Care Philosophy
Amy L. McIntosh, M.D.“My approach to care is guided by two principles that serve as both my North Star and compass: be trustworthy and make a meaningful difference in each child’s life.
Every decision begins with the needs of the patient and their family. I take a holistic, team-based approach, recognizing that spinal conditions affect not only physical health, but also confidence, identity and daily life. Whenever possible, we prioritize nonoperative care, leveraging a multidisciplinary team to provide thoughtful, individualized treatment.
When surgery is necessary, I deliver more than technical expertise—the teams help to create a comprehensive and psychologically safe care environment for your child.
Preparation starts well before the operating room. Our Child Life Specialists use medical play and virtual reality to demystify surgery, helping patients understand what they will see, hear, and feel—replacing fear with familiarity and control.
Finally, at Scottish Rite we foster connection through peer support. Programs like our “Scoli-Squad” and “Fashion & Fusion” workshops allow patients to learn from others who have been through the same experience, reframing recovery as a source of strength.
My goal is simple: earn your trust and make a difference.”
About
Amy L. McIntosh, M.D., is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Scottish Rite for Children. She also serves as the medical director of Clinical Safety and the surgical director of Inpatient Services at Scottish Rite. Dr. McIntosh is a professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
Dr. McIntosh treats a range of complex conditions including scoliosis, spinal deformities, fractures and other pediatric orthopedic conditions. She is recognized for her expertise in pediatric spine surgery and her commitment to improving safety, quality and outcomes for children.
She has contributed extensively to peer-reviewed research, textbook chapters and invited presentations focused on pediatric orthopedics, spinal deformity, scoliosis and patient safety. Her research has advanced the understanding of pediatric scoliosis, spinal deformities, surgical outcomes and quality improvement strategies, helping shape evidence-based care for children around the world.
Dr. McIntosh is actively involved in numerous professional societies including the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, the Mid-America Orthopaedic Association and the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society.
She earned her undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant and her medical degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in East Lansing. She completed her orthopaedic surgery residency at Mayo Clinic in Rochester before pursuing fellowship training in pediatric orthopaedics and scoliosis at Scottish Rite for Children.
Dr. McIntosh is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. With more than 25 years of experience in medicine, Dr. McIntosh’s leadership extends across clinical care, research and surgical education. Her goal is to advance treatments that help children regain function, independence and confidence while supporting Scottish Rite’s commitment to giving children back their childhood.
Publications
- Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis for Pediatric Providers.
- State of the art review: enhanced recovery after surgery (eras) protocols in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
- Halo Gravity Traction for Severe Pediatric Spinal Deformity: A Clinical Concepts Review.
- Surgical Treatment of Adolescent Clavicle Fractures: Results and Complications.
- Motocross Injuries in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients.
- An international meta-analysis confirms the association of BNC2 with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
- Pediatric Pelvic Ring Injuries.
- Distal Junctional Failure Following Pediatric Spinal Fusion.
- The epidemiology of injury in ATV and motocross sports.
- Accuracy of Non-Invasive Hemoglobin (nHgb) Monitoring in an AIS Population.
Academic Appointment
Professor, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
