Richard Schlenk, MD
NeurosurgerySpine Surgery
Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Adult
Languages
- English
Gender
MaleAbout
Biography
Get a second opinion. Our experts will help you find answers and match you with the right specialist — even if it’s not the one you first expected. We’ll make the process simple and supportive. Get Started.
Education & Board Certifications
Education
- Fellowship: Cleveland Clinic, 2003
- Residency: University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-University Hospital, 2002
- Internship: University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-University Hospital, 1997
- Medical Education: UMDNJ - New Jersey Medical School, 1995
- Undergraduate: Kean University, 1991
Board Certifications
- Neurological Surgery: American Board of Neurological Surgery, 2008
Professional Highlights
- Neurosurgery Residency Training Program Director
Awards
- Scholarship in Teaching Award 2008
- Teacher of the Year, 2004-05, 2005-06
- Mayfield Award in Spinal Cord Research
- American Red Cross Hero, 2004
Professional Memberships
Research & Publications
See publications for this provider. (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
Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists collaborate with industry to advance medical breakthroughs. These partnerships help commercialize discoveries for public benefit while maintaining scientific integrity. To ensure transparency and minimize potential bias, Cleveland Clinic reviews these relationships and publicly discloses when physicians/scientists receive significant compensation for consulting, serve in fiduciary roles, receive royalties, or hold equity interests related to their work. We manage potential conflicts through approval processes, annual reporting, and targeted management plans.
As of 2026-07-14, 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.
Insurances Accepted
Video
Reviews
4.9 of 5 stars
206 Ratings, 34 ReviewsThe Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/28/2026
Dr.Schlenk is great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/15/2026
Yes I would recommend this doctor if the opportunity comes
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/15/2026
We had a resident and she was wonderful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/15/2026
Dr. S. Was very thorough and an excellent teacher of my existing condition . I would recommend him highly. Dr. Huston also demonstrated excellent care & kindness. Good sense of the patients needs and a good sense of humor. She is becoming an excellent doctor so much so I hope they can let us know where her practice would be located.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/15/2026
Dr. Schlenk is an outstanding physician and person. I am very lucky to have him as my doctor/surgeon.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/1/2026
This was my first visit with this doctor and I was very pleased with his interest in my medical case.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/24/2026
Dr. Schlenk has always been in my opinion a very good doctor. I trust his opinion and his judgement.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/24/2026
Dr. Schlenk was very clear and compassionate when advising me about what appears to be the cause of my current pain and the additional testing needed to ensure that the best possible treatment options are recommended. I never felt rushed and noted that he carefully listened to all my concerns. I understand that treatment may be provided by another medical provider.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/17/2026
Dr Schlink was excellent. He is very caring and he discussed my options with me being very clear. He explained everything to me and my sister very well. He showed concern for my issues. I loved him and I would rate him as 100% excellent provider.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/4/2026
Dr Schlenk has a vast knowledge of neuroscience and the best bedside manner of any doctor I have ever experienced.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/24/2026
Dr. Schlenk was so thorough and wonderful. Such an informative and great visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/24/2026
I would always have him as my doctor if I ever needed another spine surgery
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/7/2026
The doctor was wonderful and he totally listened to me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/7/2026
Dr Schlenk is excellent! Very knowledgeable, thorough, receptive, patient, answered all my questions and addressed all my concerns. His team was good in follow up tasks such as sending prescription to my local pharmacy and scheduling a follow up virtual appointment. I am so happy and thankful to have Dr Schlenk and his team to be my care team!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/4/2026
Dr. Schlenk is most personable & approachable. We are blessed to have him!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/4/2026
Always a pleasure to talk with Dr. Schlenk!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/4/2026
Outstanding care, Dr. Sclenck made a difference in my life!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/4/2026
The Dr was so nice. He explained everything in a way that I understood. So thankful I found him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/29/2026
Dr. Schlenk is amazing. He is respectful, professional and approachable. He explained everything about my upcoming surgery clearly and respectfully. During the appointment, I felt he cares about me as a person, not just as another surgical case. The thought of having spinal surgery is frightening, but after the appointment with Dr. Schlenk, I honestly feel the surgery is going to go well, due to Dr. Schlenk''s skills, knowledge, commitment and sincere caring. I''m very lucky to have him as my surgeon!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/29/2026
Dr. Schenk''s RN, Kim, helped immeasurably in getting me a timely appointment. She is the perfect combination of professionalism and compassion.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/21/2026
Dr Schlenk and his Resident, Jeff, were very thorough, professional and personable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/13/2026
Dr Schlenk is the best
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/7/2026
Dr schlenk was very thorough, patient and confident as he explained my spine problems and what was needed surgically to give me relief from pain and stability to live my life postoperatively. He took the time I needed to explain what I needed explained. I have confidence in him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/5/2026
I was so impressed with Dr. Schlenk~ he was thorough and explained my situation to me In a way that I could understand. He was patient and kind and so approachable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2026
Dr. Schlenk went above and beyond as far as explaining my issues with me and going over my treatment options
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/7/2026
Dr. Schlenk was thorough and communicable. We left the consultation with peace.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/29/2025
I love Dr. Schlenk.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/19/2025
Dr. Schlenk's entire staff runs like a well-oiled machine. They are super-efficient and very kind.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/19/2025
Dr.Schlenk is a compassionate doctor. He listens carefully and answers questions thoroughly. I feel very fortunate that he took care of me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/19/2025
He was very reassuring and informative. I look forward to continuing seeing him as my doctor for my back issues.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/9/2025
Dr. Schlenk spent a great deal of time assessing not only my medical options but also how it would impact my life
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/29/2025
Excellent speaking Dr. Schlenk and Kim Madis
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2025
At this visit, Dr. Schlenk discussed his surgical recommendation, providing great detail on procedure, risks/benefits, care after procedure, alternatives to procedure.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2025
Dr Schlenk is absolutely amazing. He has cared about me and my well being since the moment he started caring for me. I would recommend him to anyone!