"Iniitial consultation June 11, 2007; insurance approval August 20, 2007; surgery October 9, 2007. My initial impression of Dr. S was (1) he values patients who've made the effort to learn about the surgery and come into the process not needing a lot of hand-holding, and (2) he has a very reserved manner of dealing with people. Despite some of the reviews I've read here, I did not perceive him as arrogant or cool, just a very busy man who expects patients not to want to be coddled. And as an adult, I can deal with that. During the intervening months between my initial consultation and my surgery date, I also found that he has an on-the-ball office and medical staff. The doctor I met again the morning of my surgery was a great deal less reserved than the doctor I met at the initial consult. Though business-like, he was warmer, reassuring, remembered specific details about me (indeed, which disc in my spine caused me trouble), and had quite the repartee with the terrific anesthesia team. It was when I had suspected complications, though, that I was happiest with my choice. He was there for me in a way that went above and beyond what one would expect of a \"great technical surgeon.\" He came up to see me in my room and explained what they would be doing. Every decision about my care went seemed to go through him. I am 100% happy with the way he dealt with my situation."
