Dr. Leonel Hunt, Spine Surgeon

Dr. Leonel Hunt is a gifted, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon.

dr leonel hunt smiling and crossing his arms

The Journey to Excellence in Spine Surgery

Dr. Hunt has built a career on a foundation of compassionate care while staying at the forefront of the latest advances in minimally invasive spinal surgeries. His commitment to world health led to establishing The Hunt Foundation with his brother, Dr. Gabriel Hunt, an acclaimed neurosurgeon. The two brothers are committed to making the world a better place, both for their patients and for children and adults in countries with limited resources in medical care and education. Dr. Hunt achieved his medical degree at the University of Southern California School of Medicine, followed by an internship at Emory University in Atlanta. He then advanced his knowledge through a residency in orthopedic surgery at St. Mary’s Medical Center in San Francisco, followed by specialty training in spine orthopedic surgery at the San Diego Center for Spinal Disorders in La Jolla, California.

Visionary Spine Specialist: Dr. Leonel Hunt

Dr. Hunt has focused his medical career on treating both adult and pediatric cases of scoliosis and other musculoskeletal conditions affecting the spine. He has kept abreast of the latest advances in spine surgery, delivering minimally invasive treatments for a range of spinal conditions. He and his brother established Hunt Spine, a leading spine surgery center that offers the most advanced spinal care available worldwide.

Serving the Los Angeles Community at Cedars-Sinai

Dr. Leonel Hunt holds a prominent position as an attending surgeon at both the Cedars-Sinai Spine Center and the Cedars-Sinai Orthopedic Center. His primary focus in research centers on the creation of novel surgical tools and pioneering both surgical and alternative methods for treating spinal pain in the neck and back areas. His research outcomes have been presented at many prestigious conferences globally and featured in various peer-reviewed journals.

A World View: Bringing Advanced Care to Underserved Nations

Dr. Hunt and his brother feel a profound commitment to using their skills and resources to help build a better world. Through his work with The Hunt Foundation, Dr. Hunt brings a personal dedication to advancing medicine and education in underserved countries. The brothers, along with a multidisciplinary team, went on missions to Gabon and Ethiopia, delivering care to patients with little or no access to spinal surgery or neurosurgery while providing training to the nurses and doctors in the local community. The Foundation focuses both on medical care and education, understanding that the future of a country lies in educating the children.

Results-Oriented Spine Treatments

Hunt Spine provides a holistic approach to spine care, working with a multidisciplinary team of physical therapists, massage therapists, and other professionals to deliver real-world relief to those suffering from spine-related neck and back pain. Dr. Hunt is one of those rare medical professionals who has built his career on a personal commitment to the people he treats. He is known for his positivity, warmth, and genuine compassion.

In the words of his patients…

“Anyone would be lucky to have him as their doctor.”

“Dr. Hunt is a brilliant doctor. Very nice and warm man, very caring, and takes his time to do everything very thoroughly and meticulously. Very clear he has mastered understanding of his niche. I had an issue many other doctors could not identify, and he identified and corrected the issue immediately. He is a very brilliant and a very good man, and anyone would be lucky to have him as their doctor.”

“I could not be happier…”

“Dr. Hunt and his office are terrific. I had great pain and trouble walking any distance. He quickly diagnosed my problem, spinal stenosis, with a vertebra pressing against my spinal cord. He was able to schedule surgery around my work, and it was quick, and the result was excellent. In and out the same day, and a speedy recovery. I could not be happier and recommend him to any friends in need.”

“Unbelievable talent…”

“Dr. Hunt has a great personality and unbelievable talent. I have referred many friends and co-workers to his practice. Your talent and desire to help others is a breath of fresh air in this crazy world we live in today. Thank you!!!”