Dr. Hepler specializes in comprehensive spine care. He is a graduate of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and Johns Hopkins University. His post graduate training includes Flight Surgeon at Naval Aerospace Medical Institute, internship in general surgery at Presbyterian Hospital New York, residency at New York Orthopaedic Hospital, and a spine fellowship at Twin Cities Spine and Scoliosis Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dr. Hepler practiced orthopaedic and spine surgery for six years at Northwestern Memorial Hospital where he also held a faculty appointment as Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. He was also on staff at the Children's Memorial Hospital where he specialized in Scoliosis. He remains a member of the Scoliosis Research Society and has been published extensively in peer reviewed journals and books.

Dr. Hepler is a recipient of the NIH Institute Research Service Award and the Armed Forces Health Profession Scholarship. His honors include Omicron Delta Kappa Honors Society and All American Swimming. He was a designated Surface Warfare Medical Officer receiving the Navy Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, South West Asian Service Medal and Navy Unit Commendation. He is also an instrument and commercial pilot with an Instrument Rating.

Dr. Hepler's memberships include: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Medical Association, Aerospace Medical Association, and the North American Spine Society.

Dr. Hepler joined the staff at Vero Orthopaedics and Vero Neurology in July 2007 where he began seeing patients and is focused on developing a Comprehensive Spine Care Center of Excellence with our team of Orthopaedic surgeons, Rehab Physical Medicine Physicians and Neurologists. He is also on staff at Indian River Medical Center and Healthsouth Treasure Coast Rehabilitation Hospital.

Dr. Hepler is an accomplished swimmer and enjoys sailing. He has family in South Florida and is looking forward to spending much of his free time enjoying our coastal waters.