Christopher Standaert, MD

  • Associate Professor
  • Vice Chair, Outpatient Services
  • Director, Value-Based Fellowship in Spine and MSK Medicine
  • Pronouns: he/him/his

Dr. Standaert specializes in the non-operative care of spine, joint and neuromusculoskeletal disorders. He takes a very patient-centered approach to care, trying hard to identify the issues behind an individual's pain or injury and helping them understand this. He believes that knowledge is empowering, and he works with a wide range of providers to help his patients regain or optimize their ability to pursue meaningful activities in their lives. 

Dr. Standaert has worked extensively on health policy issues at state and national governmental levels as well as for multiple professional medical associations and hospital systems. His research interests include non-operative spine care, spinal injections, and health policy.

Board Certifications
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Electrodiagnostic Medicine

Clinical Interests: Non-operative spine care, adolescent spine disorders, sports injuries and performance, joint paint, electrodiagnosis, health policy, population health

Why are diversity and inclusion important to me? Diversity needs to be recognized as a source of strength. Inclusion is the means to harness that strength. Like democracy, justice is not a spectator sport. Active listening, engagement, empathy, and respect are essential to the practice of medicine and to achieving equity. We can only acquire these skills by embracing our diversity and appreciating the fundamental humanity of all.

Education & Training

  • BA, Harvard College, Boston, MA, 1987
  • MD, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 1992
  • PM&R Residency, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 1996
  • Spine and Sports Medicine Fellowship, Pioneer Spine and Sports Physicians, 1997