Dr. Kevin Schoenfelder, a distinguished orthopedic spine surgeon, recently wrapped up a 45-year career that impacted musculoskeletal medicine. Celebrated for his surgical excellence and compassionate approach to patient care, his job is marked by his dedication to advancing spine surgery and improving the lives of his patients.

Born and raised in Minnesota, Kevin developed an early interest in the sciences. He pursued this passion at Macalester College in St. Paul, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Biology in 1974. Furthering his education at the University of Minnesota, he completed a Master's in Quantitative Genetics in 1975. He then transitioned to medical studies at the University of Minnesota Medical School, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) in 1979, an accomplishment that was accompanied by his induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honors Society due to his academic excellence.

Following medical school, Dr. Schoenfelder began his postgraduate training with an internship at the University of California, San Francisco, from 1979 to 1980. He then completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Washington in 1984, where he was recognized for his research contributions and received the Best Resident Paper award.

After his residency, Kevin took on an educational role as an Instructor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Washington. His commitment to medical education also led him to serve as a Traveling Faculty member at the University of Hokkaido in Japan in 1984, followed by a specialized fellowship at the University of Hong Kong in 1985, focusing on spine and pediatric orthopedics.

Dr. Schoenfelder's significant research contributions, particularly in spinal fusion techniques and developing methods for the anterior fixation of spinal fractures using the Kaneda device, have been acknowledged at prestigious medical conferences, including the Scoliosis Research Society.

In 1985, Kevin began his private practice at Puget Sound Spine Associates, later transitioning to the Franciscan Spine Group in 2008, where he practiced until his retirement in 2018. Throughout his professional life, he consistently earned high marks for patient care, receiving 5-star Patient Satisfaction Awards each quarter from 2008 to 2018.

Orthopedic surgery, mainly focusing on the musculoskeletal system, involves diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders affecting bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Dr. Schoenfelder specialized in procedures that alleviated pain and restored mobility, dramatically improving his patient's quality of life.

Outside his professional endeavors, Dr. Kevin Peter Schoenfelder, MD, has demonstrated a robust commitment to philanthropy and community service. He has supported various charitable organizations, including the Greater Peninsula Land Trust and Planned Parenthood, and contributed to environmental and cultural groups like the Burke Museum and the Sierra Club.

In retirement, Kevin has continued to engage in his passions for gardening, hiking, scuba diving, and birdwatching. He also remains an active member of his community, coaching local sports teams and being deeply involved in the lives of his six grandchildren. He leads a fulfilling life through these activities, embodying a commitment to health, well-being, and active community participation. He remains an inspirational figure, embodying a life of dedication, achievement, and service.