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Parth Desai, MD
Fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon. Georgia native. Known by patients for slowing down and explaining the situation, until it makes sense.
Coming home
A Georgia doctor, treating Georgia patients
Dr. Desai grew up in Columbus, GA and completed his undergraduate training at the University of Georgia. He then completed medical school at Mercer University. After orthopedic residency in New Orleans and spine fellowship in Chicago, he came home to build a spine practice for this community.
He treats the full range of adult spine conditions from the neck to the low back, including complex revision surgery — and spends most of his clinic time helping patients avoid the operating room entirely.
Outside of medicine, he enjoys spending time with his friends and family, playing tennis and soccer, playing acoustic and electric guitar, and watching the Georgia Bulldawgs, Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Falcons.
Training
Where he trained
- 2024 – 2025Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago — Orthopedic Surgery of the Spine Fellowship
- 2019 – 2024Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans — Orthopedic Surgery Residency
- 2014 – 2019Mercer University School of Medicine — Doctor of Medicine, including a dedicated research year in orthopedic technology (2017–2018)
- 2009 – 2012University of Georgia — B.S. in Biology
Honors
- Junior Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, 2017
- James T. McAfee Jr. Vision and Leadership Scholarship, 2017–2018
- Physicians Foundation Grant recipient, 2015 — improving healthcare access in underserved communities
Technology
Modern tools, careful judgment
Dr. Desai uses spinal navigation and augmented reality-assisted techniques to support precision during surgery. He is also the inventor of Implant Identifier, an AI-based platform used by orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons to identify orthopedic implants from X-ray images.
- Advanced surgical planning and guidance
- Spinal navigation for enhanced precision
- Minimally invasive and motion-preserving techniques
Technology supports the surgeon's judgment; it does not replace it. Appropriate techniques vary by patient.
What patients notice first
"He showed me exactly where he believed my pain was coming from on my MRI, and gave me all of the available options to help my pain besides surgery."
Second-opinion patient · Individual outcomes vary.
GLOBAL OUTREACH
Global Spine Care in Laos
Dr. Desai travels to Vientiane, Laos, to provide complex spinal surgery to patients with limited access to specialized care. Although Laos has a population of approximately 8 million people, only two neurosurgeons routinely perform spine surgery throughout the country.
Working alongside fellow spine surgeons Dr. Michael Hartman and Dr. Paul Celestre, Dr. Desai treats patients who might otherwise go without the care they need. The ultimate goal is to strengthen the country’s long-term capacity for spine care. He is deeply passionate about this work and the opportunity to create a lasting impact through surgery, education, and collaboration.
Dr. Desai has also been involved in medical mission trips to Nepal and India, and will return to Laos for his next surgical mission in December 2026.
ACCESS TO CARE
Expanding Access to Spine Care
Dr. Desai believes that financial hardship should not prevent a patient from receiving medically necessary spine care. For uninsured patients, Georgia Spine Institute works to identify available hospital financial-assistance programs, charitable resources, and other community support that may help make surgery possible.
In select cases involving demonstrated financial need, Dr. Desai may waive his professional surgical fee so that an eligible patient can receive the care they need. Each case is considered individually based on the patient’s medical condition, financial circumstances, available resources, and the policies of the hospital where treatment would be provided. Patients who need assistance are encouraged to contact Georgia Spine Institute to discuss available options.
Meet Dr. Desai in person.
Bring your imaging, your questions, and your goals. You will leave with a clear explanation and a plan.