Dr. Swanson and her team at Thunder Orthopedics are outstanding in every way. I had severe arthritis of the hip. I could hardly walk. Using the minimally invasive, anterior approach--which does not sever any muscle fibers and very few surgeons are trained to accomplish--she replaced the hip and gave me ability to move without pain again. She changed my life.

And, every step of the process--from calling to make the first appointment, to arranging and executing this complex and significant surgical procedure, to recovery--was exactly the way it should be. Her team is professional, competent, and caring; just like she is.

Thunder Orthopedics is outstanding in every way.

Submitted June 28, 2023

Terrible doctor. Very interested in just making money

Submitted June 24, 2023

Dr. Swanson is by far the most arrogant & sententious doctors I have ever encountered. I went to Dr. Swanson a couple of years ago with obvious knee problems (that originated from a car accident). My x-rays showed bone on bone and my overall health was being effected by my lack of mobility and chronic pain. Without any sense of compassion, her professional opinion (after turning over approximately six minutes of her time) was for me to consider lap-band surgery and to sell my beautiful home because it has stairs. I left her office in tears that has now turned to anger. Conversely, another surgeon in her Sentara practice replaced my knees. I am now slowly rebuilding an active lifestyle and have lost between 20-25 pounds. I am walking and biking for exercise. Something I was unable to do a couple of years ago without swelling and pain. My gait has returned to normal. I am walking up and down my stairs and am able to carry my own briefcase or groceries. I am glad I was persistent in seeking compassionate, responsible expertise to improve my health rather than to settle for her harmful opinion.

Submitted April 18, 2023

I'm stunned by the review of Sept 27, 2018 not only because all the other reviews are the complete opposite of what this person had to say. I suspect he did not like that she will not operate on anyone who will not follow her strict safety protocols. This is my second hip replacement by her, the only non UVa surgeon who does the anterior approach that is so much better for the patient. The fact that she is the number one rated orthopedic surgeon in such a doctor heavy town should tell you all you need to know. She is kind, knowledgeable, professional, courteous, and the most thorough doctor I think I have ever been to. Worth the wait to see her and I wouldn't let anyone else near my joints with a knife.

Submitted Sept. 2, 2022

Dr. Megan Swanson was very professional, having great knowledge and easy To talk with ,she had great knowledge of knee surgery and explained everything very well. She did a complete left knee replacement for me and it’s doing great and I’m not having the pain I suffered with my real knee. Her staff was great as well.

Submitted May 23, 2022

Dr Swanson is the best, had tkr 6 weeks ago and go for other knee this week. Professional, and talented surgeon. Great bedside manner.

Submitted Feb. 28, 2019

I do not believe the comments below under this review, submitted Sept. 27, 2018. I recently had my first visit to plan my hip replacement. Dr. Swanson was kind, empathetic, took time to explain the procedure in detail and answer any questions. She showed me my x-rays and discussed them in detail. Every member of the team was also kind, courteous, and helpful. Dr. Swanson's strict protocol before and after surgery shows an attention to detail that makes me feel more secure. A pathologist I know, (whom Dr. Swanson does not even know) told me she is one of the best orthopedists in our area based on her detailed attention to pathology reports.

Submitted Nov. 7, 2018

In my 40 something years on the planet and having lived in 3 states, I’ve had the unfortunate experience of encountering a few rude, egotistical, and arrogant doctors along the way, but I must say that unequivocally, Dr. Swanson was absolutely the worst!!! She was the rudest, most unempathetic, condescending, and pompous medical professional (physicians, & nurses included), that I’ve ever encountered in my entire life!!! I personally wouldn’t return to her if she offered me free medical care! I would give Dr. Swanson zero stars if I could, but as the previous reviewer stated, the staff at Dr. Swanson’s are wonderful, & deserve 6 stars!

Submitted Sept. 27, 2018

Fine doctor with knowledge and empathy.
Would use her again after my hip replacement for a knee in the future.

Submitted May 29, 2017

Total knee replacements (both knees, 6 months apart). Excellent experience and excellent outcome both times. Doctor Swanson really is an extraordinary surgeon.

Submitted July 7, 2016