Dr. Maria Vanushkina specializes in the non-operative care of spine and musculoskeletal conditions. Her choice of specialty is personal to her, fueled by her experiences with spinal deformity since childhood. She strives to be respectful, approachable, transparent, ethical and timely. She prides herself on a patient-centered approach to rehabilitation, thoroughly working to identify the issues behind an individual’s pain or injury and helping them fully understand their condition. Her passion is seeing those with injury, illness or disability regain their ability to pursue the meaningful activities in their lives. She is committed to the highest standards for electrodiagnostic studies, safe and judicious use of spinal and joint interventions, minimizing patient discomfort and closely collaborating with the patient and other health team members.
Dr. Vanushkina earned her Bachelor’s in Biochemistry with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Washington. Before entering medical school, she worked as a babysitter, barista, research assistant, chiropractic assistant and an Analytical and Formulations Sciences research intern for biopharmaceuticals. As a first year medical student at Albany Medical College, she was awarded a summer orthopaedic research grant and went on to publish research papers on ways to optimize patient outcomes following orthopedic interventions. She volunteered as medical staff at marathons and rugby games and was involved in a local news campaign on smoking cessation. She completed her residency training at the University of Rochester Medical Center, during which time she authored multiple spine-related textbook chapters, served as a Chief Resident, participated in local sports team coverage, and received departmental and institutional accolades for her clinical work and research involvement. As a spine fellow at Boston’s New England Baptist Hospital, she helped update the state’s spine pain and injury management guidelines and completed research with her mentors on a rehabilitation protocol for the treatment of chronic spinal pain. She continues to participate in medical education as a learner and educator.
When not absorbed in a new book, Dr. Vanushkina enjoys hiking, backpacking, camping, strength and flexibility training, skiing, gaming, martial arts and supporting performance arts. She has recently tried her hand at indoor gardening with mixed success. After living in four countries throughout her life, she fell in love with the Front Range and is thrilled to call the Colorado Springs area her permanent homebase. She lives in Monument with her partner and their two adorable cats.
Locations
719.364.0160
719.364.0161Qualifications and experience
- Specialties
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Bones, Bones, Joints and Muscles, Brain and Nervous System - Spine Diseases and Conditions, Electrophysiology, Pain Medicine, Spinal Deformity, Wellness and Lifestyle
- Gender
- Female
- Languages spoken
- Education
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Fellowship
New England Baptist Hospital (2020)
Residency
University of Rochester Strong Memorial Hospital (2019)
Doctor of Medicine
Albany Medical Center (2015)
Bachelor of Science
University of Washington (2010)
- Clinical interest for patients
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She is a passionate student of nervous system disorders, neuroplasticity, pain science, exercise science and public health advocacy.
- Research interest for patients
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Her current research project centers around prerehabilitation strategies designed to improve outcomes for patients undergoing spine surgery.
- Insurance
- UCHealth strongly encourages you to consult with your health insurer to determine accurate information about your coverage and benefits for a particular health care service provided at a UCHealth facility. Read more here.