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Adam L Shimer, MD
Accepting New Patients
UVA Health Provider

Adam L Shimer, MD

Spine Surgery

Primary Phone Number
Fax Number
434.243.1539

Additional Locations

Bio & Overview

Dr. Shimer is excited to return to UVA where he received undergraduate and medical degrees. He completed orthopedic residency at the University of Pittsburgh and a spinal surgery fellowship at the Rothman Institute in Philadelphia. His clinical areas of interest include the treatment of complex and revision cervical spine conditions and adult spinal deformity. His basic science research has been in the area of genetic and cellular treatment of degenerative disc disease.

Outside of work, he spends time with his wife, two children and dog, Linus. The Shimer family enjoys travelling, the outdoors and gardening.

Special Expertise:

Complex Cervical Spine Surgery, Adult Spinal Deformity, Minimally Invasive Treatment of Spinal Conditions

Academic Information

Department
Orthopedic Surgery
Academic Role
Associate Professor
Division
Orthopedics-Spine
Research Interests
Investigation of the cellular and biochemical pathways of intervertebral disc degeneration and developing novel modalities targeted at altering the natural course of degeneration. Specific areas of interest include gene transfer, feasibility of mesenchymal stem cell therapy for the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration, and an improved understanding of the role that notochordal cells have in degeneration.
View Publications
Gender
Male
Languages
English
Age Groups Seen
Adults (21-65)
Older Adults (65+)
Primary Education
University of Virginia School of Medicine (2002)
Residencies
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (2007), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (2008)
Fellowship
Thomas Jefferson University (2009)
Certification
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (Orthopaedic Surgery)
Appointment
Fellowship Director - Spinal Surgery, Medial Director - Orthopedic Surgery Inpatient Unit

Highlights

Awards

  • 2015-2020 Best Doctors in America® List 
  • 2013 Nominee for North American Spine Society Value Award
  • 2012 Runner-up North American Spine Society / The Spine Journal Outstanding Paper Award
  • 2012 Virginia Orthopaedic Society 65th Annual Meeting - Best Poster Award
  • 2011 AO Spine North AmericaYoung Investigator Research Award 2009
  • AO Spine North America 7th Annual Fellows Forum, 1st Place
  • 2004 North American Spine Society / The Spine Journal Outstanding Paper Award 2
  • 2004 Cervical Spine Research Society 1st Place Fielding Resident/Fellow Research Award
  • 2005 The Pittsburgh Foundation Dr. Albert B. Ferguson, Jr. Orthopaedic Fund
  • 2002 Gratton Alexander Litz III Award

Reviews

486 Patient Satisfaction Ratings

Our patient satisfaction ratings are an average of all the survey responses to the below questions a provider got within the past 2 years. To protect your privacy, patients aren't identified.

See more about our patient satisfaction surveys .

Overall
4.9 Out of 5
Provider showed concern
Provider explained things clearly
Provider included you in decisions
Provider discussed treatment options
Likelihood of recommending this provider

96 Patient Comments

Reviewed on
Doctor was engaged and supportive during time spent. After appointment, wished there had been more time for questions. I sometimes have difficulty being assertive or speaking up in medical settings. Upon viewing notes from visit, appeared some of the concerns I reported to resident physician, who then talked to the doctor, had been minimized/not accurately documented. Looking back, I wish I had the courage to clarify my questions, concerns and medical history during my time with the primary doctor/surgeon.
Reviewed on
Very thorough, knowledgeable, friendly.
Reviewed on
Dr. Shimer has and will continue to be recommended to family and friends. We joke that our family reunions could be held in the lobby of the spine center.
Reviewed on
Dr Shimer has always been a wonderful doctor and I trust him wholeheartedly
Reviewed on
Good
Reviewed on
Dr. Shimer is a very good listener and has an excellent bedside manner. He takes great care to ensure that you are comfortable and welcomed. He spends considerable time discussing the problem and the proposed treatment, making sure that the patient understands and is in agreement. I had an excellent outcome from my surgery and I have complete confidence in Dr Shimer. I would recommend him highly to anyone who needs cervical spine surgery.