Eminent orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Kevin Schoenfelder recently concluded a distinguished 45-year career. He was celebrated for his innovative approaches to spine surgery and unwavering dedication to patient care. Throughout his career, he earned accolades for his surgical excellence and compassionate approach to treatment, greatly enhancing orthopedic medicine.

Born and raised in Minnesota, Kevin's passion for biology led him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts at Macalester College in St. Paul, graduating in 1974. He further deepened his understanding of biological sciences by earning a Master's in Quantitative Genetics from the University of Minnesota in 1975. These academic achievements paved the way for the University of Minnesota Medical School, where he completed his Doctor of Medicine (MD) in 1979 and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honors Society, recognizing his outstanding academic performance.

Following his graduation, Dr. Schoenfelder embarked on a rigorous internship at the University of California, San Francisco, from 1979 to 1980, followed by a residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Washington, completed in 1984. His residency was marked by academic distinction, culminating in receiving the Best Resident Paper award for innovative research.

Post-residency, Kevin began his teaching career as an Instructor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Washington. He also broadened his professional experience internationally as a Traveling Faculty member at the University of Hokkaido in Japan in 1984 and later through a specialized spine and pediatric orthopedics fellowship at the University of Hong Kong in 1985.