Must be board certified and trained at an accredited university.
Have performed the surgery that is required for you on a regular basis.
Have a residency in orthopedic surgery and a fellowship in spinal surgery.
Should have enough experience, being out of residency 3-5 years.
Should be willing to explain potential risks and complications in detail.
Have a likeable personality and be a good communicator. He/she will treat you through the followup care, so it is important that the doctor/ patient relationship be a good one.
Must be able to assure you that your expectations match what is possible in surgery.
Must be able to indicate recovery time and emotional reactions.
The doctor should be able to refer you two patients he/she has operated on.
He/she should try all conservative approaches to the problems before surgery. Surgery should be the last resort.
