Congratulations to John W. Sperling, MD ’94, winner of the 2014 Walter Reed Distinguished Achievement Award from the UVA Medical Alumni Association and Medical School Foundation. This award recognizes professional accomplishments, outstanding innovation, and exemplary leadership in the field of medicine. The award was presented by UVA School of Medicine Dean Nancy Dunlap, MD at the 2014 UVA Medical Alumni Association Business Meeting on April 26, 2014.

Dr. Sperling received his undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Virginia in 1990 and earned his medical degree from the School of Medicine in 1994. He completed his residency at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, where he also earned his MS in Biomedical Science. He did his fellowship at The Hospital for Special Surgery. He also has an MBA in medical group management from the University of St. Thomas.

Today Dr. Sperling is a professor of orthopedic surgery at the Mayo Medical School with a special interest in treating shoulder disorders.

Dr. Sperling is known worldwide as an expert and pioneer in shoulder and shoulder replacement surgery. His clinical practice is focused on the prevention, management and treatment of a wide range of shoulder problems, from rotator cuff tears to shoulder replacement. In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Sperling is extensively involved in clinical and basic science research.

Dr. Sperling’s research, for which he has received numerous grants and awards, focuses on outcomes and new methods for shoulder surgery with a particular interest in shoulder arthroplasty. He has published nearly 200 peer-reviewed papers as well as over 40 books or book chapters.

Some of his research has led to breakthrough innovations in shoulder arthroplasty techniques and devices and, as a result, he has been named a Consultant to the FDA, Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Devices Panel.  He also serves in leadership positions on numerous local, national, and international professional societies and advisory committees.

Among his many honors, Dr. Sperling has been awarded the following:

• International Congress of Shoulder and Elbow Therapy, Best Paper, 2010
• European Shoulder and Elbow Society, Best Poster Award, 2009
• American Orthopaedic Association, Awarded American, British, Canadian Traveling Fellowship, 2008
• Mayo School of Continuing Medical Education Outstanding Course Director Award Recipient, 2005