Meet Thomas Schuler Watch Video

Thomas Schuler, MD, FACS, FAAOS

Spine Surgeon
Founder of Virginia Spine Institute
Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Schuler founded Virginia Spine Institute in 1992 to advance the development of contemporary neurological and orthopedic spinal surgery. Today his knowledge, leadership, and innovative techniques have revolutionized spinal healthcare and helped restore the lifestyles of millions nationwide. Over the past 29 years he has grown this award-winning medical practice into the largest multidisciplinary spine practice in the region. As the Founder and CEO of Virginia Spine Institute, Dr. Schuler continues to pioneer the latest breakthroughs in treatment solutions for patients. He has innovated treatments in his practice including regenerative therapies, stem cell therapy, robotic spine surgery, laser spine surgery, and cervical and lumbar disc replacement. Dr. Schuler always emphasizes the best non-operative care and assists his patients through their complete recovery. As an elite spine surgeon, he provides a vast array of treatments to optimize each patient’s unique situation.

In addition to performing the first hybrid multi-level cervical artificial disc replacement with spinal fusion in the country, he has first-hand experience with this procedure from the patient perspective. After suffering from severe neck pain, disc herniations, and nerve compression, Dr. Schuler underwent a cervical hybrid procedure to treat four levels of his neck, and has also had low back surgery. He is fully recovered and back to his life, pain-free, and his career caring for patients. His experience as a patient, having undergone both neck and low back surgery, affords him the unique ability to better understand his patients’ emotional and physical needs and the recovery process. Click to watch his journey from spine surgery, back to his active lifestyle and demanding career.

Dr. Schuler is trained in neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery of the spine. He is double-board certified in spine surgery and orthopaedic surgery. His visionary leadership as President of the National Spine Health Foundation (“NSHF” – a national 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization) fosters the pursuit of improving spinal healthcare for all. As Chairman of the Medical and Scientific Board of NSHF, his mission is to collaborate with his peers, the top spinal surgeons in the nation, in order to educate the world on the most effective treatments in modern spinal healthcare.

He is recognized as a national leader in the treatment of cervical and lumbar spine disorders and named among the 100 Best Spine Surgeons and Specialists in America. Most notably, U.S. News & World Report named him among the top 1% of physicians in his specialty nationwide. Throughout his career, Dr. Schuler has authored numerous articles and conducted extensive clinical research. He is a frequently sought after speaker and educator. As a spine consultant to the Washington Redskins for 22 seasons, Dr. Schuler demonstrated extensive expertise treating elite athletes.