Dr. Heidi Hullinger – A Prestigious Spine Surgeon in New Jersey

Dr. Heidi Hullinger is a board certified and fellowship trained orthopedic spine surgeon who performed her spine surgery training at the prestigious Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world. While there she trained at multiple institutions, including MD Anderson Cancer Center, Memorial Hermann trauma center, Texas Children’s Hospital, and orthopedic specialty hospitals. She has expertise in complex spine cases such as spinal deformity and tumors but welcomes the treatment of patients along the full spectrum of non-operative and operative spine disorders. As a former college athlete, Dr Hullinger frequently sees athletes of all ages to help get them back to full activities. She makes it a priority to give all of her patients in-depth explanations concerning their spinal problems so they can participate in decisions regarding their care.

Dr. Hullinger has authored articles as well as textbook chapters within the field of spine surgery. She has also played an active role in medical education, having served 5 years as a board member on the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), which is responsible for ensuring the highest standards for medical professionals in the United States. She currently serves as an associate professor of orthopaedics at Rutgers, teaching orthopaedic residents about spinal surgery. She is active in various medical societies including the North American Spine Society, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and the American Medical Association. She holds several leadership roles, including serving as an orthopaedic delegate to the AMA’s house of delegates, which creates policies for the largest organized physician group in the country. She serves on multiple committees in the North American Spine Society, including one that creates evidence-based guidelines regarding when specific surgeries are a reasonable option. She has been named a “Top Doctor” by NJ Monthly as well as Castle Connolly, and was named an “Exceptional Woman in Medicine” by Castle Connolly each of the last 4 years. She was selected as one of the North American Spine Society’s (NASS) “20 under 40” in 2020, which recognizes young leaders in the realm of spine surgery.

In her personal life, she is an avid runner, having competed for the New York Athletic Club ever since her medical training. She is therefore particularly dedicated to getting patients back to their desired level of activity. She has many patients who have been able to get back to high-level athletics such as competition weight-lifting, high-level gymnastics, and skiing, as well as more common pursuits like running and golf. She sees a wide variety of patients, both adult and pediatric, and as one of only a handful of female spine surgeons in the area, is particularly attuned to the challenges of back pain during pregnancy or even years postpartum. She prides herself on treating an entire individual, and not just their spinal issue in isolation.

Dr Hullinger holds privileges at Mountainside Hospital in Montclair, Hackensack University Medical Center, Overlook Hospital in Summit, as well as the University Hospital trauma center in Newark.

Information for Patients, from our Professional Organizations

Know Your Back
10 Tips For A Heathy Back
American Academic Orthopedic: Neck
American Academic Orthopedic: Back