Dr. Douglas Savage, MD

I rarely write medical reviews, but I feel compelled to share my experience with Dr. Savage so that future patients are fully informed before scheduling with him. I came into this appointment hopeful, with a documented history of spondylolisthesis, multiple conservative treatments already behind me, and worsening symptoms that had become difficult to manage. I trusted the referral process and expected at least a thorough evaluation. Unfortunately, what I encountered instead left me feeling dismissed, invalidated, and discouraged. Dr. Savage was approximately 30 minutes late for the appointment. When he did arrive, he spent less than 10 minutes with me in total. His very first words after shaking my hand were: “There is ZERO percent chance your urinary issues are coming from your back.” He then followed that by saying, “Only crazy people get surgery.” These statements were not only unprofessional but also unnecessarily dismissive of the very real and concerning symptoms I was… experiencing. Rather than asking about my functional limitations, pain patterns, or how these issues impact my daily life, Dr. Savage focused only on the imaging. Even then, he did not walk through it with me. There was no discussion, no explanation, and no opportunity for me to understand his thought process. The physical exam was equally minimal: a quick strength test pushing against his hands, followed by a brief poke at my spine while I stood. That was the entirety of the evaluation. He went on to tell me that my spondylolisthesis is “genetic” and doubted the role of my 2015 fall, even though that is when my back problems began. Every other provider I have seen over the years has acknowledged the connection. He also implied that I should not be experiencing the level of pain I described. Being told that my pain was somehow “too much” to match his interpretation of my scan was invalidating and, frankly, insulting. For context: I have already completed multiple rounds of physical therapy, tried chiropractic care, received pain injections, and pursued massage therapy over the years. I have always chosen the conservative route. I was not asking for surgery, nor did I come in demanding a specific treatment. What I wanted—and what any patient deserves—was a provider willing to listen, consider my full medical history, and discuss options openly. Instead, I left feeling disrespected and unheard. What makes this more troubling is that my symptoms are not only persistent, but worsening. I experience numbness down both legs into my feet, tingling that develops whenever I sit for any length of time, buttock numbness that comes and goes, and difficulty urinating that began only after the numbness spread. I am aware these symptoms may or may not be directly tied to my spine - but medicine is not absolute, and they deserved to be taken seriously, not dismissed in the first five minutes of the visit. Patients should never walk away from a specialist’s office with more questions than they arrived with, especially when those questions involve potential nerve involvement and quality of life. Compassion, curiosity, and clear communication are not optional in healthcare. They are the foundation of trust between a doctor and patient. Dr. Savage may well be a technically skilled surgeon in the operating room. I cannot speak to that. But bedside manner matters too - and in my experience, it was severely lacking. He treated me like a scan rather than a person, disregarded my lived experience, and left me feeling worse than when I walked in. If you are looking for a neurosurgeon who will listen to you, validate your symptoms, and treat you as a whole person, I strongly encourage you to seek care elsewhere. Brushing off symptoms without listening is not just lazy. It’s reckless and dangerous.

Dr Savage is a fine surgeon. I feel great and am golfing again. The front office staff are surprisingly warm considering the amount of abuse they take from patients about all that paperwork.

very pleased with doctor and procedure.

Rude, short, bad manners, without a care to listening to patients' concerns & assumes what you want & need. Misdiagnosed as found out later, because of not listening to patients' concerns & areas of pain. The huge, elaborate building proves his intentions - the "God" complex. Wish I had heard others' complaints before trusting him.

Very good communication.

I never write reviews but Dr. Savage, his assistant Bruce and office staff have been more than wonderful. I had cervical surgery with Dr Savage on 2/27/2017 and I was I originally come from CT and have lived in a Florida for 2 years. I have had Ive been living in Bonita Springs from up north for about 2 years now and have been suffering from cervical/problems that were horrific and came to see Dr. Douglas and was nothing but nervous because I'm only 39 but after speaking to Dr Savage and going thru all my options - surgery was needed . He's professional and is straight forward with you. The surgery went well and I'm still following up. He listens to my concerns and answers without hesistation and is extremely knowledgeable . The entire team is so easy to talk to, love what they do and is there to help you in any way

That makes three people on my street that Dr Doug has fixed up. Thank you!!!

Innovative micro surgery in brain. Out of hospital in 4 days. Excellent knowledge & treatment

Absolutely awesome doctor. Highly recommend him. Staff is very pleasant and helpful.

Dr Savage has operated on me twice. He is professional and conservative. I respect him.