Kushagra Verma, MD

Dr. Verma is a leader in the treatment of adult and pediatric spine patients with various forms of spinal anomalies including scoliosis, kyphosis, flatback syndrome and spondylolisthesis. He also specializes in innovative cervical spine procedures and minimally invasive procedures. He received his undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering from Cornell University and went on to obtain both a medical and master’s degree from New York University, where leading scoliosis surgeons mentored him. He completed residency at the prestigious Rothman Institute and DuPont Hospital for Children, one of the most sought after residencies in the country.

Dr. Verma then completed a spine fellowship at the University of California in San Francisco, known as a premier institution for adult and pediatric spinal deformity. After fellowship, Dr. Verma was an Assistant Professor at the University of Washington, where he built a multidisciplinary spine deformity service and was nominated for the faculty teaching award. Currently he is an Assistant Clinical Professor for Western University as well as faculty for the Long Beach Residency and Sports Medicine Fellowship. 

Dr. Verma maintains an interest in clinical research and has authored over 150 publications, book chapters, and research presentations presented internationally. In 2010, he was awarded the prestigious Russell Hibbs award by the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS). This is the oldest and most prestigious spine society, whose single focus in the advancement of scoliosis care around the world. He was nominated for the award in 2012 as well and in 2018 was awarded the Edgar Dawson Traveling Fellowship. He is an active member of the adult deformity committee, global outreach committee, and continues to be a reviewer for several journals. He travels domestically and abroad several times a year as faculty for spine courses.

Dr. Verma’s research has been presented at the Scoliosis Research Society, North American Spine Society (NASS), Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA), and other meetings.  Much of this work has been published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS), Spine Deformity, Spine, and other journals. Over the last 10 years, Dr. Verma has also volunteered his services in Africa, Columbia, and Mexico to perform complex pediatric spine surgery through the FOCOS and Global Spine Outreach Foundation.

Dr. Verma prides himself on explaining the disease process and reviewing imaging with patients. Most spine problems are successfully managed without surgery. When non-surgical treatments are not helpful, he helps his patients develop a customized treatment plan. Dr. Verma believes in evidence based medicine and the personalized care of private practice. He has relocated from Seattle to Southern California to be closer to family. He operates at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach.