Spine surgeon Thomas Schuler, MD, is CEO of the Virginia Spine Institute in Reston, which he founded in 1992. He has a special interest in treating patients with cervical and lumbar spinal disorders. During his career, he has worked with professional athletes. He has been the spine consultant for the National Football League's Washington Redskins since 1993. Despite the fact Dr. Schuler works on the spine of many athletes, he says he strives to provide the same care for every patient he sees. "I have to rely on my ability to provide the highest quality care to each patient," Dr. Schuler says. "Regardless of whether they are weekend warriors or professional athletes my job is to get them back to the life they love."
Dr. Schuler is a fellow with the American College of Spine Surgery, College of Surgeons and College of Orthopaedic Surgery. He's also a member of the North American Spine Society and Young Presidents Organization. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Schuler helped establish the Spine Research Foundation, which supports spinal healthcare research, education and patient advocacy. He currently serves as president of SFR's Board of Directors.
Dr. Schuler graduated from the Indiana University School of Medicine and did his residency in orthopaedic surgery at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Mich. Additionally, he completed a spinal surgery fellowship at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles before returning to the Washington D.C. area to open the Virginia Spine Institute.
More Spine Surgeons to Know:
Spine Surgeon Leader to Know: Dr. Michael Roh of Rockford Spine Center
Spine Surgeon Leader to Know: Dr. John Heller of The Emory Spine Center