Dr. Thomas Schuler

Thomas C. Schuler, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Spinal Surgeon
Chief Executive Officer
Founder of Virginia Spine Institute

Dr. Schuler founded Virginia Spine Institute in 1992 to advance the development of contemporary neurological and orthopaedic spinal surgery. Today his knowledge, leadership, and innovative techniques have revolutionized spinal healthcare and restored the lifestyles of tens of thousands nationwide. Over the past 25 years he has grown this award-winning medical practice into the largest multidisciplinary spinal practice in the region. As the Founder and CEO of Virginia Spine Institute, Dr. Schuler continues to pioneer the latest breakthrough in treatment to overcome back or neck pain. He has expanded his practice to include regenerative therapy, stem cell therapy, robotic spine surgery, ultrasonic spine surgery, and enhanced motion-preserving surgical techniques that benefit patients across the globe. 

In addition to performing the first hybrid multi-level cervical artificial disc replacement with spinal fusion in the country, he has first-hand experience of this procedure from the patient perspective. After suffering from severe neck pain, disc herniations, and nerve compression, Dr. Schuler underwent a hybrid procedure to treat four levels of his spine and is fully recovered and back to his life, pain free. 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.

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The miracle of modern spinal surgery is that through minimal disruption of tissues, one can achieve great success in restoring their active lifestyles. I have first hand experienced this as a surgeon and now as a patient and can say that I am ecstatic to live in the age when so much disability can be overcome with the modern advancements of spinal health care and skilled specialists.

Dr. Schuler is double-board certified in spine surgery and orthopaedic surgery. His visionary leadership as President of the Spinal Research Foundation (a national 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization) fosters the pursuit of improving spinal healthcare for all Americans. Most recently he has pioneered the latest alternatives to spine surgery in the form of regenerative therapy. He has participated in numerous FDA-approved studies and has expertise in biologics and the use of stem cells in spinal surgery. 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.

As the spine consultant to the Washington Redskins, Dr. Schuler returned elite athletes and weekend warriors back to their game safely and quickly using the latest non-operative and operative techniques. As a result of this success, he is ranked as one of the Top 12 Spine Surgeons for Professional Athletes and Top 10 Spine Surgeons for NFL Teams.

Through his leadership, Virginia Spine Institute has received the Best of Reston Award for community service, and the Best Places to Work award from the Washington Business Journal, Washingtonian Magazine, and The Washington Post.