January 12, 2023

Meet Munish Gupta, MD 

Spine Specialist 

Dr. Gupta specializes in adult and pediatric spine surgery, with a focus on complex spinal reconstructive surgery for treatment of all spinal deformities of the lumbar, thoracic and cervical regions. He has over 30 years of experience in treating spinal deformities such as scoliosis, kyphosis, spondylolisthesis and Flatback syndrome. Dr. Gupta also specializes in spinal revision surgery and spinal tumors.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in India. My hometown is Amritsar, where the golden temple is. It is 50 miles from the border of Pakistan. I mostly grew up in New Delhi, and I consider Chicago my second hometown because I grew up there since the age of 13.

What made you choose orthopedics and spine as a specialty?

I chose orthopedic spine surgery because it was the most challenging and exciting field in orthopedics for me.

What brought you to Washington University Orthopedics?

I came to Washington University because there was an exciting opportunity to join and lead a spine program.

What aspect of your practice do you find most interesting or rewarding?

I find spinal deformity correction in pediatrics and adults both exciting and rewarding at the same time.

One of the most important jobs I have is to improve the lives of patients with have severe deformity that's affecting their ability to walk and function. They are several examples of that in pediatrics and adults that I have found to be the most rewarding.

Anything new on the horizon for orthopedic spine care?

There are some exciting developments in spine surgery that include magnetic rods that can be lengthened without surgery. This has decreased the repeated surgeries and associated morbidity every six months in rapidly growing patients.

What is the best advice you ever received and who was it from? 

Hard work never goes to waste. I learned that from a friend of mine when I was 10 years old.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? 

I love playing golf and tennis.

If you weren't a physician, what would you like to be doing?

If I didn’t go into medicine, I would have liked to be a NASA scientist.

Anything else you would like to share?

My family is the single most important thing in my life. They are the foundation and the reason for my success.

Learn why patient's choose Washington University Orthopedics.

Request an appointment online or call (314) 514-3500.