Joshua N. Speirs, MD

Joshua N. Speirs, MD

Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery

Dr. Joshua N. Speirs is a fellowship-trained pediatric orthopedic surgeon specializing in the care of children and adolescents, with a particular focus on pediatric spine and scoliosis. He is passionate about helping children return to the activities they love while providing families with clear information, thoughtful treatment options, and compassionate care.

Dr. Speirs believes that caring for a child involves more than treating an orthopedic or spine problem - it means caring for the whole child and supporting the entire family. As a father of five, he understands and takes time to listen to patients and parents, explain diagnoses and treatment options in terms they can understand, and work together with families to develop a treatment plan that fits their individual needs and goals. Whether treating a child with scoliosis, a spinal deformity, a fracture, or a congenital condition, he strives to make what can be a stressful experience feel more manageable.

His clinical interests include pediatric scoliosis and spinal deformities, limb deformities, fractures, and congenital orthopedic conditions. He takes a comprehensive, individualized approach to treating scoliosis and other spinal conditions, considering the full spectrum of treatment options, from observation, physical therapy, and bracing to surgical intervention. His goal is to identify the treatment that best meets each child’s needs while preserving function, supporting healthy development, and allowing them to return to their daily activities as quickly and safely as possible. When surgery is necessary, he strives to accomplish the treatment goals with the least invasive and most motion-preserving approach possible and minimizing recovery time.

Dr. Speirs has expertise in the treatment of scoliosis, including spinal fusions, as well as a particular focus on vertebral body tethering (VBT), a fusionless approach that can preserve spinal motion and allow the spine to continue growing. He has developed advanced expertise in VBT through training with Peter Newton, MD, one of the pioneers in the development of vertebral body tethering. He is currently the only provider in Utah performing VBT and is committed to training other surgeons in this technique to expand access to this innovative, motion-preserving alternative to spinal fusion. His approach emphasizes matching the treatment to each child, taking into account the patient’s age, skeletal maturity, curve characteristics, growth potential, and individual goals.

Dr. Speirs grew up in California and attended Brigham Young University, where he studied biology and competed as a member of the BYU Track and Field team. He earned his medical degree from Texas Tech University, before completing his orthopedic surgery residency at Loma Linda University. During residency, he participated in international medical missions to Haiti.

He subsequently completed a fellowship in pediatric orthopedic surgery and pediatric spinal deformity at one of the nation’s highest ranked hospitals for pediatric orthopedics, Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego. There he received advanced training in the treatment of pediatric orthopedic and spinal conditions.

Dr. Speirs is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Utah and is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He cares for patients at Primary Children’s Hospital, including the Lehi Campus, as well as other pediatric orthopedic locations throughout Utah.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Speirs is actively involved in orthopedic research and education. His research has focused on pediatric spinal deformity, scoliosis surgery, pediatric fractures, and improving the care of children with orthopedic conditions. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and educational resources.

Above all, Dr. Speirs considers it a privilege to care for children and their families. His goal is for every patient to leave an appointment feeling heard, informed, and confident about the path forward.