Joseph D. Smucker, M.D.

Joseph D. Smucker, M.D. is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who provides expertise in the surgical care of spinal disorders.  Dr. Smucker has special training in complex cervical, thoracic, and lumbar surgery, having trained with the top programs in the nation and subsequently practicing in a tertiary setting for almost a decade.  His subspecialty interests include cervical spine conditions, care of spinal injuries in athletes, and spinal navigation technologies.

Dr. Smucker completed his secondary education in Northern Indiana and his undergraduate degree at Goshen College.  He earned his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis and pursued his residency at Case Western Reserve University, where he trained with the late Dr. Henry Bohlman – a world-recognized spinal surgeon who pioneered many of the most commonly used surgical techniques in spinal care.  Following residency he completed an adult spine surgery fellowship at Emory University with Dr. John Heller and Dr. Scott Boden where he refined his skills in the surgical care of complex spinal disorders and honed his research interests.  He began his career at the University of Iowa where he practiced full-time clinical and operative spine care and became a tenured member of the faculty.  During this time he completed numerous research studies as Director of the Bone Healing Research Laboratory.  He returned to Indiana to continue to advance these interests and contribute to the team at Indiana Spine Group.

As an active member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, he has been honored with a term in the Leadership Fellows Program, which recognizes future leaders in the profession of Orthopaedic Surgery.  He is also a member of the North American Spine Society and the prestigious American Orthopaedic Association.  The “Best Doctors in America” program has frequently recognized him due to his tradition of clinical care.  Dr. Smucker has authored numerous manuscripts and textbook chapters and has focused many of his investigations on the science of bone healing and cervical spine motion.

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Patient Education Videos

Dr. Joseph D. Smucker, MD

Jesse Avant

1 week ago

Make the process awesome!

Bob Shappell

2 weeks ago

Dr. Sucker took all the time needed to throughly explain the next steps in my treatment. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone with spinal issues.

Ann Sombun

1 month ago

Great experience with staff

Karen

2 months ago

I got pictures of the x-Rays so that helps other Dr's.

Jason Whitehead

2 months ago

Dr. Smucker's team is great!!! They always listen to my concerns and have answers for me. Chelsey, Annette and Christina have been great to work with. Strongly recommend if you have any neck or spine issues.

Tom Pruitt

6 months ago

Dr. Smuckers Chelsea, Annette and his entire staff are absolutely incredible. I am 3 weeks out from (L2 thru L5) Laminectomy and Fusion. I am not the easiest patient to deal with, but every interaction I have had with Dr Smuckers Staff has been more than professional. Thank You. (now to finish my recovery)

Bonnie Bonham

6 months ago

The facility and staff are caring. I am 9 months out from fusion and several injections. Sciatica pain is still with me.

David and Maureen Gray

7 months ago

Dr. Smucker has performed surgery on me and my wife, and on a close friend, and we are all extremely happy with the results. We are all free of agonizing pain. Thank you Dr. Smucker

Virginia Watson

1 year ago

I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Smucker and his staff at the spine group. My husband just had back surgery yesterday. He is in absolutely no pain. The feeling is back in his foot. He is doing absolutely amazing. That is such a good team. They checked on him before they went home Dr. Smucker Told us in detail everything. His assistant Chelsey Is amazing they take their time. Explain everything to you that whole team Kristina and Annette They are amazing not only is this the first surgery Dr. Smucker has dead on my husband It is the second and everyone has lasted him for years. My husband is 73 years old and he still does excavating I can only think Dr Smucker In his team and God for that, we highly recommend them we give them more than a five 👍👍👍👍

Angela Brennan

2 years ago

Dr. Smucker & everyone at Indiana Spine Group & the hospital has been absolutely amazing. They have all made my experience so streamlined & easy. The knowledge, comfort & respect by the staff is phenomenal. Thank you for making my stay & experience go smoothly!