Dr. Mitchell Sheinkop Appointed National Medical Director at QC Kinetix to Advance Regenerative Medicine Solutions
Dr. Mitchell Sheinkop, a prominent surgeon, educator, and innovator in regenerative medicine, now serving as the national medical director of QC Kinetix, recalls a pivotal moment from his career many years ago.
He received a call about an 18-year-old who had been in a car accident. Tragically, three others in the vehicle, en route to college, lost their lives in the crash. The young man was the sole survivor, facing the possibility of a lower leg amputation unless Dr. Sheinkop could intervene.
“Initially, at the outside hospital, an amputation close to the hip had been recommended,” Dr. Sheinkop said. “The parents had known of me and requested a transfer to my care. At the time, limb salvage was in its infancy, and vascularized fibular bone graft for large segmental bone defects was experimental.”
Dr. Sheinkop successfully saved the young man’s leg, allowing him to continue his career as a Chicago fireman for 35 years without any limitations, and he is now nearing retirement.
Throughout his impressive 37-year tenure as an orthopedic surgeon, educator, and pioneer in regenerative medicine, Sheinkop has accumulated many transformative stories like this one. He has established himself as a leading expert in addressing complex knee and hip disorders.
In February 2024, he brought his wealth of knowledge and experience to QC Kinetix as the new national medical director. QC Kinetix focuses on regenerative medicine treatments that tap into the body’s natural healing abilities, enhancing function while minimizing the need for surgery to alleviate musculoskeletal pain.
“Joining QC Kinetix is the continuation of a journey for me, a third career where retirement is not in my vocabulary,” Sheinkop stated. “I’m excited to contribute to a field that offers a needle instead of a knife, helping patients through skeletal and muscular regenerative medicine.”
Dr Mitchell Sheinkop is enthusiastic about the contributions his experience can bring to his new position on the company’s leadership team, particularly due to his strong belief in the transformative potential of regenerative medicine to change lives.
Dr. Sheinkop’s Journey and Family Influence
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Sheinkop is the son of immigrant parents who escaped discrimination and poverty in Eastern Europe during the period between World War I and World War II. As first-generation Americans, he and his brother were deeply influenced by their parents, who strongly encouraged him to pursue a career in medicine.
“They saw higher education as the best means of assimilation and medicine as the pinnacle of achievement,” he said. “If my parents hadn’t set sail when they did, things might not have worked out so well.”
Dr. Sheinkop boasts an extensive and lengthy educational background. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois, followed by medical training at Chicago Medical School and a residency at Northwestern University. He then pursued fellowships in pediatric orthopedics and hand surgery to further enhance his expertise.
He also brings a military background, having served in the United States Air Force, which included one year of active duty and seven years in the Reserves.
During his time as a first lieutenant and captain in the Medical Corps, he noted that the first day of his internship at Chicago Cook County Hospital became a pivotal moment that significantly influenced his career.
“We were assembled and advised to seek a Vietnam-era deferment via The Berry Plan,” he explained, “which allowed physicians to postpone obligatory military service until they had finished medical school and residency training.”
Dr. Sheinkop acknowledges that numerous individuals played a role in his achievements.
“Countless people from my high school, college, medical school, and residency played crucial roles in my development. While there are too many to name individually, each one has significantly influenced my growth and achievements,” he shared, reminiscing about the influences of his formative years.
Dr. Sheinkop Delivers Exceptional Success to QC Kinetix
Dr. Sheinkop credits his enduring success in his career to a robust work ethic. His surgical expertise and commitment to education have taken him to numerous countries, where he has served as a visiting lecturer and conducted seminars across borders, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Israel, Hungary, Switzerland, Poland, Russia, Romania, and Austria. With over 70 published works in prestigious and peer-reviewed journals, he has established himself as a leading authority in orthopedics and regenerative medicine.
Dr. Sheinkop describes his professional journey as encompassing three distinct career experiences.
“First as a joint replacement surgeon serving as the head of one of the top five joint replacement programs in the country, and achieving that end by integrating patient care with clinical research and education,” he said.
“I retired as Professor Emeritus and began career number two in the emerging discipline of regenerative medicine. By introducing again the integration of patient care with clinical research, I was able to play a role in bringing Orthobiologics into the mainstream of skeletomuscular care. Now I am involved in career number three as medical director of QC Kinetix, where I hope to play a significant role in the evolution of an evidence-based initiative and thereby position QC as the leader in musculoskeletal non-surgical care.”
Dr. Sheinkop expressed pride in his three diverse career paths and his capacity to lead in each of them. In his new position at QC Kinetix, he aims to integrate physical therapy and weight loss strategies into patients’ current treatment plans. QC Kinetix focuses on non-surgical, drug-free approaches that enable the body to heal and regenerate naturally.
Personal Life
Dr. Sheinkop resides in Chicago with his wife of 56 years. Together, they have three grown children and seven grandchildren, cherishing the moments they spend as a family. They prioritize their personal lives and strive for a healthy work-life balance, making time for enjoyable activities that help alleviate stress.
“QC means Queen City. I am married to QW, Queen Wife, with whom I enjoy a balance of culture, including symphony and theater; regular recreational endeavors including fitness pursuits, cycling, gardening, skiing, and fly fishing,” he said. “Additionally, I minimize television and am an avid reader.”
Dr. Sheinkop and his wife deeply value community service, actively supporting various initiatives both nationally and internationally.
When asked to name an entrepreneur or business leader who inspires him, Dr. Sheinkop promptly mentioned Robert Wislow.
“Robert Wislow is a tireless, extremely successful Chicago Real Estate Developer responsible for many of Chicago’s major public spaces and cultural treasures,” the doctor said. “At the same time, he serves on many local and national boards while continuing to give back to our community, combining his development achievements with the public good.”
Dr. Sheinkop’s Guidance for His Younger Self
Reflecting on his life and career, Dr. Sheinkop feels little need for change. His advice to his younger self is straightforward: “Play it again, Sam; Do the same the second time around.”
He describes success as “personal satisfaction,” while viewing personal and professional values as “an integration of integrity with achievement.”