Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Adult
Languages
- English
Gender
MaleAbout Richard Schlenk
Biography
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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 2026-01-28, 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
Ratings & Reviews
4.8 out of 5
230 ratings, 28 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 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
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 12/19/2025
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 12/9/2025
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
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!
- 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 9/25/2025
Dr. Schlenk listened, understood, and called our other doctor to urge him to see us as soon as possible. Dr. Schlenk was professional, kind, and informed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/23/2025
It was not easy to get an appointment with Dr. Schlenk, but once the connection was made, the appointment person was very nice.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/23/2025
Dr. Schlenk's fellow was very kind and really listened to me. She gave me a thorough exam. Dr. Schlenk is absolutely a wonderful doctor. He listened to me, explained everything, clearly understood my anxiety and was compassionate. I feel complete confidence in his ability to take care of me so that I can continue my active lifestyle.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/28/2025
I could not be more pleased than I am with Dr Schlenk and his staff!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/25/2025
Exceptional care from Dr. Schlenk
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/19/2025
He was extremely thorough, took the time to explain all of my options, with the risks and benefits of each. He answered all of my questions, and also made me feel comfortable given a scary situation. A model of a physician. There should be more like him!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/19/2025
Dr Schlenk gave me the utmost confidence that my surgery will be successful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/29/2025
Dr. Schlenk is the best!!!His staff is exceptional !
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/22/2025
Dr. Schlenk was great! It took three months to get an appointment, and the portal didn't confirm upload of my reports.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/22/2025
Dr. Schlenk was great! He educated me about my options, listened to my concerns/goals, and gave clear explanation of his diagnosis. He was also kind and personable. I recommend him highly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/8/2025
Dr Schlenk is a skilled surgeon and excellent communicator. I couldn't be happier with the whole experience and my outcome. His support staff is also very professional and caring. A great example of world class care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/8/2025
Dr Schlenk was wonderful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/24/2025
It was abundantly crystal clear that Dr. Schlenk, his staff DO,Tiffany Egikami had all done their homework, and reviewed my file in detail, the radiologist reports, for CT and MRIs and new my background. This allowed us to get right to the point, is a Cervicle spine surgery even possible at this point?
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/6/2025
Dr. Schlenk and his team are off the chart wonderful. They treat me extremely well and on this visit it was a joy to show them how well I am doing.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/6/2025
Dr. Schenk and his coworker were very concerned, thorough and professional!I was very comfortable talking with them and I enjoyed the overall experience!