Dr. Joel Ira Franck, MD

I met Dr Franck and his assistant (NP) Pam in 2018. Dr Franck performed a successful C1/C2 fusion in 2019 on me. I continued to see Dr Franck for yearly checkups as we were monitoring damaged discs. In 2024 the discs appeared surgical and Dr Franck performed a successful disc replacement at C5/6 C6/7. Dr Franck is the only neurosurgeon I will let work on my neck! I highly recommend!

Though my case is still in the courts, I can give you a quick version of how I came to need Dr. Franck and Pam and what they did for me. I do want to first explain that most of this information is as described from my notebooks during the time as well as from my husband (I still have incomplete and nondescript memories from the time the accident happened to surgery and a little thereafter). TLDR at bottom. I was hit by a semi in my Kia Soul and flipped off the interstate. In the days/weeks after: My left hand stopped working. I felt spacey and fuzzy and unable to focus. I felt like everything was going in slow motion, and I couldn't remember anything. My head and neck always hurt, like constant headaches. Lights and sounds were excruciating. I was in a perpetual fog. I went through various therapies including chiro, physical therapy, massage, etc. Those opportunities helped a little bit, but I still wasn't me. I was still having a lot of neurological issues that nothing was helping… (including a weird tick in my face). Then, we found Dr. Franck and Pam! This was my last resort (for obvious reasons. I mean, nobody really looks forward to being opened up and drilled on). I had a bunch of problems, some of which we were already aware of from working with neurologists and medical professionals up to this point: whiplash, instability, cerebellar tonsillar ectopia, cerebrospinal fluid obstruction, neurological dysfunction... a bunch of stuff. What it came down to was this: C1-C2 fused/screwed together, suboccipital craniectomy and decompression, etc. The healing process was not easy, to say the least, but it was nowhere near as excruciating as I thought it was going to be. I do remember having issues trying to figure out a comfy way to sleep. So, back at home, we rented a recliner and I slept in that until I felt comfortable enough to lie in the bed. These days, those neurological issues and headaches are resolved. I do still have other issues that need to be worked out, but they’re not in Dr. Franck’s field (psychological, emotional, etc.). I truly could not be happier with the outcome of the surgery; it really is a new lease on life. As for bedside manner, attitude, personality, etc. I never had a problem. Dr. Franck and Pam were warm, welcoming, patient, and kind. I felt very comfortable with them. They never had any issues with answering my questions whether in-person, by text, or by email. They were there the whole way, including just before surgery! They came in, we all talked (including my husband and father, who were there for support). As for the other hot topics: Wait times were quick, in my opinion. I never waited very long to be seen at all. Dr. Franck and Pam were always very thorough with their explanations and very patient with me and my husband. I truly looked forward to each appointment because I would always get a detailed analysis of my x-ray or MRI or DMX. TLDR: Excellent experience. Highly recommend.

After trying everything, seeing lots of Drs, Dr Franck was the only Dr who could tell me what was wrong. I’m so blessed to have my life back and so blessed to have had Dr Franck as my surgeon!

Dr franck saved My life first of may 17. So greatful.

I owe Dr. Franck my life! I was brought in unconscious to the hospital on my death bed in 1987. I was only 22. He didn't give my family much hope but I was told he said he would give all he had to save me. I had a rare brain tumor aka Colloid Cyst. He stabilized me, removed fluid surrounding the brain on a Saturday, then on Monday went in and removed a 15 mm Colloid Cyst. I'm glad he was the one on call that day. I feel he knew his stuff. I would recommend him to anyone.

Dr. Franck was able to help me when all other surgeons could not. Dr. Franck listened, examed me and reviewed all my records during my visit. He not only saw my problem at C1-C2 but he was able to surgically fix it. It was easy to get an appointment and we were never rushed when seeing him. I have followed up with Dr Franck in the years since my surgery and I am still very happy with him. His staff is very caring and have always been willing to help me with anything I have needed. If I had the chance to do everything again.... The only thing I would change is to find Dr. Franck sooner!

Excellent Surgeon

Exceeded my expectations. Fusion on c1 and c2 with a piece of my skull removed

Dr. Franck fused my C1/C2. Worse surgery ever. He wants you to think he is the only one who does what he does. It is not true. I live with pain in my head & neck that is never below a 10. Using the pain scale of 0 no pain, to 10 being the worst pain. I now need another surgey to fix what he did. If you are thinking having surgey from him don't do it. Look elsewhere.

did the survey, dmx x-ray, MRI, all in one day! very smoothly. good explanations and well explained!