For world-renowned neurosurgeon and innovator Richard G. Fessler, MD, PhD, “impossible” simply means a solution has yet to be discovered.
Guided by that belief, Dr. Fessler has spent decades helping people with spinal cord injuries regain the mobility to perform everyday tasks such as eating, drinking and brushing their teeth — restoring independence and enhancing quality of life.
That drive for innovation established Dr. Fessler as a pioneer in spine surgery. Dr. Fessler was the first to perform 20 different techniques, including 14 minimally invasive procedures, invented more than 200 surgical instruments, earned 85 patents and completed more than 10,000 operations. He has served in leadership positions for national and international professional organizations, and advised local, state and federal government officials on healthcare.
Today, after more than 40 highly productive years in the operating room, Dr. Fessler is turning his attention to advancing research, developing new inventions and educating the next generation of spine surgeons.
Taking a winding path to international fame
The first in his family to earn a college degree, Dr. Fessler followed a nontraditional path to neurosurgery. After earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in psychology, he completed a PhD in pharmacology and physiology, his medical doctorate, two postdoctoral research fellowships and a surgical residency at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.
Dr. Fessler’s first faculty appointment took him to the University of Florida. He joined Rush Medical College from 2000 to 2002 before returning to the University of Chicago as chair of neurosurgery and later moving on to Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Fessler returned to Rush in 2013, where he performed the first stem cell transplant for treatment of cervical acute spinal cord injury.
Mentoring the best and the brightest
Along the winding path of his educational journey, Dr. Fessler realized the importance of effective mentorship. Since then, he has offered guidance and support to more than 170 physicians and scientists who have blazed their own trails. Training these talented students is among his proudest achievements.
“I’ve been blessed to work with some of the brightest, most talented fellows and residents,” Dr. Fessler said. “They have contributed to my life’s work, and they’ve gone on to chair departments, start their own companies and develop their own inventions.”
John E. O’Toole, MD, MS, chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery, said one of Dr. Fessler’s greatest attributes is his commitment to lifelong learning and discovery.
“From continuous academic inquiry to his skeptical eye toward long-accepted but unproven dogma to the development and implementation of novel surgical techniques, Dr. Fessler continues to inspire my career,” Dr. O’Toole said. “His willingness to challenge himself and others has led to transformative progress for the field of spine surgery and for those of us who have been fortunate enough to train and work with him.”
Helping patients achieve goals, restoring their independence
Dr. Fessler takes pride in the care he has provided to thousands of patients and Rush’s U.S. News & World Report ranking as one of the top neurosurgery programs in the country.
“Other programs typically have 40 neurosurgeons,” he said. “We’ve got 10, and we’re still ranking up there with those programs. That’s a phenomenal achievement.”
Through his contributions to minimally invasive spine surgery, Dr. Fessler has helped countless individuals — including professional athletes, celebrities and foreign dignitaries — achieve their goals and live their healthiest lives.
Patient Jim Frank feared lower back pain might derail his active lifestyle when he saw Dr. Fessler in 2024. Instead, the minimally invasive procedure Dr. Fessler performed has allowed Jim to continue golfing, biking, skiing and working out without any dramatic changes.
“Dr. Fessler is a great person, and the results have been great,” Jim said. “I hope to continue doing the things I love for many years. It was life-changing.”
Taking spine surgery to the next level
The development of improved surgical techniques that deliver better outcomes for patients will depend heavily on technological advancements. 
Dr. Fessler’s challenge to his students is to critically evaluate where the field of spine surgery stands and take it to the next level.
He has dedicated his entire career to curing paralysis from spinal cord injury and still hopes to one day achieve that goal — a reminder that solutions begin with imagining a future where the “impossible” becomes possible.
Join us in celebrating Dr. Fessler’s trailblazing career by supporting innovation in neurosurgery, advancing patient care and helping train the next generation of leaders in the field. Honor his legacy, and make your gift today.
