Dr. Michael Joseph Smith, MD

If we had known this rating system was available we would have used it long ago. Wife went to him for disc surgery .After surgery she was returned to room , had a half grapefruit size bulge on her back and had a terrible headache. He sent her home anyway saying the bulge would go away. Had to return to the hospital the next day because bulge and headache were the same. He was going to do another surgery so she was admitted , but almost immediately the director of nursing came and told us she was un-admitted because Dr Smith couldn't find an anesthesiologist who would work with him. The director told us to see a neurosurgeon , who told us Dr Smith had lacerated the spinal cord dura and the fluid bulge on her back was spinal fluid! The neurosurgeon repaired the problem in a lengthy, complex surgery . He told my wife she would need to be extremely careful in the future because he wasn't sure if another surgery would be possible due to the location of the laceration , and how difficult… it was to repair. Wouldn't go near Dr Smith again , didn't tell us what really happened , and someone else had to fix his mistake!

I would give him 0 stars!! Husband went to see him with a fractured vertebrae. X-ray was ordered from Primary Dr. that showed the fracture. Smith never had an MRI done. He said wear the brace and see you in 6 weeks. I called in middle of the night, a couple of weeks later. Smith happened to be the Dr. on call. I told him 6-7 issues my husband was having. He replied "And your question is?" We are now on week 8, after seeing a Gastro Dr. for bowels that were not working right, a Pain management Dr. for the inflammation and several trips to the ER we found out my husband has Cancer. If he would have just did more research, we would have known this weeks ago and could have started Cancer treatment. My husband did not remember doing anything that would have fractured his vertebrae. I would have thought this would have been a red flag for Smith. His vertebrae fractured is due to bone lose from the Cancer.

Wow! Reading these reviews I was just shocked! Dr. Smith did my back surgery-for stenosis-3wks ago and I couldn't be happier! I was very very nervous having this surgery done. But I am so thrilled that I did. The surgery itself took less time than expected. The recovery has not been anything like what I thought. I feel pretty great actually. I felt Dr. Smith was very honest and to the point about everything. But he explained things well. If people see him as stern and uncompassionate I'm not sure where they're getting that but I felt him to be very kind. And honestly, I think most specialists do come off as gruff and so forth. Not sure why that is. But I like Dr Smith myself. I'd go back to him in a heartbeat. I feel so much better!

I was in the operating room when surgery had to be canceled. The surgery was scheduled a month and a half later. Dr. cancelled because he said I was too sick. No other comment. Why did he try to operate in the first place?

This doctor only cares about his wallet and not the care he gives his patients. If he doesn't need to operate, then he has no interest in treating you. He doesnt do any exams and has no problem dismissing any pain you have. I can't believe Cleveland Clinic allows this man to practice. Beware!

he did hern disc l5 s1 woke up in recovery with severe pain in leg. hospital wanted to keep over night he said no . went home and 3 days later went back to him couldnt hardly walk . he said i had old back and id probly be in a wheel chair soon . went to another doctor for second opinion. he did surgery on my back . did great its been 8 yrs and still good . thanks to dr richard brower .

I hade neck and low back trouble sence 1988, to many years!! when I was told to see (DR SMITH ) in 2013 after talking to him and talking to the GOOD LORD, I desided to have DR. SMITH do my neck,and what he did has been grate, next is my low back, and I do think I am in good hands, I have read bad things about this doctor, maby the trouble is not the doctor, maby you didn't take time to ask GOD to guide the doctors hands,PRAYER counts, SORRY ABOUT MY SPELLING I am not educated person,

Dr. Smith is my hero! He has operated on me three times for the horrible back I possess. I consider him to be very conservative and only operates after every other channel has proven to be of no avail. His bedside manner is excellent and I find him very courteous at all times. I know he has done the very best for me.

Dr. Smith has a somewhat stern bedside manner but is to the point and does not beat around the bush. He is compassionate and courteous and listens to all issues presented. I always feel I'm in good hands with him and that his diagnosis is accurate. I recommend him to anyone looking for a good spine doctor.

Front desk was very kind and considerate, took care of me immediately. Made copy's of all my paperwork I brought in with me. Took me back into exam room within ten minutes. His assistant was very kind and made me feel very comfortable. Doctor came in after a few minutes and looked at all the paperwork, talked to us about my options. Explained everything and answered all my questions. Very pleased with our experience and I would recommend him to anyone.