Neurosurgery on the Cutting Edge
Promotion
Edward von der Schmidt III, D.V.M., M.D.
The last few decades have seen amaz- ing breakthroughs in the practice of
neurosurgery. From frameless stereotactic radiosurgery to the artificial disc and
implantable pain management devices,
new technologies offer new hope to
patients suffering from a wide range of
complex disorders.
“Today more than ever, the profes-
sion of neurosurgery is at the cutting
edge of medical development,” says
Edward von der Schmidt III, D.V.M., M.D.
“For instance, the CyberKnife, Linac and
Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery
systems (SRS) all permit brain and spinal
surgeries without an incision, a significant
advantage for many patients. The arti-
ficial disc is widely regarded as a major
advance for carefully selected patients
with spinal disc disease. It is approved for
lumbar and cervical disc replacements.
Implantable devices from Medtronic and
other leading manufacturers are providing
relief to countless patients with debilitat-
ing pain. These and other technological
miracles enhance the ability of experi-
enced neurosurgeons to treat the most
difficult neurosurgical disorders.”
A practicing neurosurgeon for nearly
21 years, Dr. von der Schmidt’s varied
interests include trauma, spine surgery,
comprehensive pain management includ-
ing dorsal column stimulators, and ste-
reotactic radiosurgery systems including
CyberKnife. Dr. von der Schmidt is certified in radiosurgery with the CyberKnife
and can treat patients using the system
at St. Peter’s University Medical Center
in New Brunswick, New Jersey, a teaching affiliate of Drexel University Medical
School.
Dr. von der Schmidt is also a neurosurgical attending physician at Robert
Wood Johnson University Hospital’s level
one trauma center, one of only three such
centers in the entire state. “We treat some
of the worst neurosurgical trauma cases,
including devastating injuries from motor
vehicle accidents,” he says.
Understand Your Health Plan
Before You Need It
As Dr. von der Schmidt knows all too
well, many patients don’t realize until it’s
too late that their health plan severely limits
access and payments to out-of-network
physicians such as Aetna’s. Nor are they
aware that their plan’s definition of UCR
(usual, customary and reasonable) may be
far lower than that of most providers. “Take
the time to understand your plan – before
you need it,” he urges. “If it’s too restrictive,
invest in a better one with a more flexible
out-of-network clause and more appropriate coverage. If, heaven forbid, you ever
have a serious illness or injury, you’ll have
a better chance of seeing the specialist you
want, with the coverage you need.”
Edward von der Schmidt III, D.V.M., M.D. is well
known for treating complex spinal problems.
Chosen by his peers to help guide their
profession in New Jersey and beyond, Dr.
von der Schmidt is a past president of the
New Jersey Neurosurgical Society. Among
many other leadership roles, he has been a
delegate from New Jersey and has served
as chairman of the Northeast Quadrant
of the Council of State Neurosurgical
Societies. Closer to home, he has served
as section chief of neurosurgery at the
University Medical Center at Princeton.
Safeguarding Access to
First-rate Care
Over and above his patient care
responsibilities, Dr. von der Schmidt has
long been a dedicated patient advocate
working to ensure New Jerseyites’ clear
access to the best medical care avail-
able. “Skyrocketing malpractice awards,
restrictive managed care plans and other
financing issues are threatening to make
first-rate care out of reach for many
Americans,” he says. Leadership roles in
local, statewide and national professional
organizations provide him with a forum to
address these and other critical issues.
Edward von der Schmidt III, D.V.M., M.D.
Diplomate, American Board of Neurological Surgery
419 Harrison St., Suite 204 • Princeton, NJ 08540
609-924-3614 • www.princetonneurosurgery.com
