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Our Providers
Betsy Grunch, M.D., FAANS, FACS, FCNS
Few neurosurgeons can match the expertise and reputation for success that Dr. Betsy Grunch has built over an impressive career. Beyond that, however, is the priority she places on her patients and the care that she pours into every interaction. She’s that way for a good reason: a personal connection to spinal cord injury.
A board-certified neurosurgeon based in her hometown of Gainesville, Georgia, Dr. Grunch’s passion for neurosurgery began when she was just 13 years old after her mom suffered a devastating spinal cord injury that left her a quadriplegic. That life-changing experience inspired Dr. Grunch to dedicate her life to helping people with similar conditions and her career to neurosurgery.
After graduating from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) and the Medical College of Georgia, Dr. Grunch completed her neurosurgical residency and a spine research fellowship at Duke University School of Medicine. While at Duke, she also received the Spine Young Investigator Award.
Dr. Grunch returned home to Hall County, Ga., and began practicing in 2013, discovering that not only did she have the skill and desire to help people in need, but also a love of connecting with her patients. To that end, she makes it a priority to not only perfect surgical techniques and treatments, but to ensure her patients – and the broader public – learn as much as possible about their health and conditions affecting the brain and spine.
That determination and connection also proved natural to the social media world, so when she began to post on various platforms in 2021 under the moniker “Ladyspinedoc,” she quickly gained a loyal following as people gravitated toward her combination of knowledge, compassion, humor and style.
Dr. Grunch is proud to continue her dedication to helping patients – now while fulfilling a dream of providing neurosurgical care at her own practice. Her leadership in pursuing cutting-edge care, as well as her compassion and relatable approach to her patients is at the heart of everything we do at Southern Neurosurgery.
Fun Fact: I started my healthcare career in high school as a certified nursing assistant. I have also worked other jobs in healthcare, including medical office receptionist, medical assistant, and a prior authorization coordinator before I went to medical school.
Favorite Quote: “be strong. be kind. be you.”
Sami Newman, Physician Associate
As a teenager Sami suffered a knee injury that ended her high school sports career and any potential opportunities to play sports in college. Going through that was not only physically but mentally difficult. Her surgery and recovery were managed by an orthopedic PA. She was able to explain the procedure and care for Sami during a hard time in her life. She knew then that she wanted to be that support for someone else. To Sami, caring for patients means seeing the person before the problem. It’s about recognizing that behind every symptom, diagnosis, or chart is a human being with fears, hopes, responsibilities, and a story that matters.
Sami is thrilled to join the collaborative team at Southern Neurosurgery as a PA. Knowing that her patients trust her in their most vulnerable moments and that her teammates trust her to bring her best work to the table means that she shows up to the office prepared, present, and committed to doing the right thing, even when it’s challenging. She makes it a goal to create space where patients feel heard and open to having honest conversations. Excellent patient care combines clinical excellence with human connection. It means accurate diagnosis, thoughtful treatment planning, and technical skill — but also empathy, transparency, and partnership. It’s when a patient leaves not only with a plan, but with confidence and trust.
Originally from central New Jersey, Sami is married to Matt, and they have two boys, Declan and Holden, a black lab, and a goldendoodle. When she isn’t at the office, you can usually find her building stuff with Legos.
Fun fact: I performed on Broadway in NYC when I was 9.
Favorite quote: “What a blessing it is to be tired over the things God has given us.”