About Our Team

Betsy Grunch, MD, FAANS, FACS, FCNS

I was born and raised in Gainesville, Georgia, and graduated from West Hall High School. For undergraduate school, I went to the University of Georgia where I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. I then attended medical school at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia, and subsequently matched in neurological surgery at Duke University where I completed my internship in 2008. I trained in neurological surgery at Duke University and graduated in 2013. At Duke, I earned the Synthes Spine Fellowship from 2010-2011.

My main interests are minimally invasive spine techniques and advancing the field of neurotrauma. I live with my husband, Ray, our two children, Riley and Beatrice, and our two dogs, Pancake and Butters, in Gainesville, Georgia. I am board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery.

Our Offices —
655 Jesse Jewell Parkway SE
Gainesville, GA 30501
Entrance C

(770) 533-7288 - Phone
(678) 450-3764 - Fax

1270 Friendship Road, Suite 110
Braselton, GA 30517

(678) 207-4600 - Phone

Samantha “Sami” Newman, PA-C

I’m proudly from Robbinsville, New Jersey, so I will always be a Jersey girl at heart. For college, I attended Drexel University in Philadelphia. Following that, I initially moved to Georgia to attend Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - Georgia. I graduated from PCOM with a Masters degree in Physician Assistant studies in 2019, and my first PA position was in subspecialty surgery in New York. About three years ago, I moved back to Georgia, with my now husband Matthew, to work for Dr. Grunch and the rest of the team at Longstreet Clinic Neurosurgery!

Janelle Murphy, PA-C

I’m from Marquette, Michigan, where I also completed my Bachelors degree at Northern Michigan University. I then went to Central Michigan University for PA school where I graduated in 2010, and began working in Neurosurgery. Over the years, I have followed opportunities from Michigan to North Carolina to Georgia. After nearly 7 years in Neurosurgery, I found an opportunity to transition into Neuro Critical Care in 2017, which later led me to Georgia in 2022. After 7 years of Neuro Critical Care, I have now returned to my roots in Neurosurgery. I spend my time off with my husband, our daughter, and our dog. We love to go hiking, boating on Lake Lanier, and travel as often as possible.

Gabby Clark, MA

As a Hoschton native, I graduated from Winder Barrow High School. Afterwards, I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Georgia in 2023, and am currently pursuing a career as a physician assistant. I started at Longstreet Clinic as a scribe, and was recently moved into the medical assistant position which I am so excited about! My hobbies include hiking with my husband, Ty, watching movies, and hanging out with my two cats, Poppy and Goose.

Austin Malcom, PA-C

I have my Masters of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of South Alabama, and am also a proud alumni of the University of Georgia - go dawgs! In October of 2022, I joined the team at Longstreet Clinic Neurosurgery after four years of practice as a neurosurgery physician assistant in Rome, Georgia. My wife Carly and I have two sons, Cason and Chandler, and a labradoodle named Harper. We enjoy watching Georgia football, playing sports and many other outdoor activities. My favorite part about being a physician assistant is being in the operating room where we all work together for the betterment of the patient. Being a part of the process and then there alongside a patient through their recovery is very fulfilling.

Stacey May-Franklin, CMA

I’m a California girl who moved to Georgia in 2007 with my 2 kids.  I have a son that is now 29 and a daughter that is now 19. I met my husband in 2012 and along with him and his 2 sons, we make up a family of 6! I enjoy going to the movies and shopping. And I have worked in the healthcare field since I was 18 yrs old. Becoming Dr. Grunch's CMA has been one of my biggest accomplishments, besides being a parent and wife.

Alex Fernandez, MA

I was raised in Winder, GA, and I graduated from Winder-Barrow High School. After high school, I attended the University of Georgia and graduated in 2021 with the goal of one day becoming a physician. While pursuing my dream of becoming a doctor, I came to Longstreet Clinic to gain invaluable experiences in patient-centered care and to work in a supportive, collaborative team environment! During my free time, I love to work out at the gym, try different restaurants, binge Netflix shows, and play my guitar.