Richard David Fessler, MD, PhD

About Dr. Fessler

Two significant personal influences led R. David Fessler, MD, PhD to the field of neurosurgery. “I decided to pursue a career in neurosurgery, specifically spine surgery, about half-way through college. It was immediately after I woke up from my own spine surgery,” he says. In addition to this moment, he had first-hand knowledge of this area of medicine because his father, a world-renowned neurosurgeon, is a pioneer of minimally invasive spine surgery.

His college career began at Miami University of Ohio, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Zoology and Neuroscience. He then graduated from Medical College of Georgia, Neuroscience program, with his Doctor of Philosophy. Dr. Fessler continued his studies at University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Neuroscience Specialized Education Program, earning his Medical Doctorate. He completed his neurosurgery residency at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago.

Describing what he does as a neurosurgeon, Dr. Fessler says, …“Spine surgery can vary from small, minimally invasive, outpatient procedures where the patient can go home on the same day as surgery, all the way to large reconstructions of the entire spine requiring a stay in the ICU and significant post-surgery rehab.”

His philosophy in spine surgery is that less is more. “My goal is to find the smallest surgery that will return the patient to full function for as long as possible,” he says. “Each patient is unique and requires careful consideration to determine the best path forward.”

Listening to a patient’s symptoms and concerns is the most important thing Dr. Fessler feels he can do. Their answers serve as an important guide in how he determines the right treatment for them. While he says the process of going through surgery and recovery can be difficult for a patient, he is there for them every step of them way and even afterwards. “I hope that my patients have learned that I truly care about them and their well-being,” he says.

In his own words…

Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life?My father is unquestionably the most influential role model in my life. A field-leading spine surgeon for as long as I can remember, he has taught me about life, spine surgery and everything in between.

What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? My first job was as a cashier at Panera Bread Co., when I was in high school. It gave me a great appreciation for the importance of even very small personal interactions.

What is your favorite food? Movie? Favorite food: Sushi Favorite movie: True Lies

What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up? Best subject: Biology. My biology teacher/wrestling coach was a strong influence on me in high school. Worst subject: English. I didn’t discover audiobooks until med school. Now I love to read (listen).

If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? I would love to sit down and pick Leonardo DaVinci’s brain for an hour or two.

What are your hobbies, interests? I love to golf, exercise and sing.

What is something most people don’t know about you? For a couple years in college, I was a Miami University cheerleader. My own spine injury and surgery ended that, but it was a lot of fun.