Dr. Robert Douglas Orr

Dr. Orr is an incredible surgeon. He was literally a lifesaver for me. I had very complex issues with my spine and pelvis. We had given up hope, then moved 3200 miles and did the workup with the Cleveland Clinic spine team, who referred me for surgery. I called scheduling and asked for the BEST spine surgeon they had and it was fate that Dr. Orr had just worked on the schduler's mother and she had incredible results. I got scheduled, and he worked with the Orthopedic Traumatologist to come up with a plan to fix me. Level 1 Trauma centers in WA, TX, OR, OH (UC) could not! He is very experienced in several areas, but he is very kind, humble and straightforward. He worked his magic in about 3 hours and I have had far less invasive surgery that failed that took 6 hours. I felt from the first moment I could put weight on my left foot and leg that he had fixed me. My family and I will forever be grateful to Dr. Orr for giving me a new chance at a life, when a year ago we would never have… thought I could be fixed so well and so much more efficiently than anything the past surgeries that failed did. I would highly recommend if anyone is suggesting you have spine surgery that you consult with Dr. Orr first. If someone has done a surgery on you that failed, and left you worse off, go see Dr. Orr. He thinks outside the box and won't do any unnecessary work on you. I would send anyone and everyone in my family to him.

If not for the very skilled hands of Dr Orr, I would most likely be in a wheelchair. My operation lasted twelve hours, however my recovery was surprisingly fast!

The following is a list of gross errors that Dr. Orr made during my care: 1. He always based his decisions regarding surgery using outdated MRI images. Without paying attention to symptoms which already changed. 2. Prior to the 3rd surgery Dr. Orr did not even examine me. 3. Dr. Orr never warned me about consequences and complications of the surgeries. On the contrary he made promises that the surgery will cure me and I never signed any forms prior to the 3rd surgery (the most invasive surgery). 4. During the 3rd surgery he performed procedures without my consent or a possibility that was never discussed with me. As a result, I my physical function and mobility is crippled. 5. Each surgery that Dr. Orr performed not only did not alleviate my symptoms but in fact made me worse.

DON’T GO!! Wouldn’t refer my worst enemy to him. He walked in the room with a huge attitude and it went downhill from there. He talked down to me in a loud patronizing way. I don’t know about his surgical skill but his bedside manner is terrible.

Dr. Orr kept writing me script for medication that would make me swell. When I told him I need a different one he told me take it or leave it. You better figure out how to take it.

As most "spine patients" will understand, seeking help is not always easy. I felt like a ping-pong ball with local medical providers. I was encouraged to try once more to seek help with what turned out to be infected spinal hardware. Another patient refers to Dr. Orr exuding confidence. I would add competence. I am amazed and on the road to getting my life back. I will always be thankful and indebted.

Best Dr I have ever been to!

Had excellent surgical outcome, which, I guess trumps everything else ! However, on my first return visit, I requested a script for muscle relaxant. He refused, stating that they don't work ! Well, they certainly do work for me. I can't understand why that was refused??? Today's rules in medicine are to address the patient's needs and make patient as comfortable as possible. Made no sense. If he had just noted that I am an RN, he would have known immediately how easy to access that medication ! This taught me that you get nowhere by trying to play by the rules.

Performed surgery on me. Discharged the next day with an infection. Had to seek help of ER. Needed antibiotics for an entire month. Discounted my increasing pain until months later when he reviewed a CT scan. Was dismissive about the poor outcome of my surgery. I am no longer able to work.

Dr. Orr has years of experience in complex spinal surgeries, yet takes time to talk with patients undergoing simple procedures as well. He exudes competency in his manner; and backs it up with his results.