Joshua Li,
MD, PhD.
I believe healing is a journey built on truth, compassion, and tolerance. Perhaps we were family in another lifetime — today, we take this step toward recovery together.
About Me
Vice Chair for Research, Mary M. Stamp Endowed Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Director, Orthopaedic Spine Fellowship – University of Virginia
I’m a spine surgeon at UVA, dedicated to helping patients restore motion, balance, and quality of life. I specialize in advanced procedures such as cervical disc replacement, laminoplasty, and complex scoliosis reconstruction.
Alongside my clinical work, I lead a research lab focused on improving spine healing and recovery. My goal is simple — to combine science, skill, and compassion to help each person heal and move forward with strength.
Possessing an exceptional bedside manner, he’s a great listener and communicator.
Dr. Li is the most amazing. He explains every step of your care and answers every question.
Dr. Li is a Godsend. It is excellent to have a physician who is also a scientist
I care for each patient the way I would care for my own family. I always aim for the least invasive solution and try to preserve natural spine motion whenever possible.
If a condition can be treated with a motion-preserving procedure, I won’t recommend a fusion.
And if minimally invasive surgery can fix the problem, I won’t choose a long open incision.
Cervical Spine
Thoracic Spine
Dr. Li is an NIH-funded spine surgeon actively involved in both laboratory and clinical research. He leads a nationally recognized lab studying disc degeneration and innovative treatments such as stem cells, nanotechnology, and gene therapy. By translating research discoveries into clinical care, Dr. Li provides patients with the most up-to-date, evidence-based treatment options.
