Dr. Cathleen Susan Vanbuskirk, MD

Her treatment of my scoliosis was outdated. It progressed rapidly and could have been prevented, had the dollar signs not been in her eyes. I started seeing her at 8. She had horrible manners with children and would ridicule my anxieties (and my mother's) and act coldly towards me. She told me for years that she would have to perform surgery on my spine and no treatment (not even bracing) would work. Only HER surgery. I never got it because I never trusted her. Now I have body dysmorphia associated with my spine and crippling anxieties about doctors. She overcharged me for her visits, and I lost a lot of money to the laundering scheme that financed her lifestyle and sent her to prison. But, I'm still losing money to the constant upkeep of my adult spine and to my therapist who's trying to undo all my medical trauma. Thanks a lot Cathleen. If you ever get your medical license back, remember the future is now.

Using the stuff she could find around the prison, a couple of shivs, some toilet wine for sterilization/anesthesia, and some floss for stitches, she did alright.

I have a healthcare education and many years of experience as a healthcare professional. Unfortunately, I have needed multiple spine surgeries and have had an excellent outcome with Dr. VanBuskirk. I owe so much gratitude. She is amazing!

My experience with her was awful. She's a horrible human that cares nothing about her patients. Only the money. She left a screw she misplaced causing terrible pain and more herniated discs. I'm on disability because of her. She was indicted for money laundering...

She did 2surgeries on me for a simple microdiscectomy. Neither was effective. I went to a different doctor, who did a 3rd surgery and fixed the issue. 2 useless surgeries including removing 3 spinal process. I wonder if she does better surgeries in handcuffs.

Conservative Dr. Listens, and gives diagnosis. Does not rush into surgery as first option.

Ten years ago, two weeks before our daughter was supposed to enter college, we found out that she had a severe congenital spinal deformity. We will never forget having to tell Nikki that instead of going to college she was going to have to have surgery and spend the next year recovering. She underwent 10 hours of spinal fusion surgery by Dr. Van buskirk and spent the next 12 months in back braces. She entered college the next year, and one year from now will be receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from CSU. I am 64, and have been battling spinal stenosis (both central and foraminal) for years. Recently the pain in my legs became so bad that I bit the bullet and chose to have Dr. VBK perform laminectomy surgery on me. I had the 2.5 hour operation 3 months ago. I saw the doctor today and am recovering fine. My pain is greatly reduced and should continue to improve. She gave me the go-ahead to start getting back into my normal exercise routine... yea! Dr Van… Buskirk is a no-nonsense surgeon. At Boulder hospital the nurses refer to her as "demanding". When someone is digging around in my spine, I could not think of a better quality for that person to exhibit. Her office is run professionally, appointments are on time, and pre- and post-op instructions are presented clearly. She is caring, thorough, and listens. Here is the deal. Do what she tells you to do after your surgery. When she says do not bend, twist, or lift, don't bend, twist, or lift. She is telling you that for a reason... she wants you to experience the best long-term recovery that you can. If another family member or my best friend needed to see a spine surgeon, I would recommend Dr Van Buskirk to them in a heartbeat.

I have been dealing with severe back pain for 5+ years. I had tried many different doctors ranging from acupuncturists to spine experts and none of them were able to provide relief. I wasted thousands of dollars on shots, stem cells, etc. Finally I found Dr Van Buskirk. She is literally my savior. She is incredibly intelligent and equally compassionate. She listened carefully to my story, and rather than jumping to easy recommendations, she carefully performed a serious of diagnostic treatments. Once she was sure she understood the specific source of my pain, and only then, she recommended a fusion. She operated on me in late September. 3 mos later I am pain free. I cannot recommend her strongly enough. She is quite simply the best there is.

She's the best ,I had a sciatica, I would highly recommend.

I brought my 16 year old daughter to see Dr. Vanbuskirk for pain in her back. First off, she has a great bedside manner. She is very knowledgeable and she actually listens to your complaints. My daughter was very comfortable seeing her. She explained the xray to us so we could understand the cause of the pain. I can honestly say she was the nicest surgeon I have ever met. She took time ...not rushed..and smiled:) I would without a doubt recommend her!!!! sure glad to have found her.

I would never recommend this doctor. She is a miserable human being in it for the money. She put a screw into my disc space causing severe pain and spinal cord compression. What's worse is that she knew it in surgery and didn't bother to correct it! ...she refused to respond when I informed her office another doctor discovered this. Now I have to go thru a C2-T1 revision.

I went to Dr. Van Buskirk for a 2nd opinion on a surgery that I was told I needed. After meeting with her and the staff, I was so taken with them that I switched doctor's and went with her immediately. She is meticulous in her manner, and also after doing research, I also found out she is one of the top 12 women back surgeon's in the Country. She is amazing, and I feel 200% better after having her do the surgery. I highly recommend he and you will not be sorry.

In 2009, Dr. Van Buskirk diagnosed me with a spondylolisthesis. After trying cortisone shots and physical therapy for over a year, I decided have the surgery she recommended. My pain was crippling and I could barely walk â?? it was so bad I thought I might have to have emergency surgery. Dr. Van Buskirk performed a long and complicated lumbar spinal fusion, difficult because of some scoliosis in my lower spine. The operation a complete success, which I attribute entirely to the doctorâ??s skill and focus. I am so grateful to her. It took about six months to recover. Today, four years later, I still have no back pain (except for minor stiffness when I stand too long). Dr. Van Buskirk was extremely professional and clear in describing my problem and the surgical remedy, and she has an excellent reputation. Just ask around. I recommend Dr. Van Buskirk with no hesitation whatsoever, and to this day count my lucky stars I found her.

Dr. Van Buskirk is a very knowledgable doctor. She takes her time with you and explains everything. She makes sure that all alternative methods have been tired before jumpting into surgery. Her staff is extremely professional and they bend over backwards to make sure that you are comfortable in their office. I would recommend this doctor to anyone who suffers from back pain the way I did.

I went to Dr. Van Bus kirk after a MVA for neck and shoulder pain, When I explained the situation to the Anna she got me into to the doctor within a few days. Dr. Van Bus kirk immediately found the problem, she suggested surgery along with other options, I selected the surgery. I have had surgery many times in the past and always woke up with the typical pain, not this time! I had no pain at all! what this tells me is this is a doctor that really cares she takes the time to be gentle during the surgical process, not the typical get them in and out. it's not about the money she does this because she really wants to help you. After the surgery she spoke with my wife, but then when I was fully awake she again came in to make sure I understood how things went, here again that NEVER happens, the doctor is usually too busy to talk to you and on to the next patient. I never felt rushed or pressured. I do think Dr. Van Bus kirk is one of the most organized doctors I have ever dealt with, she… plans everything not just your surgery or treatment plan but even thinks ahead to get your prescriptions filled in advance so your not in pain waiting for them to be filled.I would recommend this doctor to anyone. She is a winner and one that cares about the patient not the Money.

I was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis that was a source of severe pain in my right leg. It was difficult to work, sleep, or enjoy life. When I first saw Dr. VanBuskirk, she was very cautious, thorough, and recommended that surgery should wait until it is necessary. For several months, I tried physical therapy and other health remedies with no success. When the constant pain became too much and it was necessary to have surgery Dr VanBuskirk, did a great job, even with all of my other health complications. The fusion was successful and the pain is gone! It has only been 4 months since my surgery and I am close to the lifestyle I had before the leg pain. Dr. VanBuskirk is thorough with her examination and instructions before and after surgery. I highly recommend her for anyone with spine problems.

I have been in chronic pain since she did surgery on me over a year ago. I felt pressured into surgery by her. She looked me in the face and said there was no way the surgery could make me worse. I went in to surgery pain-free because I had just had an epidural. I woke up in agony. She seemed completely inifferent to my pain that day and during subsequent office visits. I have tried everything (PT, epidurals, decompression)since the surgery and I am still in terrible pain. I am writing this lying down because over a year later I still can't sit down. I can't work, can't go out and have fun. My life is pretty awful all because I trusted her. She remains indifferent.

I had spondylolisthesis between my sacrum/L5 and L4 vertebrae that was progressively more severe over time. I first saw Dr. VanBuskirk around the time I was 37 to be evaluated. She has a conservative approach to surgery... wait until it is really necessary. It was truly necessary when I was 43. The fusion was life-changing: I am now pain-free and am back into an active life a year later. Dr. VanBuskirk is clear with her instructions, which are crucial in the recovery process. I couldn't recommend her strongly enough.

I would highly recommend Dr. Cathleen VanBuskirk to anyone needing spinal surgery. I had a back injury and prior to my surgery my pain was extremely severe. I was constantly holding back tears whenever I tried to walk. I couldn't work anymore. I was taking Oxycontin and I was still in pain. Dr VanBuskirk did a spinal fusion of L5-S1 and now one year later, I can enjoy my life again. I can walk and hike for hours. My pain is minimal and I only need to use Tylenol for pain relief.Dr. VanBuskirk was compassionate, efficient, and most importantly a highly skilled surgeon. After the surgery Dr. VanBuskirk was very available and always got back to me quickly for any questions or concerns I had. During my office appointments I never felt rushed. She always took the time to make sure all of my questions were answered.

I found Dr. Van Buskirk beyond my expectations as far as treatment, professionalism, bedside manner,and overall help with getting me back to normal after my diagnosis.