Ian G Dorward's Online Review Report Card

Ordered X-ray for cervical spine instead of lumbar spine. Had been to office 3 previous times for lumbar spine, yet to see the doctor. Keep getting scheduled with PA. Last appointment, spent 1 hour waiting, while others were seen before I was. This is extremely frustrating as I have ha 2 previous lumbar spinal fusions from another surgeon an I know where pain is coming from and it’s NOT MY CERVICAL SPINE.

I had scoliosis and didn’t even know it for most of my life, until adulthood when I was losing strength in my left leg and my spine was quickly losing height; my left shoulder angling down toward my left hip. The pain was incredible. I was becoming more and more disabled. Dr. Dorward and his team did a T10-S1 spinal fusion and reduction 7 months ago today. He told me during my consult, “there may be times you wish you hadn’t had this surgery.” Well I am nothing but grateful that I did have it. I am so thankful that someone could even fix what was wrong with my back. Dr. Dorward saved my life. Special mention to Joe Walsh, PA and Ashley, RN (both on Dr. Dorward’s team… and outstanding!). Joe did the most thorough work up. And I have received the best care and advice from both him & Ashley during my recovery time, which is ongoing for at least a full year.

I do not even know where to begin. I was referred to Dr. Dorward by my doctor that could not do the surgery I needed. The staff, PA Joe and Dr. Dorward were very nice from the time I walked into the office. For a year and a half I struggled with so much pain from a previous surgery that was done incorrectly. Dr. Dorward was very positive that he could do damage control and fix what had been broken. He did not hesitate even with the surgery time of around 12 hours. The whole process was done so quickly. I had a couple appointments we discussed everything in depth including the bad things that could happen during surgery. After a 14 hour surgery I am glad to say that I feel 75% better. Dr. Dorward was a miracle worker. He gave me life back. I. can not wait to see how I am feeling in about 6 months versus now. Thank you to the team at Barnes that made all of this possible.

So I met Dr. Dorward when my wife was referred to him to fix a Botched surgery from an incompetent Dr that was fired after her surgery. From the time I met Dr. Dorward and his PA Joe, I knew that he and his team was the one to fix my wife. He was very professional and was able to break down all the procedure so that we could fully understand what he had to do. After a 14 hour surgery and a week in the hospital we returned home. My wife could not pick up her head and was in constant pain but now I’m pleased to say the Dr Dorward worked a miracle because my wife can hold her head high, look up and is in a minimal amount of pain! This Dr in my opinion is the best and I would trust him with my life! Thank you Dr Dorward, you are amazing!

I have called Dr. Dorward office three weeks straight and he had not returned my calls. He performed a revision surgery and now he won't return my call for questions concerning the issues I having with my back.

I don’t think enough positive can be said. Dr. Dorward performed a micro discectomy on my lower back (L5-S1). I herniated a disc performing CPR on a woman I had found who depended, on the first night of my Cancun vacation. Less than 24 hours after my injury I practically couldn’t walk. I didn’t know it at the time, but what I was experiencing was terribly debilitating sciatica. On a food say the pain was a 6 or 7/10 and it traveled from my lower back down my buttock and stopped at my knee. On many other worse days, it would travel all the way down to my ankle and would be a 9 or 9/10. That is not an exaggeration. This was truly the worst pain I’ve ever experienced in my entire life. After doing everything in my power to avoid surgery (multiple chiropractors, physical therapy, two epidural steroid injections, acupuncture, etc.) I finally decided to seek the help of a neurosurgeon. After getting a referral from my doctor, a friend recommended Dr. Dorward to me. While it did take time for an open appointment to become available, I finally was able to see the doctor approximately 7 months after the injury. He sat with me for over an hour. He explained in detail what the injury was, what the prognosis was with and without surgery, he recommended books that help with overall spine strength and health, and overall I very much felt like he listened to as well as educated me. He told me that if I would like, he would perform a micro discectomy. In no way did I feel pressured or uninformed. His bedside manner was truly amazing. He explained the procedure in detail and said we’ll get it on the books. We scheduled the surgery for April 7th but COVID forced us to reschedule for June 15th, which was a week ago from today. I went into surgery with a pain level around a 7/10, which was my norm for almost a year. I awoke from the surgery WITH NO PAIN. My nerve pain was gone and I mean GONE. The incision was also not even noticeable as it relates to pain. The only pain I had, which was more of an ache was the muscles just under and surrounding the incision. That was 7 days ago and I still have not felt so much as a 1/10 in pain. Soreness exists. But, at very manageable levels. All in all, I can’t speak highly enough about Dr. Dorward. If for some reason that changes in my follow ups, I’ll update this review. But that’s highly unlikely. Thank you Dr. Dorward for your incredible skill and demeanor!!!

I heard a lot of great things about this doctor but my experience was totally different. The first visit was awesome and I decided to have the revision surgery that was recommended. After the surgery this doctor fell to return calls or answer any questions I had. I have left message after message for three weeks straight attempting to get answers concerning my pain and MRI results. After three weeks of no response I give up. How can you not respond to your patient?

Dr. Dorward has operated on my neck and lower back and is without any doubt a person whose concern and talent is second to no one's. He is brilliant and deeply cares about people, both patients and their loved ones, taking time to explain what to expect post surgery and answering follow up questions months afterwards. He literally gave me back the ability to walk and return to a normal and active life to include hiking, white water rafting and working out in the gym. Dr. Dorword surrounds himself with an excellent staff, with particular mention going to Karen Browne, Nurse Practitioner. I have recommended Dr. Dorword to several people and will continue to do so.

On my first appointment he sat down with me for an hour!!! He has the best bedside manner. He explained everything that was wrong and how he could help me. I have the surgery on Monday so I will update about that experience later.

I have been calling his line for 2 weeks trying to get a appoitment with no call back.