Dr. James Bruffey, MD | Encinitas, CA | Orthopedic Surgery

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Dr. James Bruffey is an orthopedic surgeon who has dedicated over three decades to treating musculoskeletal conditions. He earned his medical degree from Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health in Columbus, Ohio, before completing his residency training in orthopedic surgery at UC San Diego Medical Center. Dr. Bruffey further specialized through a spine fellowship at Scripps Clinic in 2000, developing expertise in complex spinal conditions. He is board certified in orthopedic surgery by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and communicates with patients in English.

Dr. Bruffey practices at Scripps Clinic locations in Encinitas and La Jolla, California, with hospital privileges at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, Scripps Green Hospital, and Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas. His clinical focus includes treating back pain during pregnancy and addressing spinal issues in children and teens. He incorporates various treatment approaches including physical …therapy and strength training to help patients recover mobility and function. Patients have given Dr. Bruffey an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Vitals.

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accepting new patients
4.6

50 Ratings
32 years of experience
speaks English
Scripps Clinic, Orthopaedic Surgery, Spine
19 written reviews
1 specialty
16 areas of expertise
2 board certifications
3 hospital affiliations
2 office locations
Male

50 ratings & reviews

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Showing 1 to 10 of 19 reviews

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Dr. Bruffey did my spinal fusion earlier this year, and the entire experience was excellent. His staff (especially Jamie) are supportive and return calls quickly. I’ve never seen a doctor as caring, knowledgeable and happy as much as Dr. Bruffey and I highly recommend him. My husband actually had a laminotomy performed by him last week and although he is still recovering, it’s been a great experience for him as well.

October 12th, 2025

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Dr Bruffey did my spinal fusion and it’s is coming along really well. He and his staff are fabulous. I would highly recommend him to anyone.

April 24th, 2020

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Dr Bruffey did my spinal fusion and it’s is coming along really well. He and his staff are fabulous. I would highly recommend him to anyone.

April 24th, 2020

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Dr Bruffey did a fusion on back and it is coming along great. He and his staff are fabulous! He also did the surgery on my son 6 yrs ago. I highly recommend him!

April 24th, 2020

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Great results from my laminotomy!

October 28th, 2019

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I waited 45 minutes to see him. When in a room, I overheard him speaking compassionately to a previous his previous patient in the hall way. When he finally came into the room he was rushing me and very dismissive. I got the sense he wasn't very interested in helping me with my medical issues. Non-compassionate and no care attitude.

August 6th, 2019

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I am glad that I know if my condition requires the skill and serivce of Dr. James Bruffey regarding my spinal issue, I feel confident that he has my best interest at heart. Thank you!

November 3rd, 2017

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He did two surgerys and perfect Both times. He's the best. That's why he is busy

April 26th, 2016

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Very caring and intelligent! Thorough workup and diagnosis. I was noticeably better the day after surgery.

October 31st, 2015

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Excellent bedside manner. Very knowledgeable and professional

October 27th, 2015

Scripps Clinic Encinitas - 326 Santa Fe

326 Santa Fe DrEncinitas, CA 92024

Tel: (858) 554-7988

Mon7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Tue7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Wed7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Thu7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Fri7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Sat9:00 am - 1:00 pm

SunClosed

Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines

10710 N Torrey Pines RdLa Jolla, CA 92037

Tel: (858) 554-7988

Mon7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Tue7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Wed7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Thu7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Fri7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Sat8:00 am - 12:00 pm

SunClosed


Dr. James Bruffey, MD	Dr. Michael Klassen, MD	Dr. Christopher N Bui	Dr. Eric Robert Horton, MD
Orthopedic Surgery	Orthopedic Surgery	Orthopedic Surgery	Orthopedic Surgery
Accepts New Patients	Accepts New Patients
4.6 (50 Ratings)	4.9 (764 Ratings)	0 (0 Ratings)	4.5 (17 Ratings)
32 Years of Experience	37 Years of Experience	14 Years of Experience	36 Years of Experience
No Virtual Visit Option	Virtual Visit Available	No Virtual Visit Option	No Virtual Visit Option
Speaks English	Speaks English	Speaks English, Spanish
Encinitas , CA	Monterey , CA	Woodland Hills , CA	La Mesa , CA
Med School: Ohio State University College of Medicine And Public Health,Columbus, Ohio, United States	Med School: David Geffen School of Medicine - UCLA	Med School: University Of California Irvine College Of Medicine	Med School: University Of California Irvine College Of Medicine
Current Profile	View Profile	View Profile	View Profile

Search for your insurance and plan

Accepts Medicare
Accepts Medicaid

Orthopedic Surgery

Arthroscopy
Bone Fracture
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Herniated Disc
Hip Osteoarthritis
Hip Surgery
Joint Pain/Swelling
Joint Replacement
Laminectomy
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (Hand and Wrist)
Scoliosis
Spinal Fractures
Spinal Stenosis
Sports Medicine
Surgery

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Orthopaedic Surgery, 2002

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Orthopaedic Surgery

MEDICAL LICENSE

Medical Doctor, California, 2025, Expired

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Fellowship

Scripps Clinic, Orthopaedic Surgery, Spine2000

Residency

Univ Ca San Diego Med Ctr, Orthopedic Surgery Univ Ca San Diego Med Ctr, General Surgery

UCSD-Kaiser San Diego

Ucsd Medical Center

Scripps Clinic2000

University of California, San Diego1999

University California1999

Medical School

Ohio State University College of Medicine And Public Health,Columbus, Ohio, United StatesGraduated in 1994

Oh State Univ Coll of Med, Columbus OhGraduated in 1994

Ohio State University / College of MedicineGraduated in 1994

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What languages does Dr. James Bruffey speak?: Dr. James Bruffey speaks English.
How can I make an appointment with Dr. James Bruffey?: You can find contact information for Dr. James Bruffey here on Vitals.
Does Dr. James Bruffey accept virtual/telehealth appointments?: Dr. James Bruffey has not indicated that they accept virtual/teleheatlh appointments. Contact their office through their Vitals profile to check for availability.
Where is Dr. James Bruffey's office located?: Dr. James Bruffey's office is located at 326 Santa Fe Dr, Encinitas, CA, 92024.
Which hospitals is Dr. James Bruffey affiliated with?: Dr. James Bruffey is affiliated with Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, Scripps Green Hospital, and Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas.

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