Racing legend Tony Stewart trusts Dr. Phillip Surface at WVU Medicine Thomas Orthopedic Hospital

Racing legend Tony Stewart relies on the expertise of Phillip Surface, D.O., at WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals for orthopedic care. Stewart, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and current National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Top Fuel drag racer, routinely travels to Charleston for treatment at Thomas Orthopedic Hospital—the state’s first comprehensive orthopedic hospital offering inpatient, outpatient, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and skilled nursing under one roof. 

“After a couple of years being around each other, we became friends and built a level of trust,” Stewart said. “As drivers, that’s an important deal to us. I see Dr. Surface more than I see my own family — my parents, my sister, my close friends. You have to have someone like him to trust.” 

Dr. Surface has performed shoulder surgery and removed a ganglion cyst from Stewart’s wrist. “We’re in the business of keeping people mobile and getting them back into form and function,” Surface said. “My job is to keep people in the game.” 

Stewart added, “I’m a big wimp when it comes to needles. I’m tough when it comes to driving fast race cars and not worrying about crashes, but when it comes to going to hospitals, I think we’re all apprehensive about it. Coming here takes the nervousness and anxiety away. With Dr. Surface, you realize you’re in good hands and you’re in a quality facility that’s going to take good care of you.” 

Surface, who also serves as chief medical officer for the NHRA, brings his racing expertise to patient care. “My team is responsible for on-track safety during competition,” Surface said. “I have a whole team of people who work with me — paramedics, firefighters, and accident specialists. We’re constantly working to try to make the competition as safe as we can make it. I’m also involved with the engineering and technical department, trying to improve the race cars and the safety gear drivers use.” 

This firsthand racing experience gives Surface a unique perspective on the physical stresses Stewart faces—up to 6 Gs in acceleration and deceleration during NHRA Top Fuel drag racing—which informs every treatment decision and strengthens the trust between doctor and patient. 

Even when Stewart is traveling, Dr. Surface coordinates care remotely, ensuring continuity through imaging, consultations, and follow-ups. For Stewart, this personalized approach allows him to maintain his competitive career while receiving the highest-quality orthopedic care. 

Thomas Orthopedic Hospital treats fractures, joint injuries, ligament tears, and a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. “We really appreciate patients trusting us to care for them,” Surface said. “We try to live up to that trust the best we can.” 

Watch Stewart's testimonial here.

For orthopedic appointments, call 304-352-BONE. For more information about WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals, visit ThomasHospitals.org.