Ladyspinedoc founder Dr. Betsy Grunch sports The Incredible Hoodie

Growing up, Dr. Betsy Grunch (@ladyspinedoc) was inspired by her trailblazing mother, who served in law enforcement during the 1990s, when only 10% of officers were women. Her mom’s career was cut short after a line-of-duty injury left her a quadriplegic. At just 14, Dr. Grunch witnessed the incredible care her mother received from doctors and nurses, sparking her dream of becoming a neurosurgeon.

Today, Dr. Grunch is a board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in minimally invasive spinal surgery and artificial disc replacement, operating her practice (drgrunch.com) in Gainesville, Ga., since 2013. During the pandemic, Dr. Grunch began sharing her journey on social media, amassing 978K Instagram followers and 2.3M followers on TikTok.

Ladyspinedoc’s Be YOU Hoodie

“It grew into a supportive community where I could show you can be both a mom and a surgeon,” she says.

Combining her passion for educating online with her love of fashion, she launched Shop Ladyspinedoc this past October to bring stylish “merch” to the medical field and allow patients of spinal injury and their families to feel understood.

“My whole platform is about inspiration and being inspired and I want this line of clothing to make people feel that way too,” says Dr. Grunch.

Ladyspinedoc’s Spinal Tap Cup

The collection features high-quality t-shirts, hoodies, sweat suits and beanies featuring inspirational quotes and custom-designed brain, spine and lightning bolt logos, as well as water bottles, badge reels and Apple Watch bands (made specifically for those in the medical field who can’t wear their watches on their wrists).

“I want people to wear our pieces and have the reminder that kindness, strength and positivity are what rules our world.”

See also: Meet Atlanta’s Dr. Wanzu And Dr. O: Redefining Whole-Body Care At Inspire Wellness & Aesthetics