Dr. Michael Schramme – World-Leading Equine Orthopaedic Surgeon
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Few names carry as much weight in the world of equine surgery and orthopaedics as Dr. Michael Schramme. With a career spanning continents, decades, and multiple veterinary disciplines, he has become one of the most respected authorities on equine lameness, advanced imaging, and surgical care.
His trajectory from a young veterinary graduate in Belgium to a full professor at one of Europe’s leading veterinary schools reflects an unwavering commitment to improving the health, performance, and longevity of the horses under his care.
A Career Rooted in Excellence
Dr. Michael Schramme graduated from the Rijksuniversiteit Gent (University of Ghent) in 1985, launching a professional journey that would take him to many of the world’s most influential veterinary institutions. From the very beginning, he gravitated toward equine surgery, a field that perfectly combined his clinical skill, scientific curiosity, and deep appreciation for equine athleticism.
Over the years, Dr. Michael Schramme held posts as a resident, lecturer, senior lecturer, and associate professor in equine surgery at several major centers of veterinary excellence. His early work at the University of Ghent, the Royal Veterinary College in London, and the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket placed him at the heart of equine clinical research and innovation across Europe.
He later expanded his international footprint in the United States through academic and surgical roles at Cornell University in New York and North Carolina State University, two institutions known for their leadership in large animal medicine.
In 2011, Dr. Schramme was appointed Professor of Equine Surgery and Orthopaedics at the Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, in France, an appointment that solidified his reputation as a leading educator, clinician, and researcher in the field.
A Rare Level of Board-Certified Expertise
One of the hallmarks of Dr. Michael Schramme’s career is the depth and breadth of his specialist qualifications. He holds:
- Diplomate status in the European College of Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS)
- Diplomate status in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS)
- Diplomate status in the European College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ECVSMR)
- Associate Diplomate recognition from the European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (ECVDI)
- Certificate in Equine Orthopaedics (CertEO)
- PhD in equine rheumatology
This extraordinary list of credentials places him among the most comprehensively trained and widely certified equine surgeons practicing today. His combination of surgical expertise, sports medicine training, and advanced imaging knowledge, particularly in MRI, allows him to diagnose and treat complex orthopaedic conditions with rare precision.
Leadership Roles that Shape the Profession
Beyond his clinical and academic achievements, Dr. Michael Schramme has played a pivotal role in guiding the future of the veterinary surgical community. He has served as President of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons and previously led the European Society of Veterinary Orthopaedics and Traumatology.
Through these positions, he has influenced standards of training, advanced professional certification, and helped shape the direction of orthopaedic research throughout Europe.
Colleagues around the world regard him as both a visionary and a mentor, someone who consistently elevates the quality of care available to horses by advancing the profession itself.
A Deep Commitment to Lameness, Imaging, and Regenerative Medicine
Although Dr. Michael Schramme’s expertise extends across all facets of large animal surgery, he is particularly recognized for his work in:
- Equine lameness evaluation
- Advanced diagnostic imaging, with a special focus on MRI
- Sports medicine and rehabilitation
- Regenerative medicine applications in performance horses
His approach integrates cutting-edge technology with a nuanced understanding of equine biomechanics, making him a sought-after expert for complex cases and international speaking engagements alike.
Dr. Michael Schramme: A Lasting Impact on Equine Health
Through decades of clinical innovation, academic leadership, and global collaboration, Dr. Michael Schramme has become a defining figure in modern equine surgery and orthopaedics. His work continues to influence veterinarians, guide research direction, and improve outcomes for horses worldwide.
For anyone seeking insight into the current and future landscape of equine surgery, sports medicine, and advanced imaging, Dr. Michael Schramme stands as one of the field’s most important voices, and one whose contributions will echo through the profession for generations.
Dr. Michael Schramme is a faculty speaker in the Equine Lameness Program. If you wish to elevate your lameness diagnostic skills and learn directly from him, Kyla Ortved and Dr. Chris Pollitt, make sure to explore the Equine Lameness Program. This the most comprehensive, case-based training pathway designed to help veterinarians make a measurable difference to the horses in their care.