Join our Email List

MAJ Stephen L. Ondra, MD

Stephen L. Ondra attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, and completed his pre-medical studies at Illinois Wesleyan University. He continued military service while attending Rush Medical College in Chicago. Dr. Ondra completed his internship and residency training in neurological surgery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. During his training, he received specialized instruction in Spine Surgery and Reconstruction in both Neurosurgery and Orthopedic Surgery.

Dr. Ondra served at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas. In 1990-91, he was deployed to Saudi Arabia where he served with distinction during the 1st Gulf War, winning a Bronze Star and Army Commendation medals. After returning from the war, he was transferred to Walter Reed where he ultimately served as Director of Spine Surgery.

After his army career, Dr. Ondra pursued private practice in Ann Arbor, Michigan and served on the Clinical Faculty at the University of Michigan. In 1996, he joined the faculty of Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Ondra serves as the Residency Program Director, Vice Chair, Director of Spine Surgery in Neurosurgery, Director of the Spinal Deformity Fellowship, Director of Spine Research, Medical Director of the Neuro-Spine Intensive Care Units. He was promoted to Professor of Neurological Surgery in 2006.

Dr. Ondra has authored numerous scientific papers and book chapters, and is considered a world expert in many areas of spine surgery. He has developed new surgical procedures, equipment and has received grant awards in excess of $1.5 million.

Dr. Ondra has worked with the Department of Defense as the Chairman of the Defense Spinal Cord and Column Injury Board. He has been an independent consultant for the Department of Defense Health Services Command. In addition to the Department of Defense, Dr. Ondra consults for and works with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. He was appointed to the Medical Coverage Advisory Committee at CMS and the Department of Health and Human Services, and reappointed to a second, four year term in 2006. Dr. Ondra founded and chairs the board at the National Institute for Health Policy Research. His expertise in Health Policy has also allowed him to advise and discuss health policy with members of the United States Congress, Cabinet Members and foreign government leaders. He is a recognized expert in the field of health policy and has been interviewed in the media on issues ranging from spinal disease, combat medical care and the medical malpractice crisis.

Back to Leadership

c. 2007 Shelton Foundation . All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions