60Dr. Kevin Schoenfelder (drkevinschoenfelder)
Joined 8 weeks ago from Tacoma, WA
Dr. Kevin Schoenfelder, a retired orthopedic spine surgeon, concluded a remarkable 45-year career distinguished by profound contributions to treating musculoskeletal disorders. His surgical expertise and dedication to nonsurgical care have left an indelible mark on the field, earning him numerous accolades and a reputation for exceptional patient outcomes.
Kevin grew up in Minnesota, where his initial fascination with biology and the sciences took root. He pursued higher education at Macalester College in St. Paul, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Biology in 1974. Continuing his academic pursuit, he then obtained a Master's in Quantitative Genetics from the University of Minnesota in 1975, laying a solid foundation for his medical career.
He achieved his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 1979. His exemplary academic performance during this period led to his induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honors Society, recognizing his potential as a future leader in medicine.
Dr. Schoenfelder's postgraduate training began with an internship at the University of California, San Francisco, from 1979 to 1980. He then completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Washington in 1984, during which he earned accolades for his research, including a prestigious award for the Best Resident Paper.
Upon completing his residency, Kevin embraced the Instructor of Orthopedic Surgery role at the University of Washington, where he was deeply involved in educating future surgeons. His expertise also led him to international academic roles, including a position as a Traveling Faculty member at the University of Hokkaido in Japan in 1984 and a fellowship at the University of Hong Kong in 1985, where he specialized in spine and pediatric orthopedics.
Dr. Schoenfelder's research significantly influenced orthopedic surgery, particularly his pioneering work on long spinal fusions and the anterior fixation of spinal fractures using the Kaneda device. His contributions were recognized at major medical conferences, such as the Scoliosis Research Society, where his work was celebrated.
In 1985, Kevin transitioned into private practice, joining Puget Sound Spine Associates and moving to the Franciscan Spine Group in 2008. His clinical training was characterized by high patient satisfaction, evidenced by his receiving a 5-star Patient Satisfaction Award every quarter from 2008 until his retirement in 2018. His ability to connect with and care for his patients was renowned, and he maintained high staff satisfaction ratings throughout his career.
Orthopedic surgery involves diagnosing, treating, and preventing musculoskeletal disorders, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Dr. Schoenfelder specialized in surgeries that improved mobility and reduced pain, significantly enhancing the quality of life for his patients.
In addition to his medical career, Dr. Kevin Peter Schoenfelder, MD, has been committed to community service and philanthropy. He has supported numerous organizations, including the Greater Peninsula Land Trust and Planned Parenthood. He has been involved with environmental and cultural institutions such as the Burke Museum and the Sierra Club.
Since retiring in 2018, Kevin has continued to indulge his passion for the outdoors through gardening, hiking, scuba diving, and birdwatching. He remains active in his community, coaching local sports teams and devoting time to his six grandchildren. His ongoing involvement in these activities demonstrates his commitment to his community and enduring vitality. He remains a model of professional dedication and personal engagement, continuing to inspire those in and out of the medical field.