Dr. Mitchell Sheinkop, a first-generation American, credits his parents’ sacrifices as a significant factor in his success as one of the world’s leading orthobiologics physicians. His parents fled to the United States from Eastern Europe between World War I and World War II to escape discrimination and poverty. He and his brother were born to immigrant parents who did everything to position their sons for success.
“They saw higher education as the best means of assimilation and medicine as the pinnacle of achievement,” Dr. Sheinkop said. “If my parents hadn’t set sail when they did, things might not have worked out so well.”
Today, Dr. Mitchell Sheinkop is a decorated orthopedic surgeon and orthobiologics pioneer, having dedicated over three decades to joint replacement surgery before venturing into regenerative medicine. He is committed to advancing patient care through non-invasive treatments that utilize the body’s own healing mechanisms, providing an alternative to surgery and offering hope to those suffering from musculoskeletal discomfort.
“For 39 years, I was a joint replacement surgeon at a large academic medical center in Chicago where I rose to be the head of the Joint Replacement Program and professor of orthopedic surgery,” he shared. “My next stop for 11 years was the emerging discipline of regenerative medicine. In the latter, I introduced evidence-based medicine, integrating clinical practice with clinical research. In doing so, I worked with several biotech companies, proving outcomes data by continually monitoring the results of my care and treatment.”
Dr. Sheinkop’s career reflects his commitment to innovation and patient care. In early 2024, he was named the National Medical Director with QC Kinetix. His decision to join QC Kinetix embodies his belief in the power of regenerative medicine to transform lives.
“I have seen all the benefits of having a joint replaced and decided that cellular orthopedic treatment has the potential to effectively treat patients just as well as — if not even better than — surgery,” Dr. Sheinkop said.
Personal Life
Sheinkop served in the United States Air Force Reserve as a first lieutenant and captain in the Medical Corps. Today, he resides in Chicago with his wife of 56 years, Sharon, continuing an active lifestyle as an avid gardener and skier.
Dr. Sheinkop and his wife, Sharon, lead a balanced and fulfilling life, which is a reflection of their values and interests. They enjoy a diverse range of activities, from cultural pursuits like symphony and theater to regular recreational endeavors such as fitness pursuits, cycling, gardening, skiing, and fly fishing. Sheinkop’s commitment to a healthy and active lifestyle is mirrored in his approach to medicine, where he strives to provide the best possible care to his patients.
Dr. Sheinkop and Sharon love giving back to the community and serving others.
“My wife and I support an innumerable number of community service-oriented activities as well as several at the national and international level ranging from conservation to enhancing society and civility,” Dr. Sheinkop shared.
Dr. Mitchell Sheinkop’s Career Background
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Sheinkop’s educational background includes undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois and medical training at Chicago Medical School, culminating in a residency at Northwestern University.
His career has seen him traverse international boundaries as a surgeon and visiting lecturer, delivering educational sessions in diverse locales such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Istanbul, Hungary, Switzerland, Poland, Russia, Romania, and Austria. His scholarly contributions include authoring over 70 works in various esteemed publications and peer-reviewed journals, cementing his reputation as a foremost authority in orthopedics and regenerative medicine.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Sheinkop stated, “I am from a hardworking, blue-collar, Midwestern family. I attribute my success in medicine to a strong work ethic, a little luck, and not being afraid to seize opportunities. I went into orthopedics, for example, during the Vietnam era because I recognized the need for that specialty.”
After attending medical school, he landed an internship at the Chicago Cook County Hospital. “We were assembled and advised to seek a Vietnam-era deferment via The Berry Plan, which allowed physicians to postpone obligatory military service until they had finished medical school and residency training,” he explained.
A Third Act To Dr. Sheinkop’s Career
Today, Dr. Sheinkop is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, a former director of the joint replacement program and professor emeritus at Rush University Medical Center. He is a leading authority on treating patients with complex hip and knee disorders. He is well known for his pioneering use of computer-assisted navigation, minimally invasive technologies, and hip resurfacing techniques.
Sheinkop is a graduate of the Chicago Medical School and has completed fellowships in pediatric orthopedics and hand surgery. He has extensively researched uni-compartmental solutions, hip resurfacing systems, and navigated arthroplasty.
Reflecting on his career, he is most proud to have enjoyed three distinct careers and played a leadership role.
“First, as a joint replacement surgeon, I served as the head of one of the top five joint replacement programs in the country, achieving this by integrating patient care with clinical research and education,” he explained. “I retired as professor emeritus and began my second career in the emerging discipline of regenerative medicine. By integrating patient care with clinical research, I played a role in bringing ortho-biologics into the mainstream of musculoskeletal care. Now, I am involved in my third career as medical director of QC Kinetix. I hope to play a significant role in the evolution of an evidence-based initiative, positioning QC Kinetix as a leader in musculoskeletal non-surgical care.”
Dr. Mitchell Sheinkop, a true pioneer in cellular orthopedic treatment, has performed over 20,000 joint replacements and treated more than 500 stem cell patients. His groundbreaking work in regenerative medicine has established him as a leader in the field, offering hope and innovative solutions to patients with musculoskeletal conditions.
His expertise in musculoskeletal conditions enables him to recognize issues swiftly and offer effective treatment options. He is a leader in orthopedic surgery and regenerative medicine.
Sheinkop is also an expert in interventional orthopedics.
“After years of performing hip and knee replacements at a major medical center in Chicago, where I served as director of the Joint Replacement program, I exchanged the scalpel for a needle,” Dr. Sheinkop said. “Having achieved my surgical goals, I elected to help pioneer the emerging subspecialty of interventional orthopedics, introducing clinical research so that regenerative medicine in the musculoskeletal system would be evidence-based. Instead of a long incision, lengthy rehabilitation, potential major complications, and potential infection, I use bone marrow and growth factor concentrate through a needle to help a patient reduce or eliminate pain from an arthritic joint, improve motion and increase functional capacity.”
Why Dr. Sheinkop Chose Cellular Orthopedic Treatment
Dr. Mitchell Sheinkop has always been driven by a deep commitment to improving patient outcomes. His journey into cellular orthopedic treatment began with a revelation during his extensive clinical joint replacement research. “My clinical joint replacement research initiatives, wherein every patient on whom I had operated was closely monitored and followed, made me realize that patients under 60 were too prone to early revision surgery; that is, a repeat replacement in a relatively short time,” Dr. Sheinkop explains.
Recognizing the limitations of traditional joint replacements for younger patients, Dr. Sheinkop delved into the potential of stem cells and growth factors in bone marrow concentrate. He saw these as a promising alternative for patients with grades two and three arthritis of major joints, helping them postpone or even avoid major joint replacements. For older patients with grade four osteoarthritis, who often have multiple comorbidities, making them unsafe surgical candidates, bone marrow concentrate emerged as a reasonable and safer option.
The evidence supporting this innovative approach is compelling. “Eighty percent of patients were very satisfied after four years,” Dr. Sheinkop shares. “At the knee, only seven percent have gone on to have a joint replacement. At the hip, that number is about the same.” Remarkably, only about four percent of his patients required a repeat bone marrow concentrate procedure after three to four years.
About nine years ago, Dr. Sheinkop had a personal experience with the effectiveness of this treatment.
“I have arthritic knees, grade three,” he recounts. “I underwent an intervention on my left side. About 18 months later, I went fly fishing for two days in Southwest Wisconsin, walking along the creeks, at times in the spring creeks. Then I went skiing in Vail with my family. None of this would be possible with a joint replacement.”
Through his innovative use of cellular orthopedic treatment, Dr. Sheinkop has not only transformed the lives of countless patients but also demonstrated that there are viable alternatives to traditional joint replacements. His dedication to advancing medical science continues to pave the way for more effective and less invasive treatments for musculoskeletal conditions.
Dr. Mitchell Sheinkop Believes In Evidence-Based Treatment
Dr. Sheinkop says what separates him from the crowd is that he takes a patient-first approach to care.
Years ago, he worked with a Wisconsin dairy farmer who had undergone a combined bone marrow concentration intra-articular and subchondroplasty procedure on his right knee. The patient, in his early 60s, had been unable to return to Dr. Sheinkop’s office due to the demands of the fall harvest.
Determined to ensure the procedure’s success, Dr. Sheinkop and his wife conducted the follow-up evaluation in a booth at a local Culver’s restaurant. Amidst the curious diners, he performed a thorough physical examination, measuring the patient’s thigh, knee, and calf and assessing his range of motion.
The patient was thrilled with Dr. Sheinkop’s willingness to save him a trip to Chicago and the positive outcome of his treatment. Six months after the procedure, the patient reported no pain or swelling and regained full function of his knee, enabling him to perform tasks such as climbing stairs, kneeling, and operating his tractor without difficulty.
Dr. Sheinkop attributes his successful treatment recommendations to his data and evidence-based practice commitment. The patient was part of a clinical trial that supported Dr. Sheinkop’s evidence-based approach, highlighting the effectiveness of innovative orthopedic treatments.
Play It Again, Sam
Dr. Mitchell Sheinkop’s journey to becoming a leading orthobiologics pioneer and now a National Medical Director with QC Kinetix is marked by a blend of personal and professional values that have guided his illustrious career. His dedication to patient care and innovative treatments reflects his commitment to integrity and achievement.
When asked about his personal and professional values, Dr. Sheinkop said, “An integration of integrity with achievement.” This philosophy has guided his approach to medicine, pushing him to always seek the best patient outcomes.
Reflecting on his career, Dr. Sheinkop advised his younger self: “Play it again, Sam; do it the same the second time around.”
He is very satisfied with the path he has taken and his decisions. Dr. Sheinkop’s unwavering commitment to his patients and field has earned him respect and driven significant advancements in orthopedic treatment. His story is a testament to the impact of integrating integrity with achievement, and it serves as an inspiring example for future generations of medical professionals.
