EMIL CHENG, M.D.
Board Certified and Fellowship Trained Spine Physiatrist
Dr. Cheng completed his residency at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, where he served as a Chief Resident in his final year. He then completed a fellowship in Interventional Spine and Sports Medicine at the Chicago Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch (CINN), and then practiced at the CINN Institute of Spine Care. Dr. Cheng continued practicing non-surgical spine medicine as a partner of New Mexico Orthopaedic Associates in Albuquerque, NM for over 11 years prior to returning to Salt Lake City.
Dr. Cheng is an alumnus of The University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with honors from the School of Engineering, and earned his medical degree from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, NY.
Dr. Cheng believes in preventative care to avoid surgery, when possible. Dr. Cheng's primary goal is to help patients recover from injury as quickly as possible, through physical rehabilitation, medication management and spinal injection procedures. An expert in occupational and sports-related injuries, Dr. Cheng has extensive experience helping people return to their active lives.
UTAH SPINE MEDICINE STAFF
SAMUEL "SAM"
Medical Assistant
Sam joined Utah Spine Medicine in January 2023. He is finishing his undergraduate degree in Biology at the University of Utah and will be applying to medical school. He has been involved with numerous research projects and recently published a research article in a medical journal. He also volunteers as a Crisis Text Line Counselor.
AMELIA
Billing
Amelia has been a medical billing expert for nearly 20 years, in multiple spine medical practices. She understands the nuances of ever changing healthcare insurance requirements. If you are an existing patient and have billing concerns or insurance claim questions, she may be reached at (385) 220-2621.
NATASJA "TOSH"
Medical Assistant and Fluoroscopy Technician
Tosh joined Utah Spine Medicine in July 2022. She is pursuing a career as a Physician’s Assistant and is currently fulfilling her application requirements at the University of Utah. She also has previous clinical experience as a phlebotomist and a volunteer with the American Red Cross. She graduated from Brigham Young University and also served as a LDS missionary in Peru.
SAMANTHA "SAMI"
Medical Assistant and Fluoroscopy Technician
Sami joined Utah Spine Medicine in September 2022. She is originally from South Carolina and is currently a Biology major at the University of Utah. She is interested in a career as a Physician’s Assistant. Sami is involved with Chi Omega, a service oriented sorority, and has worked with the University of Utah Event Staff. She enjoys running and camping.
CRYSTAL
Receptionist
Crystal joined Utah Spine Medicine in June 2021. Crystal has extensive experience working in medical clinics around the Salt Lake valley, including Orthopedics, Pain Medicine and Family Medicine clinics. She enjoys working closely with patients and will do her best to assist you with your needs.