Originally from Lyndhurst, NJ, he graduated summa cum laude from Princeton University where he earned a degree in biochemistry. He went on to achieve a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia in 1988.

In 1989, Dr. Kopacz completed his surgical internship at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick and his orthopedic residency in 1993.

Following his residency, Dr. Kopacz completed specialized training in Spine Surgery at SUNY-Health Science Center in Syracuse, NY. Throughout his fellowship, he treated complex adult conditions including spinal degenerative diseases, complex trauma, spinal cord injuries as well as conservative treatment of spinal conditions.