Michael F. Schafer, MD, FAOA is being recognized as an AOA Pillar of the Orthopaedic Profession for his leadership, mentoring, and lifelong contributions to orthopaedic surgery during his distinguished career. The champions for this effort on his behalf are John F. Sarwark, MD, FAOA & Rick C. Sasso, MD, FAOA.
Bio
Michael F. Schafer, MD, FAOA, was an orthopaedic surgeon whose life and career reflected resilience, dedication, and a deep commitment to patient care. As a child, he survived polio – an experience that profoundly shaped his path and inspired his interest in medicine, particularly in restoring mobility and function for others facing physical challenges.
After earning his medical degree from the University of Iowa, he completed an internship in orthopaedic surgery at Chicago Wesley Memorial Hospital and a residency in orthopaedic surgery at Northwestern University, where he was named Resident of the Year during his first year of training. He joined the faculty of Northwestern University’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery in 1974 and, in 1979, was appointed chairman of the department, becoming the longest-serving chair in the medical school’s history.
Dr. Schafer specialized in sports medicine and spinal deformity surgery, with much of his career devoted to advancing the treatment of scoliosis. He contributed significantly to the field through both clinical practice and teaching, mentoring generations of medical students and residents. He was widely known for his surgical skill and his compassionate, patient-centered approach to care.
A dedicated leader in organized orthopaedics, Dr. Schafer was selected as an American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) North American Traveling Fellow in 1975 and became a member of the AOA in 1985. His service to the organization included participation on the Fellowships Task Force and the Nominating Committee.
In addition to his academic and clinical work, Dr. Schafer served as an orthopaedic consultant to the Chicago Cubs for more than 25 years and provided care for the Chicago Bears and Northwestern University athletes.
Throughout his career, Dr. Schafer focused on helping patients regain independence and improve their quality of life, drawing on both his professional expertise and personal understanding of physical adversity. Beyond medicine, he was devoted to his wife, Eileen, and their five children, valuing the support and perspective they provided throughout his life.
Dr. Schafer’s story is one of perseverance and purpose—transforming early challenges into a lifelong mission to heal and serve others.
The AOA gratefully acknowledges Dr. Schafer’s extensive and comprehensive impact on the orthopaedic community and recognizes him as an AOA Pillar of the Orthopaedic Profession.
Tribute
“Dr. Schafer sets the standard for mentorship within our orthopaedic community. This honor recognizes more than three decades of exceptional dedication to guiding trainees, residents, and colleagues. He is distinguished not only by an unmatched work ethic, but also by an engaging personality, an ability to connect with everyone he encounters, and a deep compassion for patients and their families.
His enduring leadership has shaped generations of orthopaedic trainees and young surgeons, leaving a lasting imprint on clinical practice and education. Beyond medicine, his passion for sports fostered meaningful connections with the Chicago Cubs organization and training staff, as well as years supporting the Chicago Bears on the sidelines.
Above all, Dr. Schafer’s legacy is reflected in the countless lives he has touched across his patients, colleagues, hospital, and the broader community.”
John F. Sarwark, MD, FAOA
Dr. Schafer’s Co-Champion
“There is no stronger, more powerful Pillar of our Orthopaedic profession than Dr. Mike Schafer. He was a masterful leader who cared deeply for his residents and built a great program at Northwestern University. I was fortunate to be able to watch Dr. Schafer conduct a masterclass in leadership qualities while setting a solid foundation for young orthopaedic surgeons to flourish.”
Rick C. Sasso, MD, FAOA
Dr. Schafer’s Co-Champion