Dr. Mary Louise Hlavin, MD

Dr. Hlavin is outstanding in her field of expertise. She gave me new life as I arrived in the ER years ago in a coma. That night I had drains put in to bring my spinal fluid level to where it should be and less than a week later surgery. She was so kind with my mother. It was a great loss for Cleveland when she left but you got a real treasure. Sr. Patricia Raelene Peters

Dr. Hlavin did surgery on me twice and my husband once while she was in Des Moines. I would follow her anywhere. She is matter of fact and doesn’t sugarcoat anything which I appreciate. I am a Registered Nurse and heard about her reputation of being “difficult” but what I witnessed was a physician sticking up for her patients and demanding perfection. If someone is messing with my spine, that’s what I want-perfection!

After seeing a rude and abrupt Cedar Rapids Neurosurgeon about my horrific back pain, I was told I had this problem my whole life and the good news was I didn't need surgery. That took him a total of 5 minutes to determine. Just a shot in the spine is all I need. I had two, one lasted 30 days the other not even 3 days. He then said to see my Chiropractor, he couldn't help me. Dr Hlavin saw my spinal canal being compressed and in danger of lasting damage. She operated ASAP to relieve the pressure. I am so glad for her kindness, professionalism and accurate diagnosis which enabled me to live a more normal life for the last 2 plus years.

Dr. Hlavin performed a C2-C6 laminectomy on me when I had fallen and broken my neck. My spinal cord was 25% compressed, which caused me problems with extremities and pain. She is the kindest surgeon I have ever met, and I had no complications from the surgery. She warned me it would be a long recovery, which I appreciated hearing her honesty. She progressed me step-by-step, and I got my life back. I will always be grateful for her skill and compassion.

Dr Mary Hlavin cut my spinal fluid sack in two places. Then she refused to admit that she did. She is the rudest person I know. Had another doctor repair the leaks and all the other damage she did. Wouldn't recommend her to anyone.

Dr. Hlavin preformed 3 back surgeries for me. The last two were spinal fusions. I couldn't have asked for better care. She will only preform surgery if all other options have been tried first. She is very factual and to the point which some patients who do not know her may perceive as having a poor bedside manor. Not so! My surgeries occurred over a 10 year span, from Des Moines to Cedar Rapids. She is very dedicated to her patients and insists patients while hospitalized receive care at very specific time intervals which some nursing staff might have seen as too bossy. But she does push for the best possible patient care. Her PA is very good also. He takes the time to explain any and all questions and is a great compliment to Dr. Hlavin. I would and have recommended her to several others, including my own family members. I think those who may take offense with her or her method of practice just don't understand her methodology. I also had to wear back braces and knew up… front what was expected and why. Dr. Hlavin does not make the braces. If there is a problem with them they should be addressed with the therapist who ordered and fits the brace. People need to be realistic with their expectations. Some medical issues can not be magically "fixed" by surgery or any other means.

I had schwannoma of the spinal cord , doc hlavin was wonderful, got the tumor out and got me up and going again, she was to the point no b.s. , great work, thank you to her and her crew.

Dr. Hlavin is fantastic, I have been in here care for five years, she's always so bright and enthusiastic, I am very comfortable with her. She always makes sure to thoroughly explain my test results. Highly recommend my Doctor!

I am not a patient but a nurse who worked for Dr. Hlavin. The negative reviews here are correct. She has severe anger issues and takes these out on her patients and staff. She is a skilled surgeon when it comes down to it but her personality is very, very difficult to put up with. She has gone through many nurses due to her abusive behavior and has been reported by OTHER DOCTORS for being verbally abusive. Find someone else. Dr. Hlavin is rude, angry, impatient, arrogant, and sometimes downright violent.

Her bedside manners are horrible. She doesn't listen to patients. She is rude. I don't recommend her to anyone that needs back surgery