Dr. David Levin, MD

I walked into Dr. Levin’s office with "routine" sciatica. I walked out with permanent neurological injury. I would give anything to go back to simply having sciatica. Stay away from this man. I underwent a microdiscectomy in October. Within hours, I developed a symptom known as "foot drop," where I could no longer lift my left foot. This prevents you from being able to walk heel to toe and your foot just falls flat on the ground (can look up) and new numbness going down the left of my leg, crossing over the ankle, and finishing down the right side of my foot. Totally numb now. They send you home with documentation that states in Bold and ALL CAPS "IF YOU EXPERINECE ANY NEW MUSCLE LOSS OR NUMBNESS, CALL US IMMEDIATELY." I did. I called and left a message. I was called back and told by Dr. Levin on his bad cellular connection "I think it's just an irritated nerve. Let's wait and see." Instead of ordering urgent imaging (which if you Google, is called for in these situations and why… they send you home with that notification), I was told to wait. For over three weeks, I lived with worsening neurological deficits before an MRI was finally "deemed appropriate" and performed. That MRI showed a large postoperative fluid collection of Cerebral Spinal Fluid (caused by an alarming but undetected Doral Tear he created, but "did not appreciate") severely compressing my nerve root. A second surgery was required. By then, the damage had been done. An EMG later confirmed severe, chronic, and active L5 nerve injury. I now have persistent weakness. I cannot run. I cannot play with my 8 year old daughter like I used to. I cannot play basketball with my brothers like I used to. I wear an AFO brace to walk safely. Every step I take is deliberate. My gait is altered, which causes new pain and exhaustion. That loss is real, daily and persistent even now 1 year later. What has been most difficult, beyond the physical consequences, is the lack of accountability or acknowledgment. At no point did I feel that the seriousness of my postoperative symptoms were recognized with the urgency they deserved. After my EMG confirmed the extent of nerve damage, there was no attempt to make a follow-up discussion to discuss the scary results. I guess he expected me to just "schedule another appointment." I gave up on him at that point. This man broke me and did not even have the courage to call me after he saw the readings proving he did. I felt like a case, not a person. He chalked it up to an unfortunate statistic. If you are considering spine surgery, I urge you to ask detailed questions about postoperative protocols for new neurological deficits and what steps will be taken if something changes after surgery, and (just my opinion), stay as far away from this man (and his cold "I really cant be bothered right now" assistant, Kristen) as you can.

I appreciated Dr. Levin taking the time to understand my symptoms, go over x-ray results with me, explain what may be happening, and offering advice on how to address my symptoms.

I came to the DC metropolitan area from Boston, so I am a medical snob. I was thrilled both times that I needed to see Dr. Levin for spinal issues, one resulting in microsurgery. He's relieve me of 35 years of pain to the point that I can play golf again, which was just a bonus. I would've been happy just to be painless. The people that I referred to him have been thrilled also. He's brilliant, his personal, and I think most of all I'm grateful for his professional ethics. He could post those patients who go to him for a second opinion, but if they're getting the right treatment from great doctors he provides them with reassurance and send them away. Having been treated by a lot of world-class doctors in my lifetime, and a few of the mirror average, dr. Leven ranks at the highest level of the world-class category.

I think Dr. Levin is not only a talented surgeon but a really nice person. He has been my doctor for the last 4 years. He really cares about his patients and listens to them and wants to help them with their pain.

He is thorough, kind, a good listener and an excellent physician. I’m old enough to know a good doctor when I find one!

Dr. Levin saw me today after I had moved here from PA. Though I waited more than my appointed time, I took this as a good sign. Most doctors just allot you their 15 minutes and done. Dr Levin did not. He took the time to listen to my history of lower back problems and then proceeded to evaluate me based on his own assessment at his office. I had already visited two other spine surgeons, but none offered to look at my cervical area, which Dr Levin did. Now I need to have my entire spine evaluated rather than my lower spine. Thank you Dr Levin. I have to have an MRI done and will come back to update my experience. But so far, Dr Levin is number 1 on my list, and he is the third spine surgeon i have consulted

I highly recommend Dr. Levin. He is very attentive and he always takes his time to listen to his patients. He's so knowledgeable and thorough. When you are dealing with chronic pain it makes all the difference to have someone like Dr. Levin who assures you that "we will figure this out".. and he did.

Unfortunately I have alot of disc problems and I have had 4 surgeries by Dr. Levin. He is kind and really listens to you and wants to help you. I have had an excellent experience with him and also his staff. They are always nice to me and I have never had a problem. I would never go to another spine surgeon. I think he is a very talented surgeon and also a very nice person.

Great Doctor takes the time to explain everything to you, and is alway friendly.

I have been going to Dr Levin ever since he joined this practice. He is excellent, and knowledgeable, timely, and honest. I’m so glad that he is my scoliosis Doctor.