Miguel A. Schmitz, MD
Section Editor · Spine Surgery
Alpine Orthopaedic and Spine, PC
Dual board-certified orthopedic surgeon (Orthopaedic Surgery + Sports Medicine CAQ) practicing at Alpine Orthopaedic and Spine, PC, in Spokane, Washington. Dual fellowship trained in sports medicine/arthroscopy at the University of Rochester and in spine surgery at the Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Programs (Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital). Active journal peer reviewer for Spine and the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Research.
Based in: Spokane, Washington, United States
Education & Training
- Undergraduate — Carroll College, Helena, Montana — B.A. Biology, Minor in Chemistry; Summa Cum Laude with Honors; Delta Epsilon Sigma Honor Society (1986–1990)
- Medical School — University of Washington School of Medicine; Graduated with Honors; Inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha (1990)
- Internship — General Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern (1990–1991)
- Residency — Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern (1991–1995)
- Fellowship — Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy, University of Rochester / Strong Memorial Hospital (Kenneth DeHaven, MD, Lucien Rouse, MD, Robert Bronstein, MD) (1995–1996)
- Fellowship — Spine Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital / Brigham and Women’s Hospital / Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Programs (Kirkham Wood, MD, Christopher Bono, MD, Mitchell Harris, MD) (2007–2008)
Professional Experience
Practicing orthopedic surgeon at Alpine Orthopaedic and Spine, PC in Spokane Valley, Washington, with dual fellowship credentials in surgical sports medicine and comprehensive spine surgery.
Clinical Assistant Professor at Washington State University, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine (2019–present); Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Washington MEDEX Physician Assistant Training Program (2022–present); preceptor at the Heritage University Physician Assistant Educational Program (2017–present).
Active journal peer reviewer for Spine (2020–present) and the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Research (2025–present).
Qualified Medical Examiner for the California Department of Workers’ Compensation (2026); active medical licensure in Washington, Idaho, and California.
Career Achievements
- Dual board certification — American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (recertified in 2008 with a 99th-percentile written score) and ABOS Certificate of Added Qualification for Sports Medicine (certified in 2008 with a 95th-percentile score)
- 30+ peer-reviewed publications spanning sports medicine, knee surgery, spine surgery, and orthopedic case reports
- Two book chapters in Vaccaro, Fehlings, and Dvorak, eds., Spine and Spinal Cord Trauma (Thieme, 2011): "Imaging of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine During the Emergency Department Evaluation" and "The Benefits of Early Stabilization of Spinal Fractures in the Trauma Patient"
- Selected publications in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, American Journal of Sports Medicine, Spine, The Spine Journal, Clinics in Sports Medicine, and the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma
- Team physician experience including the Rochester Amerks (AHL hockey), Rochester Red Wings (AAA baseball), St. John Fisher College (NCAA Division III), and the Empire State Games
Society Memberships
- North American Spine Society — NASS (2009–present)
- Arthroscopy Association of North America — AANA (2002–present)
- American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine — AOSSM (2002–present)
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons — AAOS (2000–present)
- Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society — AΩA, University of Washington (1990–present)
- American Medical Association — AMA (1987–present)
- Delta Epsilon Sigma Honor Society — Carroll College (1985–present)
- Spokane County Medical Society
Awards & Honors
- 2026 — Qualified Medical Examiner, California Department of Workers’ Compensation
- 2008 — ABOS Certificate of Added Qualification for Sports Medicine, certified at the 95th percentile
- 2008 — ABOS Recertification, written-pathway score at the 99th percentile
- 1990 — Inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, University of Washington School of Medicine
- 1989 — Medical Thesis Honor in Biochemistry, University of Washington
- 1986 — John Richardson Prize for Anatomical Studies, Montana State University
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