Edward Santos, M.D.
Schedule an Appointment: (651) 968-5201Specialties
Team
At Summit, each physician hand selects a team of medical and administrative professionals who work together to care for you, our patient. Read more about our team approach to care.
-
Nathan Clapper, PA-C
-
Nick Pruett, PA-C
-
Patrice B., Patient Coordinator
-
Amy S., Patient Coordinator
Locations
-
Baxter Clinic (Formerly Brainerd Clinic) 15860 Audubon Way Baxter, MN 56425
-
Blaine Clinic 10230 Baltimore St, Suite 300 Blaine, MN 55449
-
Plymouth 15700 37th Avenue North Plymouth, MN 55446
-
Vadnais Heights 3580 Arcade Street South Vadnais Heights, MN 55127
-
Willmar Clinic 101 Willmar Avenue SW Willmar, MN 56201
Minimally-invasive surgery: Edward Santos, M.D.
Summit Orthopedics spine surgeon Edward Santos, M.D. shares what minimally-invasive surgery options are available at Summit in this Ask the Expert video. Dr. Santos is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon and practices in the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area in Minnesota and specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery.
Find out: Can I Request Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
Dr. Edward Santos’ Approach to Care
“I am committed to providing the best care possible for all of my patients with spine disorders, treating each and every patient as I would treat any member of my family. Patients’ concerns and expectations deserve to be heard. It’s important to have a thorough discussion of both surgical and nonsurgical options, with the goal of relieving pain and restoring function.”
Get insight on: When to Seek Care for Back Symptoms [Video]
Introducing Dr. Edward Santos
In March of 2016, Dr. Edward R. Santos transitioned from his position as an associate professor at the University of Minnesota to his new quarters with Summit Orthopedics as a part of Summit’s spine team. His move was only the most recent leg of a medical journey that began on the other side of the world.
“I grew up in the Philippines,” explains Dr. Santos. “During my medical training, I saw a lot of individuals who suffered from tuberculosis of the spine and other back disorders. Spinal disorders can be debilitating, and I wanted to help these patients. Most spine surgeons do one year of extra spine training—I did two: one year in Australia and another in the Twin Cities. When patients have low back and neck pain, they are often unable to work and function—and that comes at a cost. I was drawn to this specialty because I saw the potential for surgery to relieve pain and to bring these patients back to their normal activities and productivity.”
Spine Surgery – Expert resources from Dr. Edward Santos:
- Find out: What Is The “Gold Standard” In Spine Surgery?
- Learn: How Do You Evaluate Surgical Options For Degenerative Discs?
A researcher and educator
Dr. Santos’s academic position provided opportunities to conduct research and to teach the procedures that correct degenerative disorders of the neck and lower back. “For me, it was important to achieve surgical expertise, but it was also important to foster a good relationship with the patients. I take pride in making my patients feel that they are really special, and I strive to get good outcomes.”
He considers it an honor that during his university practice, two of his partners and a former resident asked him to handle their own spine surgeries. “My partners could have asked any spine surgeon perform their surgeries—but they came to me,” he smiles. “For me, that’s the biggest thrill. I think it is an indicator of how well you are trusted, and how well you are practicing your craft.”
A practice focused on changing lives
“I love good outcomes,” he continues. “I remember one patient who had severe spinal stenosis. The condition pinched the nerves in her lower back and she could barely stand or walk for more than 10 to 15 seconds before she’d have to sit down. She said she needed my help because her son was getting married in three months. Her dream was to dance with him at his wedding. Surgery for spinal stenosis is a time-tested surgery that is proven to work. We did the surgery and her outcome was excellent.
A few months later, I received a picture of her with her son on the dance floor at the wedding. On the back of the photo she’d written: “I could not have done this without you, so thank you so much!” That’s what makes me want to get up in the morning and go to work: the difference I can make in people’s lives. It was not a difficult surgery, but it made a huge difference for her.”
Most satisfying aspect of being a physician
“I love being able to help people, and I love interacting with my patients. I want to be the doctor with whom patients can share their fears and concerns and dreams. And when they tell me I’ve changed their life and given them back their life? Without a doubt, that’s the best part of my job.”
Discover Summit’s technologically advanced and award-winning spine surgical care
- Learn more: Superior Surgical Safety Recognized by Joint Commission Award
- Understanding technology: How Has Imaging Technology Improved Surgical Precision?
- Get more information on: Surgery Center Adds Advanced Surgical Imaging Technology
More Expert resources from Dr. Edward Santos:
Medical School
College of Medicine of the University of the Philippines — Manila, Philippines
Undergraduate Studies
University of the Philippines — Manila, Philippines
Residency
Philippine General Hospital — Manila, Philippines
Fellowships
- Adult Orthopaedic Reconstruction, University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, MN
- Spine Surgery, Twin Cities Spine Center — Minneapolis, MN
- Revision Joint Surgery and Transplantation, Holy Spirit Hospital — Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Spine Surgery, Royal Adelaide Hospital — Adelaide, Australia
- Adult Orthopaedic Reconstruction, University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, MN
- Spine Surgery, Twin Cities Spine Center — Minneapolis, MN
- Revision Joint Surgery and Transplantation, Holy Spirit Hospital — Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Spine Surgery, Royal Adelaide Hospital — Adelaide, Australia
- North American Spine Society
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Minnesota Orthopaedic Society
Basketball, Photography, Social Dancing
Patient Education
Spine Animated Conditions and Treatments Library
Publications
Over 90 publications and presentations at local, national, and international levels.
Click here to view the full list >>
Articles and Videos from Edward Santos, M.D.
-
Back and Neck Risk Assessment
How’s the state of your back and neck? Find out.
-
Minimally Invasive Surgery at Summit [Video]
Ask the Expert: Spine Video Series
-
Introducing Edward Santos, M.D. [Video]
Meet the Expert: Doctor Bio Video Series
-
Vadnais Heights Surgery Center Adds Advanced Surgical Imaging Technology
Summit is dedicated to treating patients with the most advanced surgical tools available. We are pleased to announce the addition of a state-of-the-art Medtronic O-arm® Surgical Imaging System to augment the comprehensive surgical care we provide at our Vadnais Heights Surgery Center.
-
Ask Dr. Santos: How Has Imaging Technology Improved Surgical Precision?
Surgical accuracy is critical to good outcomes in any surgery, and is particularly important for procedures performed on and around the delicate structures of the spine. Dr. Santos explains how imaging technology is used to guide spine procedures and ensure surgical precision.
-
Ask Dr. Santos: How Do You Evaluate Surgical Options For Degenerative Discs?
Time is not kind to the discs in our spine. Fortunately, most of us do not experience pain as our discs become less flexible over the years. When disc degeneration is accompanied by painful symptoms, Dr. Santos walks us through the medical evaluation we can expect.