Real Lives Transformed

Hear from patients who have regained health and confidence through advanced brain and spine care.

Watch Our Patients Share Their Stories
Words from Our Patients

For the most of my life, I have trained and presented wildlife in public conservation education programs and the media. My work is often very physically demanding and I have used the Senta Clinic and Dr. Sanjay Ghosh to treat my spinal issues and keep me able to continue my work and manage my pain.

Joan Embery
Wildlife Expert, and TV Personality

For almost 2 years I suffered with severe back pain and, because of the horror stories I heard about back surgeries, in my mind surgery was not an option; completely out of the question. I went to many doctors, but I just didn’t feel comfortable until the last doctor told me that, if I didn’t have the problem fixed, I w…

Dr. Alicia Gwynn
President, Tony and Alicia Gwynn Foundation

Dr Ghosh’s work with the SENTA Clinic and its multidisciplinary approach allows him to care for a multitude of unique individuals. Furthermore, his commitment to providing exceptional care for patients with injury or disease to the brain, skull base and spine often leads to an investment in the individual’s life and story. We wish to share one such inspiring story of Kevin Young.

Kevin Young
Miraculous Story

As a very healthy and active 58-year-old, I never expected my back and spine to prohibit me from enjoying life at its fullest until spinal stenosis and a weary L3-L4 set in. In a few short months I went from rigorous activity of all kinds to months of debilitating leg and back pain, sleepless night, and an inability to do basic things like climb stairs or walk to work. Then I met Dr Ghosh and his amazi… 

Dave Rhodes
La Jolla, CA

He saved my son’s life. I can’t ever repay him.

Diane Casinelli
Former Patient’s Parent

He is the best I could find in 40 years out there looking for the best doctors, the right doctors to do the right thing for me and my body.

Rod Luck
Former San Diego TV personality

Dr. Ghosh, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you have done and continue to do for our family. Paul is so blessed to have found you. You healed and treated him and he is on his way to recovery. You saved Paul’s life, there are no words or actions that will be great enough to show you our appreciation. Because of you, Paul will be able to meet our baby girl in a couple of months …

Paul, Ola + Baby Benny
Former Patient and Parents

Dr. Ghosh was very caring and assisted me through every step. He answered mine and my family’s questions very thoroughly. Very attentive after surgery as well. I would recommend Dr. Ghosh to anyone looking for a neuro surgeon.

A. Phillips
Former Patient

Dr. Ghosh and Amanda were the best physician and PA anybody could ask for. They removed a tumor from my brain and also had to repair a CSF leak and I was told Amanda even held me until I got put under and even during the second surgery, would not let anyone in my family go anywhere else and the office staff was very helpful and treated me like I was a VIP. I think he is #1 in my book.

Former Patient
So far I have been taken great care of by Dr. Ghosh and his staff. Dr. G has spent quality time with me reviewing my symptoms and MRI’s etc that are a result of a day at a water park turn into one of the worst injuries I have ever had. What I appreciated the most was our efforts as a team to exhaust all options of pain management and PT before coming to the decision that no relief is in sight without …
Paul, Ola + Baby Benny
Former Patient and Parents
I was referred to Dr. Ghosh by my corporate physician. She had heard good things about Dr. Ghosh. I went to several other neurosurgeons. They were all excellent but I just liked Dr. Ghosh’s confidence and frank manner. My surgery was quick and the result was excellent. My recovery time was minimal. …
Former Patient
Very professional and knowledgeable. He answered all my questions and made me feel at ease even with the possible need for surgery.
Former Patient
I had a very good experice with Dr. Ghosh and Amanda and all the staff at the Alvarado location; very helpful answered all my questions. Had a pretty fast recovery after my biopsy, the inscision on my neck and behind the ear was a bit bigger than I had thought it would be. But they did a great job, and fixed up a csf leak I had about 3 weeks after my first surgery. Both pretty fast recoveries. Thank you Dr. Ghosh and staff for your great service
Former Patient
Dr. Ghosh did my husband’s discectomy and he was 100% top notch. He was very thorough, yet conservative and took all the proper pre-surgical steps (therapy, etc.) before surgery.
Former Patient
This man saved my life. Difficult surgery, uncertain outcome, but here I am.
Former Patient
Before I found your team I was on the brink of going on permanent disability after one failed back surgery and 4 years of hell. I will be forever grateful for what you have done for me, giving me a second chance at life. Nerve pain is a real killer and I was on so many pain pills that I couldn’t think straight, couldn’t work, and my quality of life was destroyed. Now I am back in the game of life 100% and don’t take as much as an aspirin!
Former Patient

I had a lumbar fusion in December and was backpacking and did the Whitney trail in late July. It was awesome and I feel good!

Pam Kersey-McCandless
You are an amazing, brilliant doctor and I feel incredibly lucky to have had you as my surgeon. You answered all of my questions with ease and detail, which provided me with knowledge and comfort and made me feel much more confident going into the surgery. I find it truly amazing that you are such an incredibly talented and intelligent doctor, yet you have such a genuine humanitarian approach that is so comforting. Thank you Dr. Ghosh for helping to make a difficult time in my life much easier.
Former Patient
Dr. Ghosh, I just wanted to take a moment & thank you again for all you have done for my husband, Benton (Rick) Coulter. June 26th he was brought by ambulance to Grossmont Hospital. That was the beginning of the scariest days of our lives. When we were told he needed brain surgery we were stunned, confused & not sure what to do. We asked for a second opinion by you…
Sincerely, Karen Coulter
Former Patient
Thank you for doing such a great job with the back surgery on my father. Although cancer was detected, my dad was not in pain with the sciatic nerve. He is now recovering from cancer and feels great! I appreciate your care to help my dad be pain free!
Former Patient
To Dr. Ghosh, Felix, Amanda and every one of your wonderful office staff, 2 years ago your miraculous talent saved my life. I think of you all every day when I go to work – yes, I returned to work full time!
Former brain tumor patient
Could treatment help you?

Find out if expert spine or brain care can help you feel and move better.

Persistent neck or back pain
Numbness or weakness in arms or legs
Spinal injury or herniated disc
Brain or skull-base tumor diagnosis
Considering minimally invasive surgery
Seeking a second opinion

For almost 2 years I suffered with severe back pain and, because of the horror stories I heard about back surgeries, in my mind surgery was not an option; completely out of the question. I went to many doctors, but I just didn’t feel comfortable until the last doctor told me that, if I didn’t have the problem fixed, I w…

Dr. Alicia Gwynn
La Jolla, CA

As a very healthy and active 58-year-old, I never expected my back and spine to prohibit me from enjoying life at its fullest until spinal stenosis and a weary L3-L4 set in. In a few short months I went from rigorous activity of all kinds to months of debilitating leg and back pain, sleepless night, and an inability to do basic things like climb stairs or walk to work. Then I met Dr Ghosh and his amazing team.
The Human Body is complicated. Medical procedures should be researched, and alternatives thoughtfully considered. I researched my conditions, interviewed 6 different surgeons, and consulted people who have had similar issues. I selected Sanjay and the Senta team due to their successful track record, competence, and confidence in the minimally invasive approach. There was also a clear difference from the other practices in the way the team worked together. In my many years on the receiving end of health care, I have never seen a better run operation. From diagnosis to preparation to the day of surgery to recovery to physical therapy, “Team Ghosh” works in tight formation to solve the problem at hand. It’s one of THE most well-orchestrated operations in healthcare I have ever seen.
The results don’t lie. After a major surgery, I was standing on my own in two hours. Two days later, I was walking the neighborhood with Angela. Fast forward two months later and I am better than ever. Pain free, full muscle strength, no after-effects. Most importantly enjoying all the things I used to in good health.
I am grateful to Dr Ghosh. I am grateful to the Senta Team. I am grateful to all the health care personnel in his extended team around the city that worked as one. If you have made the decision to get back surgery, there is nobody better.

Dave Rhodes
President, Tony and Alicia Gwynn Foundation

Dr. Ghosh, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you have done and continue to do for our family. Paul is so blessed to have found you. You healed and treated him and he is on his way to recovery. You saved Paul’s life, there are no words or actions that will be great enough to show you our appreciation. Because of you, Paul will be able to meet our baby girl in a couple of months …

Paul, Ola + Baby Benny
Former Patient and Parents
So far I have been taken great care of by Dr. Ghosh and his staff. Dr. G has spent quality time with me reviewing my symptoms and MRI’s etc that are a result of a day at a water park turn into one of the worst injuries I have ever had. What I appreciated the most was our efforts as a team to exhaust all options of pain management and PT before coming to the decision that no relief is in sight without surgery. I had already been referred to Dr. G’s office by other friends and patients so I’m very comfortable moving forward with Dr. Ghosh and his team.
Former Patient
I was referred to Dr. Ghosh by my corporate physician. She had heard good things about Dr. Ghosh. I went to several other neurosurgeons. They were all excellent but I just liked Dr. Ghosh’s confidence and frank manner. My surgery was quick and the result was excellent. My recovery time was minimal. The incision, with a little more time will be minimal and not noticeable. The pain I have felt for a long time is gone. I’ve noticed that others feel that Dr. Ghosh and Amanda did not spend enough quality time with them. My time with them was brief. I don’t need alot of hugs and hand holding. I just needed them to provide me with the information I needed to make decisions, which they did to my satisfaction. They are seeing alot of patients. I don’t think it would be fair to others if Dr. Ghosh and Amanda had to spend several hours caring for my psychological needs when all they really needed to do is fix my neck. Amanda is truly capable. I had an issue late on a holiday night. I called. They transferred me to her even though she was at a social event. I explained to her my concerns. She told me what to expect and under what circumstances to come back to the office.For those who felt abandoned and that they didn’t get enough time, you might find other surgeons even more unavailable. Dr. Ghosh stated he was starting to take less patients to try and spend a little more time with each patient. I hope he doesn’t. It won’t be fair to the people who won’t benefit from his talents. A special thank you to Dr. Ghosh and his team.
Former Patient
Dr. Ghosh, I just wanted to take a moment & thank you again for all you have done for my husband, Benton (Rick) Coulter. June 26th he was brought by ambulance to Grossmont Hospital. That was the beginning of the scariest days of our lives. When we were told he needed brain surgery we were stunned, confused & not sure what to do. We asked for a second opinion by you. Within 30 minutes you were at Rick’s bedside. You were friendly, caring & confident. After examining him you told us he would need two surgeries instead of one. You even called me at home to answer our many questions. Thank you for treating us with such respect. You were available & patient as we tried to make a decision. Once we decided you were the right Dr. we had continuous confirmations that we had chosen the right one. We will be forever grateful to you! You saved my husband’s life and his sight. God used you in a mighty way & He answered our prayers. Thank you for all the work it took to be a Brain Surgeon & to help others like us. You are not only skilled but you are also caring. We appreciate you so much.
Sincerely, Karen Coulter
Meet Elisha
Elisha G.
Practice Relations Liaison

Proudly partnering with Elisha Green – Practice Relations Liaison.

Meet Lauren
Lauren G.
Assistant Office Manager

Lauren was born and raised in San Diego, California. She attended San Diego State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication in 2013. She began her professional journey in the hospitality field where she discovered her passion for helping others and building relationships. This eventually inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare, joining Sharp Healthcare in 2016 where she found great fulfillment in learning and growing within the medical field. Lauren began working with Senta Neurosurgery in 2017 supporting Dr. Sanjay Ghosh.

When not at work, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family, being an Auntie, traveling, and being outdoors.

Meet Edith
Edith Smith
Director of Operations

Edith was born in Budapest, Hungary and immigrated to Los Angeles, CA as a small child.  She later received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, San Diego in 1996. From 1997 to 2002, she worked as a Program Manager at Qualcomm, during which time she also obtained a Certificate in Project Management from the University of San Diego. Edith took some time off to start her family but remained active in her volunteer efforts supporting Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, where she co-chaired nine large fundraising events and served on the Board of Directors for 5 years. During her time at Rady Children’s, Edith became passionate about healthcare and neurosurgery in particular when her daughter became a neurosurgical patient at Radys. Edith joined Senta Neurosurgery’s team supporting Dr. Sanjay Ghosh’s practice in 2019. Given her personal experiences, Edith knows that getting a referral to neurosurgery is a stressful, life altering event, so she truly appreciates being part of the patient care process for Dr. Ghosh’s patients.

When not at work, Edith enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, cooking, and entertaining.

Meet Melissa
Melissa Padilla
Surgery Coordinator

Melissa has an Associate of Science Degree in Medical Office Administration. She has worked in healthcare for over 25 years. She started out working in a radiology department processing film and scheduling exams. Melissa joined Dr. Ghosh’s team in 2003 and uses her skills and experience to schedule Dr. Ghosh’s patients for surgery.  She is a fierce advocate for our patients throughout the entire prior authorization and scheduling process, and her goal is to make the scheduling of our patients’ surgeries organized and stress free so that our patients can focus on healing.

Meet Deborah
Deborah Updike
M.M.S, M.S., PA-C

Deborah is a California native. She attended American University in Washington, DC graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science and Environmental Studies. She was a college athlete, playing NCAA D1 volleyball all four years. She then attended California State University, Long Beach where she received a Masters of Marine Science in Shark Reproductive Physiology. During her first masters degree, she began transitioning into medicine and went on to receive her Master of Medical Science degree in Physician Assistant studies at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL. Deborah served as class Vice President. She graduated in 2017 and has been working at Senta Neurosurgery ever since. Deborah is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Meet Edith
Edith Smith
Director of Operations

Edith was born in Budapest, Hungary and immigrated to Los Angeles, CA as a small child.  She later received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, San Diego in 1996. From 1997 to 2002, she worked as a Program Manager at Qualcomm, during which time she also obtained a Certificate in Project Management from the University of San Diego. Edith took some time off to start her family but remained active in her volunteer efforts supporting Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, where she co-chaired nine large fundraising events and served on the Board of Directors for 5 years. During her time at Rady Children’s, Edith became passionate about healthcare and neurosurgery in particular when her daughter became a neurosurgical patient at Radys. Edith joined Senta Neurosurgery’s team supporting Dr. Sanjay Ghosh’s practice in 2019. Given her personal experiences, Edith knows that getting a referral to neurosurgery is a stressful, life altering event, so she truly appreciates being part of the patient care process for Dr. Ghosh’s patients.

When not at work, Edith enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, cooking, and entertaining.

Meet Felix
Felix Regala
MPAP, PA-C

Felix was born and raised in Abilene, Texas where he graduated from Abilene High School in 2001. He was honored with the Chuck and Doris Moser Scholarship for his accomplishments as a varsity athlete in baseball and his excellence in academics and community service. He then attended Baylor University where he graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. Felix then spent a couple of years working in the laboratory at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and Johnson & Johnson. He then went on to the Keck School of Medicine at University of Southern California to obtain his Master of Physician Assistant Practice degree. Felix graduated from physician assistant school in 2010. While pursuing his PA degree at USC, Felix served as class president and spent time training in neurosurgery and orthopedic spine.  Felix has been a PA with Dr. Ghosh since May 2011.

Felix enjoys being active, including playing basketball, surfing, snowboarding, golfing, and exercising. Felix is also a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the California Academy of Physician Assistants.

Meet Amanda
Amanda W. Gumbert
M.M.S, PA-C

Amanda received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology at San Diego State University in 2002. She worked as an Exercise Physiologist at the Cardiac Treatment Center at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla before going to PA School. Amanda graduated from Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona with a Master of Medical Science degree in Physician Assistant studies in 2005. She began working for Dr. Ghosh in January 2006 working as the senior Physician Assistant and manager of the PAs.   Amanda has spoken at the national level at the AAPA conference on various neurosurgical topics. She is highly committed to the future Physician Assistants and frequently has students shadow her and acts as a PA student preceptor. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Association of Neurosurgical Physician Assistants, and The San Diego Society of Physician Assistants.  Amanda is honored to be a finalist for San Diego Magazine’s Woman of the Year— 2025 Healthcare Pioneer.

When not working, Amanda enjoys hiking, mountain biking, stand up paddle boarding, snowboarding, playing with her dogs and spending time with her family.

San Diego Magazine’s Celebrating Women
2025 Healthcare Pioneer Finalist