Our Providers | Southern Neurosurgery

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 14 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.”

Connect with Ladyspinedoc

Dr. Grunch’s Training & Credentials

When you’re choosing someone to operate on your spine or brain, training and experience matter. Dr. Betsy Grunch is a board-certified neurosurgeon trained at Duke University, one of the most respected neurosurgery programs in the country. She has spent more than 13 years caring for patients across metro Atlanta and North Georgia.

At a Glance

13+ years in practice (since 2013)
400 to 600 surgeries performed each year
5,000+ procedures over her career
Duke-trained in both residency and fellowship
Board-certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery

Education & Training

Undergraduate: University of Georgia
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia
Neurosurgical Residency: Duke University School of Medicine
Spine Research Fellowship: Duke University School of Medicine

Neurosurgical residency is among the longest and most demanding training pathways in medicine. Dr. Grunch completed hers at Duke, then stayed to complete a spine research fellowship, where she received the Spine Young Investigator Award.

Board Certification & Professional Fellowships

Board-certified neurosurgeon, American Board of Neurological Surgery
FAANS: Fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons
FACS: Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
FCNS: Fellow of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons

The letters after a surgeon’s name mean something. Each of these fellowships requires board certification and a review of the surgeon’s training, practice and professional standing.

Surgical Focus

Dr. Grunch treats the full range of brain, spine and peripheral nerve conditions. Her areas of special expertise include:

Minimally invasive spine surgery, including transforaminal approaches through Kambin’s triangle, which reach the spine through a natural corridor with minimal disruption of muscle and bone
Cervical artificial disc replacement, a motion-preserving alternative to neck fusion
Lumbar artificial disc replacement, a motion-preserving alternative to lower back fusion for carefully selected patients

See all procedures we perform or browse the conditions we treat.

Educator & Speaker

Known to millions online as “Ladyspinedoc,” Dr. Grunch is one of the most recognized neurosurgeons in healthcare social media. She translates complex brain and spine conditions into clear, evidence-based education. She is a TEDx speaker and writes The Neurotransmitter, a weekly patient-education newsletter. She has been featured in the Modern Luxury Medical Guide and on TikTok’s Discover List.

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.”

See How Southern Neurosurgery Can Help You.

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