning and enjoy the experience of being a student and a doctor. The more experience you get, the more enjoyable and well-rounded a doctor you’ll be down the track.

— Dr Dror Maor

Even after decades of experience, Dror treats every orthopaedic surgery as individual, reviewing notes the night before and actively thinking through what is unique about the operation and how to get the best possible outcome.

He speaks openly about those moments of doubt, saying he constantly reflects on his performance to ensure best outcomes for patients.

The prominent Perth orthopaedic surgeon speaks warmly about Shev’s strengths across research and patient interactions, and the balance of being upbeat while knowing when to be serious, with professionalism and a bubbly personality – a great quality for any doctor to have.

Looking back at his own journey, Dror believes the early years are critical to building a gratifying career.

This success story is anchored in mentorship. In a highly demanding profession, having people who help you stay grounded, raise your standards, and back you with encouragement can make all the difference.

Dror and Shev’s journey is a strong reminder of that.