T.K. Schiefer, M.D.

I view the doctor-patient relationship as a partnership. We will work together to find solutions to treat your condition and improve your quality of life.

Since we are working together, it is very important we are on the same page and develop a plan as a team. To help facilitate this, first, I will ask you questions to get details about what is going on. Second, I usually perform a neurological examination pertinent to your problem. Third, we typically review your imaging studies together to better understand the problem. Finally, we have an open and honest discussion about possible solutions and treatments, both surgical and non-surgical.

Sometimes non-surgical treatments may be the best option. I only offer and recommend a surgery if I feel it is in your best interest and something I would recommend to one of my own family members. I also try to avoid “doctor jargon” and explain things so they are straight forward and easy to understand. I look forward to partnering together in your neurosurgical care.

I am a husband and father of four children. I am very active in my church community and enjoy serving others. I am an Eagle Scout and worked as scoutmaster for my sons' troop for many years. I enjoy traveling, backpacking, being outdoors, staying physically fit and personal finance/investing.

Education

• Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

Internship

• Preliminary Surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science

Residency

• Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science

Certifications

• American Board of Neurological Surgery
• Certificate in Clinical and Translational Science, Mayo Graduate School
• Silver Level Certification, Mayo Clinic Quality Academy

Memberships

• American Association of Neurological Surgeons
• Congress of Neurological Surgeons

Academic Appointment

• Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science

• Herniated discs
• Spinal deformity
• Spinal stenosis, also known as narrowing of the spinal canal
• Spondylolisthesis, also known as slipped vertebrae
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Traumatic spine injuries, such as fractures and spinal cord injury
• Tumors, spinal and brain

• In-hospital neurologic deterioration following fractures of the ankylosed spine: a single-institution experience, May 2015.
• Significance of cochlear dose in the radiosurgical treatment of vestibular schwannoma: controversies and unanswered questions, May 2014.
• Moving forward: advances in the treatment of movement disorders with deep brain stimulation, November 2011.
• Importance of the vasculature in cyst formation after spinal cord injury, October 2009.
• Epidermoids of the cerebellopontine angle: a 20-year experience, December 2008.