Thomas Schuler

About Thomas Schuler

Dr. Schuler founded the Virginia Spine Institute in 1992 to advance the development of contemporary neurological and orthopaedic spinal surgery. His knowledge, drive and innovative techniques have revolutionized spinal healthcare in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area. Over three decades, he developed this award-winning medical practice into the largest multidisciplinary spinal practice in the region.Dr. Schuler performed the first hybrid multi-level cervical artificial disc replacement with fusion in the country and performs disc regeneration treatment, cervical and lumbar disc replacement procedures, minimally invasive spine surgery, as well as robotic surgery. A sought-after speaker and educator, he is also 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. He was also named by the National Spine Health Foundation as the Top 50 Spine Surgeons in America. Additionally, U.S.News & World Report has named him among the top 1% of physicians in his specialty nationwide.As the spine consultant to the Washington Redskins for 22 seasons, he returned elite athletes to the playing field safely and quickly using non-operative and operative techniques. As a result of his success, he has been listed as one of the Top 12 Spine Surgeons for Professional Athletes and the Top 10 Spine Surgeons for NFL Teams.Dr. Schuler is double board certified in spine surgery and orthopedic surgery. His visionary leadership as Chairman of the National Spine Health Foundation fosters the pursuit of his mission to improve spinal healthcare for all. While serving as the President and CEO of the Virginia Spine Institute, Dr. Schuler’s passion for improving lives extended beyond his patients to the local community and his employees. Through his leadership, VSI received the Best of Reston Award for community service, and the Best Places to Work award from both the Washington Business Journal and Washingtonian Magazine.

Experience

1. Chairman of the Board

   National Spine Health Foundation

   Jan 2024 — Present · US

Education

• William Beaumont Hospital Orthopedic Residency

  Orthopedic Surgeon, Orthopedic Surgery

  1986 — 1991

• Kerlan-Jobe Spine Surgery Fellowship

  Fellowship in Spinal Surgery, Spine Surgery

  1991 — 1992

• Indiana University School of Medicine

  Medical Doctor, Medicine

  1982 — 1986

• The University of Notre Dame

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Biology, General

  1978 — 1982