Richard M. Thunder

Dr. Thunder impressed me right from the start. I had been suffering for months with nerve pain down my arm. He diagnosed me with a bulging disc between C6-7. He performed an ACDF through the front of my neck. He also found a piece had broken off and was touching my spinal cord. The moment I awoke my nerve pain was gone! The fusion he performed was in perfect alignment. And you can hardly see the scar on my neck. I highly recommend Dr. Thunder. Two and a half months now and no issues. He's the best!!!

I was referred to Dr. Thunder by a friend. I was very impressed with his direct, no nonsense approach. If you want ‘warm and fuzzy’, this is not your doctor. But if you want a brilliant, straightforward physician who can work miracles, I highly recommend him. He performed hip replacement for me in December. I have had literally zero pain post-surgery after suffering for two-plus years. Highly recommend him as an exceptionally competent, straight forward surgeon.

Dr. Thunder is a good surgeon for me -- he is direct and doesn't mince words. He has an opinion and states it but is still respectful of my questions and opinions. He listens well, is courteous and personable but not necessarily "warm and fuzzy." I don't need "warm and fuzzy." I need an experienced surgeon that I trust. Dr. Thunder fits that definition for me.

He's a magician. He's the best there is. The office staff is totally the best around and care about you I can't lose him. My advice is to go there and have faith it's all going to be ok. It will be. Thank you.

I broke my tibia while hiking in Escondido in early February. I cannot say enough about Dr. Thunder’s kindness before and after surgical repair and about his expertise in achieving such exceptional alignment that today, about two months later, people don’t even notice any change in my gait.

Dr. Thunder was recommended by several people I know, including people in the medical field plus former patients who received full knee replacements. My surgery was well planned and performed. Through Dr. Thunder, I am doing follow-up PT at Torrey Pines Orthopedic Medical Group.

Listened attentively to my concerns Did not push for surgery Willing to assist with shots

Everyone wants the perfect patient or client .. but some of us are not. After consulting with another surgeon...who promptly assessed that my spine impingement was going to render me a quadriplegic! He scheduled my surgery twice and cancelled twice due to concerns with my A1C....even with assurances from my GP that my blood sugar was lowering. I saw one other surgeon who couldnt take me for a number of weeks .... all the while I'm losing hand and leg function. I was referred to Dr. Thunder who made a effort to squeeze me into his schedule for a consultation. Upon seeing me unable to walk without a cane, assessing my health history... he and his efficient staff had me scheduled for surgery two days later before even leaving his office! The relief that finally someone listened to me and cared about future was overwhelming! I will ever be grateful to Dr Thunder for weighing the risks of not doing the surgery and what the end result would have been! Thank you Dr. Thunder for taking a chance on me and giving me hope for my future !!

I saw mixed reviews about him online so was pleasantly surprised to have an awesome experience today and wanted to share so patients like me in the future go in. He listened well, was thorough in exam, walked me through MRI, answered all my questions, and guided treatment path. His staff was very courteous friendly and on time. Overall awesome and I will definitely be back. Highly recommend.

I saw mixed comments before going in so I was totally shocked to have an amazing experience. He listened well, was thorough, explained everything I wanted to know, and guided me on best next steps. Highly recommend. Office staff was great too