Menger named among Becker's Spine Review’s 20 surgeons to know
The Becker’s Spine Review list includes neurosurgeons across the nation who “are advancing the field through clinical innovation, research, leadership and education.”
By Amanda Gibson
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Richard Menger, M.D., MPA, vice chair of neurosurgery, director of the USA Health Spine Institute and chief of complex spine surgery, has been named one of Becker’s Spine Review’s “20 Spine Surgeons to Know.”
As new approaches to minimally invasive surgery, motion preservation, robotics and complex spinal reconstruction continue to shape the future of the specialty, the 20 surgeons recognized on this year’s list are leading the drive to improve patient care, Becker’s said in its announcement.
“I feel fortunate to work alongside Dr. Menger and to witness firsthand the difference he makes every day,” said Natalie Fox, DNP, PNP-BC, chief executive officer of USA Health. “He is an exceptional surgeon, researcher and leader whose dedication strengthens our organization and transforms the lives of patients and families. We are very lucky to have him as such an important part of the USA Health team.”
Menger specializes in complex spinal reconstruction and pediatric and adult spinal deformity, including scoliosis. He has built a combined neurosurgery-orthopaedic deformity program at USA Health and was lead editor of the 2026 textbook “Mastering Pediatric Spinal Deformity.” Menger also serves as an associate professor of neurosurgery at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine and an assistant professor of political science at the University of South Alabama.
Menger graduated with honors from Cornell University, where he played Division I rugby, before earning his medical degree with honors from Georgetown University School of Medicine. He went on to later earn a master's degree in public administration from Harvard Kennedy School. During his neurosurgery residency at LSU in Shreveport, La., he received additional training with an enfolded fellowship in pediatric spinal deformity at Shriners Hospital for Children. As a neurosurgeon, he completed the Advanced Pediatric Spinal Deformity Orthopedic Fellowship at Columbia University Medical Center in New York.
The combination of clinical, scientific and public policy training continues to shape his work as a surgeon, researcher and educator at USA Health, helping him advance innovative spine care programs, lead multidisciplinary teams and improve treatment options for patients.
