Peter O. Newton, MD
Dr. Peter Newton was nominated for the POSNA Hall of Fame by Dr. Peter Waters. In his nomination, Dr. Waters notes, “Dr. Newton’s contributions are almost unparalleled. First, his clinical and scientific expertise and innovation in pediatric spine surgery has been immense…Next, his leadership for the organization has been remarkable: from serving as treasurer in a difficult financial time, helping build financial resources to enhance the membership experience and opportunities, acting as a trusted steward on the presidential line for years, but most importantly for professional connectivity…Finally, he is a role model extraordinaire—so humble, so effective. It is never about Peter; it is always about others. His impact has been long-lasting.”
Dr. Newton joined POSNA in 1997 and has been an active member of our organization. He chaired multiple committees from 2005 on and served as our president from 2012-2013.
Dr. Newton was raised in Sacramento, CA. The oldest of three sons of an engineer father and nurse mother, the young Dr. Newton enjoyed swim team, backpacking, and rock climbing. He attended UC San Diego and graduated with a degree in Bioengineering. His time at UCSD landed him a summer job in the Orthopedic Biomechanics Lab of Professor Savio Woo, PhD, that would blossom into a career as an orthopeadic surgeon. Working alongside orthopaedic residents in the lab solidified his decision to pursue medicine. UT Southwestern for medical school was his first stint in Dallas, TX. Residency was back at UCSD, returning to Dallas for fellowship and TSRH. He was back to San Diego in 1994 to join Drs. Mubarak, Wenger, and Chambers, where he has remained ever since. Dr. Newton is the Chief of Orthopedic Surgery and the Surgeon in Chief at Rady Children’s Hospital. He is also a Clinical Professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of California, San Diego.
His clinical interests have been focused on novel treatments for scoliosis, including thoracoscopy in anterior thoracic spinal surgery, posterior methods designed to maximize the 3-dimensional correction of scoliosis as well as fusionless methods of spinal growth modulation. He is a past president of the Scoliosis Research Society and led the well-recognized Harms Study Group in their effort to produce influential multicenter scoliosis research. He is also past president of the foundation, Setting Scoliosis Straight. In addition to clinical outcomes research, his laboratory has been involved in the basic science of spinal growth, biomechanical studies related to implants, 3-dimensional imaging methods, and surgical quality improvement. He has authored over 325 peer-reviewed publications and was editor for Idiopathic Scoliosis, The Harms Study Group Treatment Guide.
Dr. Newton is committed to advancing the field through excellence of clinical care, education of future generations, innovative research, and organizational leadership. He has mentored dozens of fellows from around the world and in particular from Asia.
Dr. Newton and his wife, Cathy, have three wonderful children, Alison, Kira, and Walker, who all live in San Diego. The family loves to travel, cook, and spend time together. Dr. Newton’s favorite hobby involves water and a fishing rod. Whether a fly rod on a trout stream or trolling for Marlin in the Pacific, he finds peace and joy on the water.
Reflections from Dr. Newton
I have claimed to be an optimistic skeptic, and I try to keep an open mind. I encourage you to do the same. This is critically important in how you view new ideas and methods that will always be coming both in medicine and in life. Be optimistic—hopeful, glass half full, positive. Be equally skeptical—scientific, data driven, never swindled.
I love this quote from Carl Sagen: “At the heart of science is an essential balance between two seemingly contradictory attitudes—an openness to new ideas, no matter how bizarre or counterintuitive they may be, and the most ruthless skeptical scrutiny of all ideas, old and new. This is how deep truths are winnowed from deep nonsense.”
Chase knowledge and better ways to care for our patients. Do so scientifically and driven by the chance to improve the life of a child. There is no greater privilege or responsibility.
Biography written by Dr. Salil Upasani on behalf of the History & Hall of Fame Committee
