David O Okonkwo

Within 13 years this will be my 6th brain surgery. It’s been 12 years since the last one. When I walk in I feel I am at home. I actually have fun. Always at ease. Even tho the wait to see him is way too long it’s worth it. I like being treated like a person and not a statistic. I get to joke with him. He has saved my life at the beginning in 2009 and he keeps on fixing me. The extra surgeries are not from errors on his part. Not fault. Just the nature of my brain and I love I can rely on him after all these years. No one ever wants a traumatic brain injury. Especially one that requires surgeries. But I’m glad I have De Okonkwo and his whole team.

Do not go to him. I have heard of many complications from his surgeries !! Very arrogant with poor bedside manner. As said in other reviews - very cocky! He only does big, often unneeded surgeries ( could it be for money ? ) - ask nurses at UPMC, who all dislike him a lot. The worst doctor in Pittsburgh !

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Blamed me for my own disabling genetic condition and my difficulty coping with it. Told me it was a “lame excuse” to not lose weight. Even though my weight gain is from the condition. I’m traumatized. I feel defeated and hopeless now. He refuses to collaborate with my other specialists. Even my geneticist specializing in my rare genetic condition (and a woman) which I honestly believe is due to his seemingly giant ego. Bad bedside manner. But the emergency cervical fusion he did do has healed well. The work he does is good if he would just listen. Very judgemental and not nearly compassionate enough.

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Dr.Okonkwo is one of the most honest and straightforward physicians I have met and interacted with. As a physician myself his ability to assess and discuss a situation with clarity, honesty and understanding was truly a breath of fresh air. I would like to recommend him more highly than the 5 stars I gave him .

Excellent experience! I had a big lower back surgery surgery that positively changed my life. Dr. Okonkwo is the best and made me feel comfortable through the entire process. Highly recommended!

For those who say he is cocky and uncaring, I urge you to listen more deeply. Dr. Okonkwo is incredibly dedicated to the outcomes of his patients, and always went the extra mile for us. My daughter has a rare condition which makes surgery extra tricky, and he and residents spend lots of extra time researching it so that they knew how surgery would affect her. He was caring, brilliant and respectful to us at all times. Never talked down, explained everything very clearly and answered all questions. For those who say he would not operate on them because they were a smoker or extremely overweight, understand that he is focused on the best outcome for you, and that he will operate on you if you get rid of those risk factors. I would recommend him to any one. For those who say he is cocky and uncaring, I urge you to listen more deeply. Dr. Okonkwo is incredibly dedicated to the outcomes of his patients, and always went the extra mile for us. My daughter has a rare condition which makes surgery … More

Messed up a friend of mines sons back surgery that was for knee pain and didn’t even fix the knee pain. Said surgery was perfect but had to go fix it. So what was perfect? And told his mother “are you gunna have another mental breakdown” like her son doesn’t have down syndrome and can fight for himself! TERRIBLE with people. Needs better patient skills. Jerk. Messed up a friend of mines sons back surgery that was for knee pain and didn’t even fix the knee pain. Said surgery was perfect but had to go fix it. So what was perfect? And told his mother “are you gunna have another mental breakdown” … More

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Absolutely the best neurosurgeon he showed so much compassion for my son from the very first visit. He was very honest and spent alot of time with us and he answered everyone of my numerous questions. I would definitely recommend Dr. Okonkwo. My son's surgery went very well too. Amazing neurosurgeon and person very down to earth too. Absolutely the best neurosurgeon he showed so much compassion for my son from the very first visit. He was very honest and spent alot of time with us and he answered everyone of my numerous questions. I would definitely recommend Dr. … More

If I could give 10 stars I would. My experience with Dr Okonkwo and his team has been life changing. I recently just underwent a spinal reconstructive surgery with spinal fusion to treat my scoliosis. It's a major surgery and a major life decision. Dr Okonkwo and his team along with the anesthesiologists made the process as best as it could possibly be on someone. Dr Okonkwo took his time to talk to me, was very informative, and he fixed my back. His surgical team has been wonderful with aftercare as well and always answer my calls promptly. These people have changed my life for the better. Highly recommend. If I could give 10 stars I would. My experience with Dr Okonkwo and his team has been life changing. I recently just underwent a spinal reconstructive surgery with spinal fusion to treat my scoliosis. It's a major surgery and a major life … More

He has gone above and beyond all levels of expectations for my daughter, took the time to talk to her, ask her about her pain, listened and to her. His staff is amazing, they always take the time to help answer all of my questions. I never feel rushed and if our appointment is running behind, he apologizes but, I am grateful for the time he takes and spends with us and it doesn’t take away from our care.

The man is an idiot! He took 10 years away from my life so far after he messed up my surgery. He did give me back my feeling in my one leg but left me with severe back pain and 3 numb toes. I went back to him and he told me to lose the weight. I lost all the weight and still have the problem. He is one of those doctors that will blame you for his own mistakes. Very sad.

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My spouse sustained a very serious spinal cord injury He met with our family and listened very carefully to us He then calmly explained his diagnosis and plan for surgery Surgery was performed and on day of surgery he spent extra time with my spouse before surgery and with our family after surgery. He followed up appropriately the next few days and he explained how important rehabilitation would be in the upcoming months. Our family is truly gratefull o Dr Okonkwo

Amazing! He was part of the team that saved my brothers life after a severe TBI. Highly recommend him and UPMC.

Put artificial bone flaps into my skull. Most knowledgeable physician I’ve ever come across. If there were 10 stars I’d rate him 10

This man got me my life Back. After two failed spinal surgeries and an infection he was able to fuse my spine and Ive been pain free sine the surgery in 2010 and even after a car accident in 2014 he continued to help me with that. I highly recommend him. The first appointment I had with him I knew he was going to be the one to fix my spine. And he did that plus more This man got me my life Back. After two failed spinal surgeries and an infection he was able to fuse my spine and Ive been pain free sine the surgery in 2010 and even after a car accident in 2014 he continued to help me with that. I highly … More

An excellent doctor and surgeon! I would highly recommend him, and I have to people that need quality care. I feel you truly are getting the best the specialty has to offer!

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Very dissatisfied with this doctor

Apparently after a 3.5 hour wait we meet the doctor which informs us he will not operate on a smoker. Wish that was said 2 months prior or even 3.5 hours prior.

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YOU WILL NEVER, REPEAT NEVER, FIND A BETTER BACK SURGEON THAN DR. OKONKWO!!! 5 HERNIATED DISCS & 2 RUPTURED........NOW I FEEL LIKE A NEW MAN. THANK YOU DOCTOR OKONKWO FOR GIVING ME BACK MY "PAIN FREE" LIFE!!!

5th time Dr. O had to operate on my spine. Unfortunately the reason for so many is because I was involved in a bad auto accident 3 months after my 1st surgery. At first the CAT scan didn't really show much damage. Well my symptoms returned. Surgery 2 . Listened to all post op instructions but something wasn't right. Back again, this time with the wish to dance at my daughter's wedding. I danced and pain set back in . Back Dr. O. This time day after surgery Dr. O came on and said the surgery went well but your back is broken and probably since the accident 2 yrs ago. That was when 4th needed to be done. I had 3 good years until nasty symptoms are back. 6 hours face down surgery and I feel good . I must take this recovery slowly. Not looking for anymore. Dr. O is the best. Love him! 5th time Dr. O had to operate on my spine. Unfortunately the reason for so many is because I was involved in a bad auto accident 3 months after my 1st surgery. At first the CAT scan didn't really show much damage. Well my symptoms returned. … More

5+ Stars...... This man is going to change my life after 6 years of constant life debilitating pain. I promise this Doctor is worth the wait. 6 doctors later and he pointed to the area of concern and said this is why you have pain. We, UPMC, can fix you and get you back to life. A normal life and the ability to feel great everyday is my goal. I have 2 young boys that I want to enjoy and have them enjoy playing with Dad. Currently my kids watch me suffer and lay in pain; daily. No one chooses to live life in pain but we have to deal with our dealt hand. Thank you Doctor. I look forward to being pain free. Stay tuned to updates. Thanks, Rich 5+ Stars...... This man is going to change my life after 6 years of constant life debilitating pain. I promise this Doctor is worth the wait. … More

Both the doctor and his assistant were very rude. Both made me feel like I was a bad person and told me unless I lost 77 lbs the doctor would not be willing to even think about helping me with my back issues. Was told to schedule for 6 months and in that time I was to go to rehab to lose weight and quit smoking. And before I left assistant told me if I didn't lose the weight to not even bother keeping the appointment in 6 months. That I would be wasting their time. Worst experience ever!!!!!!

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I’VE already referred my best friend a.k.a. My father to Dr. O- that is how confident I am in him and his team!

No empathy.......didn't seem to want to help me at all.....told me to go and live my life.....and I am 46 years old with severe scoliosis...also told me I had 5 years to live......WHO DOES THIS?????

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I had cervical spine surgery by Dr Okonkwo. He fused C-4 to C-6. Fantastic job!!! I first saw him several years earlier and was very impressed with him. He never pushed for surgery at all. Was very open about what he would do if it was his friends or family. He told me why to wait and I did. After 3 years I did the surgery and waiting was the right thing to do. He was able to do everything in one surgery instead of having two. He was always friendly & laughing. His P.A.'s are wonderful!!!

Dr. Okonkwo is the best. He is straight forward, caring, approachable, and knowledgeable.

Best experience I've ever had with a doctor. I am overwhelmed by the time he spent with me to explain things, I did not feel rushed or that he had somewhere else to be. I left feeling very hopeful. Highly recommend! His PA is just as wonderful. Very informative and helpful. Best experience I've ever had with a doctor. I am overwhelmed by the time he spent with me to explain things, I did not feel rushed or that he had somewhere else to be. I left feeling very hopeful. Highly recommend! … More

Dr. O is top notch! His expertise and personality are amazing! He is the reason that my husband walks! When I started experiencing issues with my neck, there wasn't a doubt about who my surgeon would be. Seems like some wouldn't be happy if Jesus himself did their procedure. Definitely worth your time to see Dr. O!

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Dr. Okonkwo took time and explained my condition well. He made several recommendations and did not try to influence my decisions with his bias. He did not push surgery. His PA, Lauren, was delightful, caring and seemed very knowledgeable. I was taken on time for my appointment. I was in the office more than 2 hours but was receiving care during that time.

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I have already shared Dr. Okonkwo's name with other individuals. I have nothing but high praise for his skill and professional manner. I would imagine that those who doctor shop with imaginary ailments wouldn't appreciate him from a comment I had read, but this doctor is topnotch.

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He was cocky & uncaring

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Excellent surgeon. Very caring. Went above and beyond to make sure I would be ok.

I had curvature of the spine and a Was frequently bent over. In a 9 hour operation, the doctor fixed my spine. I no longer have back pain and can stand up straight. Going to have 2 more operations to correct 2 cervical disintegrating disks.

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Ghastly bedside manor - STAY AWAY. Saw for possible Schuermann's disease diagnosis of my back lump between 2013-2014. Directly insulted me verbally, stating my pains are from my weight and that he did not believe my symptoms. Stated nothing medically wrong with me. Insulted my wife, and went so far as to blacklist me from seeing other neurologists in his group - was told by his receptionist I was wasting his time. Will never go here again.

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Waited 3hr 10 minutes. Told after 2 hr wait is because Doctor is behind and you must see the doctor. Ends up, Only saw PA and no explanation why doctor wouldn't be examining. Extreme disappointment in lack of caring, Follow up care or information on post hemmorage. Very difficult to endure for 86 yr old compromised from traumatic brain injury. One that took us to room was kind.

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Since he wasn't treating my son for the broken neck, just the temporal brain fracture, he acted like we were wasting his time. After waiting an hour and half hr came into the room and made 2 statements and was out the door. No concern, no empathy, no class

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I went to Dr. Okonkwo with a broken back almost a year ago. It was app.9 hour sugery. He did an incredible job.He saved my life.

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