During his orthopedic residency at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Dr. Mears became interested in hip and knee reconstruction and caring for elderly patients, especially those with hip fractures. He followed with a fellowship in orthopedic trauma at the University of Maryland Medical Center R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, and one in hip and knee reconstruction at the Mayo Clinic.

Dr. Mears joined Johns Hopkins Bayview in 2003 and is now serving as the chair of the department of orthopaedic surgery.

A recipient of the prestigious Dennis Jahnigen Award for work in geriatric orthopedics, Dr. Mears also was awarded the Orthopedic Research and Education Foundations (OREF) Zimmer Orthopaedic Surgery Career Development Awards to study pelvic fractures in the elderly. His current research, which is supported by the Orthopaedic Trauma Association, is exploring ways to prevent post-operative confusion in patients with hip fractures.