Richard G. Ellenbogen Md's Online Review Report Card

I often think about that time in 2019 when I was flown over to an ER in Seattle days after the birth of my son (my first child) when my body and mind could no longer handle the blockage being caused by a benign tumor the size of a gumball next to my pineal gland. I remember quite well, considering the circumstances, a good portion of the long journey. Dr.Ellenbogen managed to get that tumor out piece by piece (I obviously don’t remember that part). After that I was sent back home and I legitimately had no idea who I was, but it only took me a couple of weeks to remember language, my mom, son and best friend. It was very strange how my memories came back together so out of order but it only took a few months to be completely functional again and although I still had memories returning to me left and right I was able to actually start retaining some new ones and managed to find myself a real line of work and straighten out a lot of other things in my life that weren’t quite right prior.

The visit felt rushed. Dr. Ellenbogen didn’t answer the majority of my questions. He treated me unfairly when he learned my health coverage was out of network. His bedside manner needs a lot of improvement. His knowledge of spinal cords and surgeries he’s performed was helpful.

dr. Ellenbogen did an Arnold chiari Malfomation surgery on my daughter. Everything went wonderfully. He explained everything so well and made us feel very comfortable with our situation. He is kind and patient. I am very grateful for him and his team.

He saved my life 25 years ago, when I was 14. I had a tumor dissolve my 7th vertebrae. He took part of my hip and made me a new one. I now have three beautiful children and work as a nurse. Thank you and your team at Walter Reed for saving me and giving me another chance at life.

Outstanding!!!! If I could give 10 stars I would. Had the pleasure of knowing Dr Rich while he was still on Army active duty at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He truly cares for his patients and their families. He brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and expertise to each encounter. His Moto is do no harm and lives it everyday. Thanks for taking care of Becky

Dr Ellenbogen is the kindest and most caring surgeon I have ever encountered. He and his team took wonderful care of me. I highly recommend him!

Worst bedside manner we’ve ever experienced during an initial visit by this so called doctor. Typical surgeons’ brash and holier-than-thou image when speaking to parents. No doctors gowns, dressed in 3 piece suit with his fancy blinging gold watch on his wrist, gum chewing and his resident following him around like a mini-Ellenbogen-wannabe and she too chewing gum. Took my 4 yr old to Boston Children’s instead to see Michael Scott (and Ed Smith, both performed surgery one side each on my child’s brain) where/whom Richard Ellenbogen supposedly studied under. Ellenbogen needs to learn to be more humble and approachable to patients and parents rather than treating them like revenue generating customers that fatten his pockets.

Dr. Ellenbogen consulted with us and then performed my daughter Chiari Malformation surgery. It went perfect. Her flow was restore, her scar is minimal. At 82 days out you almost can’t see it anymore. We were out of the hospital in less than 24 hours because my dtr felt so much better and could take medications orally. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. He was the second NS that we consulted with. He clearly knew what he was doing. Seattle Children’s Hospital did great things for us and Dr, Ellenbogen changed my child’s life. I say that without reservation.

20 yrs ago today (12-13-98), he operated on our daughter who was 14. She graduated and went on to get her Masters in Arch from Bozeman. Now works in Hollywood as set designer and in art department. Recovered easily and we were so fortunate to have been referred to Dr. Ellenbogen.

Dr Ellenbogen has operated on me a total of 7 times, for my condition of hydrocephalus that I was born with. He’s very knowledgeable, very helpful, and explains details to a great extent.