Dr. Kushagra Verma
MD, MS, FAAOS Advanced Spine Care
Dr. Kushagra Verma’s story began when his family immigrated to the United States in the 1980’s with two hundred dollars and two suitcases. His father, a PhD student at the University of Maryland, earned $225 monthly while rent cost $240. His mother, a vocal musician and dance instructor, taught private lessons to support their family.
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This foundation of grit and determination shaped Dr. Verma’s approach to everything. As a child who loved science fair projects, his wind tunnel design won first place and earned him admission to Cornell’s competitive engineering program. But sitting behind a desk wasn’t his calling. He pursued medical school at NYU, initially focusing on high-risk maternal-fetal medicine. Everything changed during his third year when he observed scoliosis surgery. “This is what I want to do,” he realized—a perfect fusion of engineering precision, cutting-edge medicine, and helping people.
He met his wife the first week of residency, when she did not land the residency she wanted. He taught her “how to not take no for an answer”. She became his balance during the grueling years of little sleep, high stress and cortisol levels.
Starting his private practice one month before the pandemic tested every principle he believes in: that we grow by doing difficult things, and challenges require us to be the best version of ourselves. His staff appreciates his dark humor and constant encouragement—whether he’s asking “Have you submitted your medical school application yet?” or giving pep talks about persistence.
Music has always been part of his life, and when he brought it to the operating room, he discovered surgeries went smoother. The positive energy lifted the surgical team’s spirits—good vibes focused on positive outcomes.
Dr Verma lives by example: work hard, stay physically and mentally healthy, be kind and never settle for average. He’s collaborative, not competitive, believing we all learn from each other—whether sharing techniques or performing charity work in Africa.
If you’re looking for a physician who is passionate, caring and doesn’t tolerate mediocrity, Dr. Verma is exceptional. And I thank him for not taking my “no” for an answer when I needed his help most.
