Dr. Aalai attended Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) on scholarship and majored in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in math. There he developed an interest in computer modelling of biological phenomenon as well as research into bone and joint health. During the course of his undergraduate training he also performed research in peripheral nerve regeneration using harvested olfactory bulb cells, working with renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Laligham Sekhar. He also participated in research in the field of paleo-pathology, working with mummified tissue to harvest DNA samples and isolate STD strains in an attempt to track the evolution of these pathogens over time. After his undergraduate training Dr. Aalai worked with Johns Hopkins University performing research in the field of Speech and language pathology creating tools for video analysis of swallow studies in order to better track the progression of therapeutic measures and outcomes.

Dr. Aalai performed his general surgical training at Pinnacle Health hospitals in Pennsylvania where he obtained extensive training in cardio-thoracic, vascular, oncologic, bariatric and trauma surgery. Subsequently he began his Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation training in Brooklyn New York at One Brooklyn Health, recognized world wide for its cancer rehabilitation program. During that time he initiated a research project to study the sleep quality and pain of patients within an inpatient rehabilitation facility and how this effects functional outcomes. He has presented this research at numerous conferences, including the Association of Academic Physiatrists (AAP), the American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (AAPMR) and the New York State Pain Society, wining awards for his original research. He also has presented rare case studies at the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) and has been invited to teach an ultrasound guided interventional workshop at the AANEM. Dr. Aalai also has original research which has been presented at these and other conferences regarding post stroke pain syndromes and seizure prophylaxis after neurosurgical intervention.