David C Shonka Jr's Online Review Report Card

Very thorough, efficient and friendly. Successful surgery.

Best doctor!

Takes whatever time is necessary to solve your issue. Very meticulous when it comes to surgery!

Dr. Shonka is my favorite doctor of all time. He is attentive, patient, explains complex matters well, and is a brilliant surgeon. I'd send anyone I know to him for an ENT issue. Absolutely, positively, an excellent physician!

Dr. Shonka is outstanding. He completed my parotid gland and tumor removal. He was detailed in his explaining of the procedure and he took the time to ensure all of my concerns were addressed. You get the feeling from him as if you are talking to your best friend. He truly cares about you and for you. My experience with him could not have been any better and I am grateful that I made the two hour trips for the care he provided me.

He's the best!

He made me feel safe from the moment he walked into the room, first time surgery for me this was a blessing. Dr. Shonka explained in detail the procedure with ease and answered all my questions, surgery was successful and my scar is minimal...kind and considerate...I adore him.

I was referred to Dr Shonka after a series of tests and images proved there was a large mass from my thyroid extending down into my chest area. Seemed to be extremely large and was pressing against my windpipe so much that it had taken over space and shoved the windpipe to the far right. Causing shortness of breath and trouble swallowing with increased pressure against my esophagus. When I arrived at UVA for my initial consultation, I was a bit nervous, not know what the plan would be. From the moment I entered the registration area to the end of the appointment-I knew it was a plan that God had set in place. Each person I came in contact with was warm, compassionate and professional! I immediately felt at ease...I didn't know what to expect or what the plan was going to be but I knew without a doubt that even though these people had just met me, that they cared about me and wanted to help make correct this issue and set me on a path of complete healing! I had asked the Lord to protect me and show favor to place the right team together to take care of this mass and my recovery. There is always a sense of the uncertainty and sometimes it can be so overwhelming but I really didn't have the chance to feel that because from the moment I met Dr Shonka, I was convinced that he and his team were the perfect plan. I did not feel that I needed to doubt any of the paths he was planning to take. Dr Shonka and his whole team made sure that I was given proper care and information. After more testing and lab work, it was determined that I would have surgery to remove the mass and it would take around 5 hours. Everything was set in motion and I proceeded with the plan knowing that everything was being worked out for my good. The actual day of the surgery, went exactly as planned although the mass was a little larger than expected-it was the size of one and one half grapefruit! Dr Shonka advised that he took extra care as to not paralyze my vocal chords! Singing is such a huge part of my life and he knew how important that was to me! They team took great care to make sure that the incision was made carefully in order for it to be less noticeable. Everyone has commented on what a wonderful job they did with the appearance. At a follow up app I was told there were no cancer cells -again, I am thankful! I am just so grateful that God set this plan and that Dr Shonka and his team allowed themselves to be His hand extended to do what was necessary to give me a better way of life. The continued followup appointments have been no less that wonderful! The same compassion, the same understanding and professional attitude! I can not express how thankful I am to Dr Shonka. When you have something going on in your life, it is so comforting to feel that the physicians and surgeons really care about you and your situation. I never get the feeling this is just a job to him or his team. I honestly believe his desire is to make a difference in the health of my life. I am forever grateful!

I was immediately referred to Dr. Shonka by Dr. Lenkowski (Roanoke, VA). Who ISN'T nervous when meeting a doctor about to cut into your neck? I was immediately put at ease with his compassion, factual knowledge in explaining my situation, and his concern was/is genuine. Now at home recuperating, I am comforted knowing I am under the care of an excellent doctor.

Dr. Shonka is the finest ENT Resident in Virgina, and the best doctor I know. He is caring, supportive, and compassionate. He takes the time with his patients to understand what is wrong, and has an uncanny way of explaining complex medical issues in a way that they are easily understood. No matter how severe the issue, Dr. Shonka is your guy.