Menger named to Becker’s National Emerging Leaders in Healthcare list

Richard Menger, M.D., M.P.A.

Richard Menger, M.D., M.P.A., a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon who serves as chief of complex spine surgery and the vice chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at USA Health, was recently named to the Becker’s Hospital Review Emerging Leaders in Healthcare list.  

The list honors leaders who are 40 years old or younger for their commitment to optimizing healthcare, according to information from Becker’s. “The leaders featured on this list are pushing their organizations not only to survive but thrive. They are key players who are shaping the future of healthcare proactively, rather than simply reacting to the ever-changing industry.” 

Menger, also an associate professor of neurosurgery at the Whiddon College of Medicine and an assistant professor of political science at the university, helped build USA Health’s complex spine program including implementing best practice guidelines and clinical pathways of care.  

"This is a national list for all healthcare providers so it's an honor to be recognized outside of the neurosurgery and spine lane,” he said. “It's a testament to what the entire group has accomplished here at USA Health with clinical pathway development, research publication, and tracking objective outcomes in complex surgeries.” 

Menger specializes in complex spinal reconstructions for spinal deformity in children and adults. His research is in both spine and health policy.  He is a Commander in the United States Navy Reserve currently serving with the Seabees.  

“Becker’s is well-read nationally by both hospital leaders and clinicians,” he said. “It’s awesome to be recognized and help push the USA Health brand across a broader spectrum.” 

Menger is a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), the Council of State Neurological Societies, the North American Spine Society (NASS), and a candidate member of the Scoliosis Research Society. 

He was selected for the NASS Spinal Deformity Committee and the AANS/CNS Joint Guidelines Committee responsible for reviewing and creating the guidelines used by other neurosurgeons. He recently received the Samuel Hassenbusch Young Neurosurgeon Award from the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) for the second consecutive year. 

“These up-and-coming leaders are quickly rising through the ranks at their organizations, focusing on development, innovation, and improved outcomes,” Becker’s said. “They are part of the next generation of healthcare leaders, and they are determined to make their mark on the healthcare industry.”