Dr. Philip Chandler’s path to becoming a leading spine surgeon is as much about personal experience as it is about groundbreaking medical advancements. From his early days as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps to his current role at Orthopedic Surgical Partners, Dr. Chandler has always sought to blend his deep commitment to service with his passion for helping patients heal. His journey reflects an unwavering dedication to improving the quality of life for those suffering from spine-related conditions, with a focus on personalized, minimally invasive treatment options that ensure the best possible outcomes.
Dr. Philip Chandler: A Journey of Dedication, Innovation, and Patient-Centered Spine Care
Dr. Philip Chandler: A Journey of Dedication, Innovation, and Patient-Centered Spine Care
A Military Foundation and a Personal Motivation
Dr. Chandler’s career began in an unlikely place—the United States Marine Corps. After high school, he joined the Marines and then attended college full-time. While in college, a professor recognized Dr. Chandler’s potential and encouraged him to pursue a medical degree, a pivotal moment that shaped his future as an orthopedic surgeon. He earned his medical doctorate from Louisiana State University Health and Science Center, completed his residency at William Beaumont Army Medical Center, and finished his fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
While Dr. Chandler’s interest in orthopedics began as an athlete, his personal connection to the field was deeply influenced by his mother’s experience at 16, when she underwent scoliosis surgery performed by Dr. Paul Harrington, the developer of the revolutionary Harrington Rod. This experience not only showed Dr. Chandler how life-changing spine surgery could be, but it also motivated him to specialize in spine care, where he could make the same profound impact on patients’ lives.
Dr. Chandler retired for the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in June of 2026, but during his active duty he completed multiple deployments around the world including Fort Bliss. He was the sole orthopedic surgeon at the home of the US Army’s National Training Center and in Fort Campbell. Dr. Chandler also was recognized for his expertise and selected to serve as the orthopedic surgeon for the elite 160th SOAR, known as the Night Stalkers.
As he transitioned from the military to civilian life, Dr. Chandler continued his practice, working with orthopedic surgeons at New England Orthopedic Surgeons. He quickly became a trusted figure in the field of spine care, treating patients with conditions ranging from conditions such as, instability, fractures, tumors, scoliosis, and spinal stenosis, cervical and lumbar issues to nerve-related problems like sciatica, foot drop, and disk herniations
Cutting-Edge Technologies and Innovative Procedures
What sets Dr. Chandler apart from many of his peers is his commitment to utilizing the latest technologies to improve patient care. His practice is at the forefront of minimally invasive spine surgery, which allows for quicker recovery times, less pain, and fewer risks compared to traditional methods. One of the standout procedures in Dr. Chandler’s repertoire is endoscopic spine surgery. This technique uses an 8mm cannula to access the spine, enabling him to treat areas that traditional surgery cannot reach. The procedure requires only moderate sedation, providing patients with pain relief while avoiding more invasive approaches.
Cutting-Edge Technologies and Innovative Procedures
What sets Dr. Chandler apart from many of his peers is his commitment to utilizing the latest technologies to improve patient care. His practice is at the forefront of minimally invasive spine surgery, which allows for quicker recovery times, less pain, and fewer risks compared to traditional methods. One of the standout procedures in Dr. Chandler’s repertoire is endoscopic spine surgery. This technique uses an 8mm cannula to access the spine, enabling him to treat areas that traditional surgery cannot reach. The procedure requires only moderate sedation, providing patients with pain relief while avoiding more invasive approaches.
Another cutting-edge technology that Dr. Chandler has integrated into his practice is Augmented Reality (AR)-guided spine surgery. Through the use of an advanced real-time augmented surgical navigation system, Dr. Chandler is able to visualize the spine in 3D, aligning CT scans and X-rays in real-time during surgery. This enhanced visualization increases the precision of each movement, improving surgical outcomes and helping to minimize the risk of complications. The use of AR in spine surgery is a breakthrough that allows Dr. Chandler to offer patients safer, more effective procedures, resulting in a quicker recovery and a better overall experience.
Transforming the Patient Experience
Dr. Chandler’s focus is not only on performing technically advanced surgeries but also on transforming the overall patient experience. The goal of motion preservation—which involves restoring or preserving the natural function of the spine—guides his approach to care. Dr. Chandler strives to avoid fusion surgeries whenever possible, opting for procedures that enable patients to maintain or regain a full range of motion. This philosophy aligns with the growing trend of non-fusion surgeries, including disc replacements and motion preservation techniques, which offer patients less invasive options with excellent outcomes.
For patients suffering from chronic back pain, Dr. Chandler utilizes basivertebral nerve ablation, a procedure that targets disc pain, also known as discogenic pain or vertebrogenic pain within the spine. This innovative, 30-minute procedure disables the nerve inside the bone, offering relief to patients who would otherwise need to undergo more invasive fusion surgeries. By utilizing these minimally invasive procedures, Dr. Chandler ensures that his patients receive the least invasive and most effective treatments available.
Joining Orthopedic Surgical Partners
Dr. Chandler is excited to join Orthopedic Surgical Partners (OSP) because he sees it as an ideal place to continue his mission of offering innovative and personalized care. OSP’s focus on advanced surgical techniques and patient-centered care aligns perfectly with his professional philosophy. Dr. Chandler looks forward to collaborating with a team of like-minded professionals who share his dedication to providing exceptional care.
For Dr. Chandler, joining OSP represents an exciting new chapter in his career, one that will allow him to continue transforming the way spine surgery is approached and make an even greater impact on the lives of his patients. With his extensive background, commitment to innovation, and passion for improving the patient experience, Dr. Chandler is eager to contribute his expertise to OSP and help lead the charge in advancing Orthopedic care.
A Well-Balanced Life and Commitment to Growth
Outside of his surgical practice, Dr. Chandler values time with his family and believes in maintaining a healthy, well-rounded lifestyle. He met his wife while she was serving as an ER nurse, and together, they have three children. When he’s not in the operating room, Dr. Chandler enjoys outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and gardening. He also stays active through weight training, which not only helps him maintain physical strength but also sharpens his mental focus, something he finds essential for performing high-level surgeries.
Dr. Chandler’s passion for personal growth extends beyond his physical pursuits. He remains committed to expanding his knowledge of new surgical techniques and technologies, ensuring that his practice continues to evolve and meet the highest standards of care.
