Blake K. Montgomery, MD

Blake Montgomery, MD, is a board-certified pediatric spine surgeon specializing in complex pediatric spine surgery and fracture care, and a new member of the Orthopedic Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). 

Background in research

A St. Louis native and one of eight children, Dr. Montgomery grew up fishing and playing sports, cultivating an early fascination with science and medicine. After injuries slowed down a potential college baseball career, he committed to becoming a physician and enrolled in the combined undergraduate and MD program at the University of Missouri–Kansas City.  

Dr. Montgomery’s training included NIH-funded research experiences at St. Jude Children’s Hospital and a year in the NIH Medical Research Scholars Program in Bethesda, Maryland. He completed orthopedic surgery residency at Stanford University, followed by pediatric orthopedic and pediatric spine fellowships at Harvard/Boston Children’s Hospital and Starship Children’s Hospital in New Zealand. 

“In so many ways, [Dr. Montgomery] will be a great teammate and position CHOP Orthopedics to continue as America’s leading center for pediatric spine care,” says John M. Flynn, MD, Chief of the Orthopedic Center at CHOP. 

Driven to join CHOP

Dr. Montgomery has a passion for research and considers himself to be “driven by the desire to improve lives.” He was drawn to CHOP by both its exceptional people and culture, and the opportunities he’ll have to help patients. 

“In pediatric spine care, one significant challenge that needs addressing is the treatment of severe early onset scoliosis,” says Dr. Montgomery. “Specifically, I am deeply interested in the phenomenon of autofusion, where the spine stiffens following the insertion of growing rods.”  

Dr. Montgomery will care for patients at locations across CHOP’s Care Network, including at the Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care in Philadelphia, as well as Specialty Care Centers in Voorhees, NJ, and Bucks County, PA.

Beyond the bedside

Dr. Montgomery is excited to join the CHOP team and return to the Northeast with his wife, Katy—also a pediatrician—and their growing family. 

Outside of work, he enjoys staying active, exploring new foods and cheering for Philadelphia’s sports teams.