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Department Center for Spine Health
Primary Location Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Type of Doctor Adults Only
Languages English
Surgeon Yes
Locations
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Primary Location

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

Appointment:
216.636.5860
Desk:
216.445.4318
Fax:
216.636.2040

Additional Locations

Specialties & Treatments

Treatment & Services

  • Cervical Spine Surgery
  • Complex Spinal Instrumentation
  • Complex Spinal Reconstruction
  • Complex Spinal Surgery
  • Neck Surgery
  • Spinal Fusion
  • Spinal Surgery
  • Spine Decompression
  • Spine Reconstruction
  • Spine Tumor Removal and Reconstruction
  • Spine Tumor Surgery
  • Thoracic Spine Surgery
View all 12 Treatment & Services +

Specialty in Diseases & Conditions

  • Cervical Myelopathy
  • Cervical Tumors
  • Herniated Disc
  • Lumbar Radiculopathy
  • Radiculopathy
  • Sciatica
  • Spinal Cancer
  • Spinal Infections
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Spine Tumors
  • Spondylolisthesis
View all 11 Specialties +
Insurance

Insurance

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Review a list of accepted insurance plans for our Northeast Ohio locations or learn more about purchasing a contracted managed care plan.

View All Plans
Biography

About Richard Schlenk, MD

Dr. Schlenk is the Neurosurgery Residency Training Program Director.
Education & Professional Highlights

Education & Professional Highlights

Appointed
2002

Education & Fellowships

Fellowship - Cleveland Clinic
Spinal Surgery
Cleveland, OH USA
2003

Residency - University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-University Hospital
Neurosurgery
Newark, NJ USA
2002

Internship - University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-University Hospital
General Surgery
Newark, NJ USA
1997

Medical Education - UMDNJ - New Jersey Medical School
Newark, NJ USA
1995

Undergraduate - Kean University
Union, NJ USA
1991

Professional Highlights

  • Neurosurgery Residency Training Program Director

Certifications

  • Neurological Surgery

Specialty Interests

Complex Spinal Reconstruction, Spinal Tumors

Awards & Honors

  • Scholarship in Teaching Award 2008
  • Teacher of the Year, 2004-05, 2005-06
  • Mayfield Award in Spinal Cord Research
  • American Red Cross Hero, 2004

Memberships

  • American Board of Neurological Surgeons: Diplomat
  • American Association of Neurological Surgeon: Member
  • Congress of Neurological Surgeon: Member
  • AANS/CNS Joint Spine Section: Member
Research & Publications

Research & Publications

See publications for Richard Schlenk, MD.

(Disclaimer: This search is powered by PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. PubMed is a third-party website with no affiliation with Cleveland Clinic.)

Industry Relationships

Industry Relationships

Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists may collaborate with the pharmaceutical or medical device industries to help develop medical breakthroughs or provide medical expertise or education. Cleveland Clinic strives to make scientific advances that will benefit patient care and support outside relationships that promise public benefit. In order for the discoveries of Cleveland Clinic physicians' and scientists' laboratories and investigations to benefit the public, these discoveries must be commercialized in partnership with industry. As experts in their fields, Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists are often sought after by industry to consult, provide expertise and education.

To assure professional and commercial integrity in such matters, Cleveland Clinic maintains a program that reviews these collaborations and, when appropriate, puts measures in place to minimize bias that may result from ties to industry. Cleveland Clinic publicly discloses the names of companies when (i) its physicians/scientists receive $5,000 or more per year (or, in rare cases, equity or stock options) for speaking and consulting, (ii) its physicians/scientists serve as a fiduciary, (iii) its physicians/scientists receive or have the right to receive royalties or (iv) its physicians/ scientists hold any equity interest for the physician's/scientist's role as inventor, discoverer, developer, founder or consultant.* In publicly disclosing this information, Cleveland Clinic tries to provide information as accurately as possible about its physicians' and scientists' connections with industry.

As of 1/18/2024, Dr. Schlenk has reported no financial relationship with industry that is applicable to this listing. In general, patients should feel free to contact their doctor about any of the relationships and how the relationships are overseen by Cleveland Clinic. To learn more about Cleveland Clinic's policies on collaborations with industry and innovation management, go to our Integrity in Innovation page.

Public Health Service-Reportable Financial Conflicts of Interest. Cleveland Clinic scientists and physicians engage in basic, translational and clinical research activities, working to solve health problems, enhance patient care and improve quality of life for patients. Interactions with industry are essential to bringing the researchers' discoveries to the public, but can present the potential for conflicts of interest related to their research activities. Click here to view a listing of instances where Cleveland Clinic has identified a Public Health Service (PHS)-Reportable Financial Conflict of Interest and has put measures in place to ensure that, to the extent possible, the design, conduct and reporting of the research is free from bias.

* Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists subscribe to the guidance presented in the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals and the AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals. As such, gifts of substantial value are generally prohibited.

Patient Satisfaction Reviews

308 Patient Satisfaction Reviews

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their views and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cleveland Clinic.

Overall Star Ratings
4.9 out of 5
Explains 4.9
Listens 4.8
Courtesy, Respect & Concern 4.9
Patient Rating of Doctor 4.9

70 Patient Comments

Reviewed on Mar 15, 2024

My visit with Dr. Schlenk was wonderful. The level to which he explained everything and the empathy he provided me as a patient was top-notch, and I left feeling much more at ease about a scary situation

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2024

Dr. Schlenk and his staff are awesome. He always explains everything to you so that you can understand. He is friendly, honest, and patient. I have never meant a doctor as compassionate as him. He treated me with respect. I trust him with my care.

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2024

Saw Dr Schlenk for a 3rd opinion. So glad I did. He took his time to explain my condition/symptoms and options I have. I definitely plan to continue to see him and his staff in follow up.

Reviewed on Feb 27, 2024

Dr Schlenk is a very caring person. He's not Treating you to put another notch in his belt; but looking at you and your problem with Concern for the patients health.

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2024

My films were not received from outside facility. I was stressed. Dr. Sclenk was very calming and wonderful!

Reviewed on Feb 22, 2024

Dr Schlenk left me feeling confident about the journey ahead of me under his care.

Reviewed on Feb 16, 2024

I was very impressed with Dr. Schlenk and appreciated the time he spent with me discussing my treatment. Very attentive and caring.

Reviewed on Feb 9, 2024

Dr. Schlenk was everything we wanted-great physician .

Reviewed on Feb 9, 2024

In room with Dr Schlenk almost an hour. Describe problem and way to treat it in a very good and caring way

Reviewed on Feb 6, 2024

Dr. Schleck Is a very nice, caring, and compassionate doctor.He took the time to tell us what was wrong and how he could fix the problem. He listened to our concerns and answered all our questions. He Is awesome.

Reviewed on Jan 26, 2024

Dr. Schlenk was outstanding in every way. He took the time to explain my condition, answer all questions and thoroughly discussed the benefits as well as the potential risks of surgery. I knew when I left the office that I would have complete confidence in having him as my surgeon. I truly felt that he was the most compassionate doctor I had ever encountered.

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2024

He is very nice dr. A nd. His team

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2024

Dr. Schlenk is above and beyond the most compassionate and caring surgeon. He spent quality time explaining my needs and how he would help me.

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2024

I have already referred a friend to Dr. Schlenk and she is under their care, too.

Reviewed on Jan 12, 2024

Dr. Schlenk is the greatest. He used his tremendous skills to repair my back and restore my quality of life.

Reviewed on Jan 11, 2024

Doctor took a lot of time to explain the surgery.

Reviewed on Jan 5, 2024

Dr. Schlenk is the best. Excellent surgeon while being kind and compassionate

Reviewed on Jan 5, 2024

It seems as if healing was slow. Throughout the process Dr Schlenk and his.team were supportive.

Reviewed on Jan 5, 2024

Very good discussion with the doctor.

Reviewed on Jan 4, 2024

Dr. Schlenk is very caring and compassionate. He listens to all your concerns. Answers all our questions. Very good bedside manner.

Reviewed on Jan 4, 2024

After meeting with Dr. Schlenk, I completely concur with all the positive reviews I read before my appointment. He is an incredible physiciana wonderful individual! I left feeling that I am in the hands of a competent, caring, empathetic physician!

Reviewed on Dec 29, 2023

Dr Schlenk was amazing

Reviewed on Dec 28, 2023

Dr. Sclenk was very informative and spent a lot of time listening to and answering my many questions.

Reviewed on Dec 16, 2023

Dr. Richard Schlenk is an exceptional doctor who is very compassionate.

Reviewed on Dec 15, 2023

Dr Schlenk Staff Iam very confident withDr Schlenk I trusted my Life with

Reviewed on Dec 15, 2023

Dr Schlenk explained very clearly to me about surgery and the risk of surgery if need to be.

Reviewed on Dec 2, 2023

Had doctors stop by everyday to explain situation. Dr Schlenk stopped by twice and was very relaxed both times, which relieved me.

Reviewed on Dec 1, 2023

I was very impressed with Dr Sclenck's explaining the pros and cons of both possible surgeries. He was very personable and made me feel at ease. Although I live 3 hours away I will likely choose Cleveland Clinic because everyone impressed me.

Reviewed on Nov 30, 2023

Such a wonderful and caring doctor.

Reviewed on Nov 16, 2023

The physician was excellent!

Reviewed on Nov 16, 2023

Dr. Schlenk was very thorough with his explanation of my options. My wife, who is a nurse, and I were very impressed that Dr. Schlenk took his time answering all of our questions. He did not rush through the visit. We left the appointment very satisfied with the information he provided.

Reviewed on Nov 9, 2023

I love Dr. Schlenk! I always recommend him to my friends and family. He's a special doctor, special human. He told me that if I ever needed him before our next appointment to reach out and that he'd "move heaven and earth" to see me. Now that's a good doctor!

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2023

Dr. Schlenk is the best

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2023

In terms of likelihood of referring others to Dr. Schlink - I've already referred one of my brother-in-laws to him, who had previous back surgery in another country. He has seen Dr. Schlink and was very happy with his services.

Reviewed on Oct 24, 2023

Dr richard schlenk my surgery on my neck march 2023 I am Extremely happy It went so well, but I do know he is the one the great surgeon I would recommended Everyone!

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2023

He was very caring and got right to the point on situation of course leaving it all up to me but also explaining that it would be in my best interest to continue on with my situation. Dr Benzel recommended him so I know he must be a great physician

Reviewed on Oct 5, 2023

Still waiting on follow up to schedule surgery.Dr. Schlenk did an excellent job of explaining things and took the time to answer questions.

Reviewed on Sep 28, 2023

Dr. Schlenck is awesome.

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2023

Even though I had to wait a long time to see the doctor, once I was with him, he took his time and explained everything. He gave me options for my health issues.

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2023

Both my surgery and the follow up appointments with Dr. Schlenk were extremely positive. The care I received was exceptional, my back Issues were remedied and found Dr. Schlenk personable and caring.

Reviewed on Sep 7, 2023

Dr. Schlenk listened to my symptoms and concerns; then displayed my x-rays/CT results on his computer screen. Then explained in detail, to myself and my husband what we were viewing with my spine and spinal hardware. He was professional and spoke in a manner that we could understand.

Reviewed on Sep 7, 2023

I have recommended Dr. Schlenk, when someone asked about my spinal surgery.

Reviewed on Sep 7, 2023

He provided all the risks of doing surgery on me but didn't appear to want to do surgery due to my scoliosis. No options given so I sent him a message to present my case to the team which he apparently did and scheduled a virtual follow up on November 30, 2023.

Reviewed on Aug 31, 2023

Dr Schlenk is amazing. Very patient and thoughtful,.. The man is incredible

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2023

The doctor took time and explained everything very well.

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2023

Doctor Schlenk came highly recommended by another CCF doctor. After my visits, I agree with that recommendation.

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2023

I am very grateful to Dr. Schlenk for his surgical skills, his straight forward communication and his bedside manner.

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2023

My experience was Awesome ! The entire staff were personable and very professional.I felt very comfortable talking and interacting with everyone involved in my care .Dr . Schlenk answered all of my questions and he addressed our concerns about the surgery.My husband and I feel confident in his ability to care for me .Thank you so much !

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2023

Dr. Schlenk was wonderful!

Reviewed on Jul 18, 2023

Truly a caring provider

Reviewed on Jul 18, 2023

The finest care provider on my team

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2023

Dr Schlenk is a caring, thorough Doctor. I felt good when I left.

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2023

Dr Schlenk is outstanding, wonderful bedside manner. Honest, explains things very well. The Fellow I spoke with also excellent

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2023

Dr Schlenk is the BEST HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2023

Dr. Schenk was absolutely wonderful , He's very personable, professional and caring .I was nervous about the surgery, but he explained every aspect of the surgery including the risk and the usual outcomes.I feel so much better and I have confidence that the surgery is going to go well .

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2023

Everyone was very helpful, the process was smooth, and Dr Schlenk was expert, courteous and forthright.

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2023

Dr. Schlenk is a very honest, humble yet confident person. He is also kind

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2023

The doctor made me feel like he cared about me as if I was a relative

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2023

I could not ask for better. Dr. Schlenk is an amazing doctor. He is kind and compassionate in addition to being highly skilled. He listens and never makes you feel like he is too busy for you, even though I know he is a very busy man. I am so thankful to have found him. Likewise, his PA and nurse are also very kind and compassionate and always helpful.

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2023

The doctor was outstanding and discussed problems with me.

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2023

Dr was prepared and direct

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2023

I had an award winning surgery. Dr. Schlenk eliminated terrible hip pain that I had for 15 years.

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2023

Excellent physician

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2023

Dr. Schlenk and his staff are wonderful

Reviewed on May 18, 2023

Dr Schlenk was my surgeon for a low back injury. He is one of the kindest and most capable and knowledgeable doctors I have ever met!

Reviewed on May 16, 2023

I felt very "heard" by Dr Schlenk

Reviewed on May 16, 2023

Dr. Schlenk has a compassionate, caring manner. He is open to other forms for treatment besides surgery. He listens attentively and wants what is best for the person under his care.

Reviewed on May 9, 2023

Dr was most impressive with how he handled my situation. Explained his course completely and thoroughly. Very pleased!

Reviewed on Apr 20, 2023

Dr. Schlenk Is exceptional in analyzing and explaining my ruptured disc problem. His game plan for treatment is also conservative and impressive. His assistant Rachel was also amazing in testing and evaluating my current condition. Their attention to detail and compassion is very assuring.

Reviewed on Apr 6, 2023

Dr Schlenk is the best. I would rate him 6. For Excellent.

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