Kevin Schafer, MD

My journey into medicine began as an orthopedic patient. After living with years of hip pain that proved challenging to diagnose, I underwent life changing surgical treatment that dramatically enhanced my quality of life. This experience, along with my background in engineering and biomechanics, guided me towards a career in orthopedic surgery. As an orthopedic surgeon at NYU Langone, I am devoted to helping my patients get out of pain and reclaim their active lifestyles.

I was drawn to the specialty of foot and ankle early in my orthopedic training. During a lecture on foot and ankle biomechanics, I saw the engineering principles that I had studied in college come to life as I learned about the intricate coordinated function of 28 bones and 33 joints. I enjoy the challenge of understanding each patient’s foot structure and function through a detailed physical examination, and then applying this information to develop personalized solutions for their pain.

My clinical expertise encompasses a variety of foot and ankle conditions, such as achilles tendon injuries, ligament injuries, cartilage injuries, foot and ankle arthritis, athletic injuries, and deformities including bunion and flat foot disorders. I specialize in advanced surgical procedures including total ankle replacement, minimally invasive bunion correction, and ankle arthroscopy. My background in engineering, combined with my comprehensive training and experience, allows me to deliver personalized, innovative care to my patients.

My choice to join NYU Langone was influenced by the institution’s dedication to providing state-of-the-art care and propelling the field forward through research. My research interests include developing and studying new treatment techniques, evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, and describing the biomechanical principles of foot and ankle care.