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On today's episode of Ask Dr Jessica, we discuss the topic of scoliosis. Today's guest is Dr Michael Heffernan, pediatric spine surgeon who works at Children's hospital of Los Angeles. In this episode we talk about everything you've ever wondered about scoliosis--like, what is scoliosis exactly? is it preventable? if a child is diagnosed with scoliosis, what can be done about it? If a child has scoliosis, will it lead to back pain? When is bracing indicated? If a child is recommended to receive surgery, what will that process and recovery look like? We discuss all of this about scoliosis and more!
Michael Heffernan, MD, is a Board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the surgical and nonsurgical management of scoliosis and other pediatric spinal conditions. He is an Associate Professor of Clinical Orthopedic Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. He can be reached by his email Dr Heffernan's email: mheffernan@chla.usc.edu and he can be found on his instagram @drheffortho.
Before joining the Spine Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Dr. Heffernan served as the Director of the Pediatric Orthopedic & Spine Deformity Fellowship at Children’s Hospital New Orleans.
Dr. Heffernan is active in the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, the Scoliosis Research Society and the Pediatric Spine Study Group. He is passionate about global outreach and is Chair of the Global Outreach Committee for the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America. He has also served on the Scoliosis Research Society’s global outreach committee and works with surgeons at Kingston Public Hospital to advance the care of children with scoliosis in Kingston, Jamaica.
After receiving his undergraduate degree at the Pennsylvania State University, Dr. Heffernan received his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He went on to an orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Dr. Heffernan then completed his advanced fellowship training in pediatric orthopedics and pediatric spinal deformity at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. When Dr. Heffernan is not working, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Joanne, and their two daughters, Sophie and Riley.
He can be reached by his email: mheffernan@chla.usc.edu
Andrew Chung, PA-C email: akchung@chla.USC.edu
CHLA phone number is: 323-361-4658
ortho website
Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.
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