Dr. Matthew Bennett Kern, MD

Against all ODDS, when no one else had the courage, confidence, experience, ability, and brilliance to accept this insurmountable challenge I faced AGAIN, Dr. Mathew Kern was at the front of the line, alone, saying, “let’s go’! Again, I repeat, after 2 of the most complicated spinal surgeries involving the removal of, and insertion of 12 rods & screws in both surgical procedures, along with decompressions for 10 vertebrae the 1st time & 6 the 2nd time at opposite ends of the spine, I can attest to Dr. Mathew Kern's amazing and blessed skills in treating people with such complicated injuries related to the spine and spinal cord. Dr. Kern is certainly one of a very few surgeons in this country capable of these surgical procedures. I know this firsthand, fortunately for me. His synergistic value created from the compilation of all his attributes from performing the complicated and dangerous surgeries, TWICE, to his motivational confidence extended to the patient’s mindset combined with… his experience, confidence, wisdom & skill is 2nd to NONE! I met with Dr. Kern back in late 2019, who I was referred to by my Primary Physician- Dr. Edward A. Schuka, another amazing physician connected to West Florida Hospital. These physicians at West Florida Hospital are truly amazing. Please understand, I have a long road to recovery from such extensive and delicate spinal surgeries but now awake each day focusing my energies on recovery, rehab, and the gratitude for being in a better place now with hope because of the most amazing neurosurgeon Dr. Mathew Kern! Again, there are some limitations and some things that may take years to revitalize and some that may never come back but make no mistake I am in a much better place now and I am moving forward NOT backwards! Because of Dr. Kern, I have the "eye of the tiger" not that of a lamb in my life, again! Because of Dr. Kern, I have the confidence and positive attitude needed for this long road. I strongly recommend ONLY him to everyone I know with a spinal problem whether it is related to the neck (cervical), Thoracic or Lumbar region. It is such a good feeling to witness this happening to others, also. To see Dr. Kern, give people their lives back again and hope brings such joy. He is a no nonsense, get the job done surgeon. Make no mistake, you must want the success as much as he, which is a tall order, so get ready to make decisions about better health, knowing your body, and living right. Again, he is the only spinal surgeon from New Orleans to Atlanta to Jacksonville, Florida that I would ever recommend. To go elsewhere would be a grave mistake in my opinion. I could go on all day and then some, keeping in mind that I have never given testimonial for any other surgeon. It will be a great loss to the community and Hospital as well as patients if and when he retires or moves on. He will be dearly missed. He is the Mozart, the Picasso, the Michael Angelo, Leonardo DaVinci, and Galileo of Neurosurgery- The time needed for recovery and rehabilitation for a complex surgery such as this, is long but each day now, I am getting stronger with stamina & determination. Again, words cannot express how grateful I am for Dr. Mathew Kern, MD-Neurosurgeon. I would like to also take this opportunity to thank his medical support team. Even his office staff are professional, courteous, and most helpful. Definitely “A Dream Team”. I am grateful to all.

Couldn't walk more than 40 feet without my calf cramping and foot going pale and numb. Dr. Kern said I had a synovial cyst on the L5 which was pressing on the nerve going to my leg. He took the cyst off, and within 12 days I'm pain free, healed up and ready to get back to my normal routine.

Was in severe back and right leg pain. Ordered an MRI on a Thursday and was in surgery the following Wednesday - L4&L5 back fusion. Doing much better now. Dr. Kern good surgeon and to the point.

Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for Dr. Mathew Kern & the level of expertise, confidence, courage, experience, wisdom, medical genius; 2nd to none, that he exhibited during my most complex & complicated spinal surgery involving a significant portion of my spine from C-4 thru T-5(10 vertebrae). Only the best of the best could perform this surgery. It required multiple laminectomy, decompressions, nerve root pathway openings and fusions at 10 different vertebrae levels with insertion of Autologous Tissue Substitute along with rods & screws in my Cervical and Thoracic spine from a posterior approach (from the backside). I strongly recommend everyone from Jacksonville, FL to Atlanta, Georgia to Pensacola & Panama City, FL to Birmingham, Alabama on to New Orleans, LA & anywhere; trust & seek his surgical expertise & capabilities, if you have a problem with your spine; It would be only Dr. Mathew Kern, M.D. (Neurosurgeon); this amazing spinal surgeon, a leader in his profession,… that I would strongly recommend for your spinal needs. I am living proof of his genius and capabilities. He is direct, no nonsense & to the point. He makes it very clear to the patient what the problem is, what it will require, and the risks. “Can’t do” isn’t in his vocabulary.He is the Mozart, the Picasso, the Michael Angelo and Leonardo DaVinci of Neurosurgery. Need pages to say it all! His medical staff; best in their profession. Shelby Brinson, Kristina, Tina & Beverly, Thank you, too.

Dr. Kern went over and beyond his scope when it came to helping me. I had surgery on 3-17-20 and I already feel so much better.

Dr. KERN ordered a MRI of my spine. Afterwards he placed me on his surgical schedule. Today I have a strong healing spine. He saved me from becoming paralyzed. Thank you Dr. KERN!

Dr Kern did surgery on my neck where I had to clean up and replace 4 vertibrah with implants. Surgery was extensive but very successful. I've regained range of motion full use of my arm and all with no pain. I am very happy with the outcome of it all. Dr Kern and staff very helpful to me. Very professional and blunt but I had all details going in and amazing outcome by amazing surgeon

I recently had a spinal fusion and have had excellent care from Dr. Kern, his PA and clinic staff. Will recommend friends or family to this office.

Dr.Kern , Shelby Brinson , PA, Kristina (nurse), and Beverly ( frt desk) were awesome!!! They were very professional and my surgery was a huge success! I really can't say enough about this practice.

When I saw Dr. Kern I had already had surgery on my back but could barely walk due to continued pain. He recommended surgery which I was very nervous about because of my previous experience. I could not have made a better choice! Today I’m practically pain free and able to walk and do other things I couldn’t do before. Dr Kern is no nonsense and a great surgeon. I’ve read the reviews and I disagree that he is rude. Just straight forward. He has a great staff that made the best experience almost seemless. I would recommend him to anyone that needs surgery!