I was referred to Dr Gillespie by my PCP for treatment of a double inguinal hernia caused by blunt-force trauma to my abdomen. Scheduling my appointments was very easy. Allowances were made for the distance that we had to travel from home, and the scheduling staff offered to keep me updated by phone and text in the event of cancellations prior to my scheduled surgery.

There were no delays at any stage of the procedure. We were asked to arrive 20 minutes early, which we did, and I was called within 5 minutes of my arrival.

Everyone with whom I had any interactions, from the receptionist to the intake nurse to Dr Gillespie and his assistant and their intern, treated me as if I were the Most Important Patient of the Day. At no time did I feel rushed or ignored.

In my first consultation with Dr Gillespie, he determined very quickly that I was not ready for surgery. I was still in considerable pain from the initial trauma suffered about two weeks prior, so he prescribed a six-week waiting period and an inflammation reduction regimen. Although I was initially disappointed, he quickly assured me that he was interested only in delivering the best outcome for my specific condition, all things considered, and my desire to “hurry up and get this over with” was not one of his priorities. I left convinced and enthusiastically determined to follow his guidance.

Everyone with whom I had any interactions throughout the procedure presented themselves in a thoroughly professional manner, as one would expect in a hospital setting. They were all dressed appropriately, identified themselves or each other to me, and showed respect for my privacy, especially during some of the more embarrassing moments of the pre- and post-op examinations.

While I’ve been exceptionally lucky, not having had that much experience with hospitals and surgeries, I found it very interesting that Dr Gillespie had meaningful, real-time discussions between himself, his PA and the accompanying intern while we were all together there in the examination room. I felt a bit like a back-row auditor at med school as they discussed between themselves my case, his diagnosis, and the actual surgical procedures that he was recommending. Way better than Chicago Med!

The procedure itself - robotic-assisted laparoscopic hernia repair - went perfectly, I’m told, and I’ve just completed Week Four of recovery. While I remain grudgingly committed to “doing nothing” for six weeks, I am virtually pain-free and haven’t taken any opioids or analgesics at all, not even Tylenol, for the last five days. I am forever grateful that Dr Gillespie delayed surgery for six weeks, allowing the pain and inflammation from the initial trauma that caused the hernia to subside, otherwise I would have been recovering from both the injury and the surgery at the same time.

Submitted Feb. 11, 2024

Met Dr Gillespie in Oct of 07. Luckily he was the ER surgeon on the night I walked in with a full rupture on my appendix. A day later and I might not be here today. Fast forward to 2023, when I found out I had two abdominal hernias, he was the first person to come to mind. Can't thank this guy enough for all he's done for me. Very grateful

Submitted Dec. 18, 2023

Phenomenal surgeon! Highly recommend. Very knowledgeable, patient, easy-going, and a great doctor.

Submitted Aug. 28, 2023

April 28th of this year I was to St. Joseph's in Phoenix for a surgery to correct a nerve entrapment issue. I find it difficult to find the language to say thank you. If not for St. Joseph's and the compassionate, skilled team of Dr. Gillespie including Mitzy and countless others I would not have my life back. I had suffered from Anterior Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment Syndrome(ACNES) since February of 2019. A condition that causes sever, constant, debilitating nerve pain in the abdomen. I went from an existence filled with agony to a life filled with plans for a future and joy in the present. Again, words escape me. Thank you. I know there were many people in the background working to make this happen for me. From the friendly person who checked me in at the front desk to the highest levels of administration who made it affordable for a person from a different country without insurance to receive the highest level of care. I had met many people who had a genuine interest in my case.

Submitted Nov. 14, 2022

10 Stars! BEST EXPERIENCE I’ve ever had. Love Dr Gillespie and his entire team. Fantastic bedside manner. Answered every question. I felt safe and secure. Hardly any pain. I feel better than ever. I put my surgery off for 20 years. Don’t do that! Call Dr Gillespie and make a change for your health and you won’t regret it. Thank you again for giving me my life back.

Submitted Nov. 7, 2022

Plan on waiting 1.5 hours with a scheduled appt.
Ridiculous!

Submitted Aug. 19, 2022

Dr. Gillespie repaired 5 (yes 5) hernias using minimally invasive robotic surgery. He was highly recommended by a number of friends who had difficult hernia issues. The surgery results were excellent, and I did not even need opiates after surgery for pain control, just ibuprofen. My recovery had no significant issues. The four incisions for the surgery are hardly noticeable. I like the fact that he operates in a teaching hospital environment (St. Joes in Phoenix that is part of Dignity Health) and that medical residents and medical students can receive training during his procedures. This has the added benefit of slowing down the procedure as compared to a non-training hospital, which I believe benefits the patient as well as the residents and students. I highly, highly recommend Dr. Gillespie.

Submitted Oct. 26, 2021

My daughter was involved in a serious motor vehicle accident February 2008. She was taken to St. Joes as a trauma patient. The seatbelt tore her colon she had broken bones, fractured spine and neck, she was injured and bleeding internally.Dr. Gillespie did the emergency surgery and saved my daughters life. He was kind, caring through everything. Even after the procedure during her whole hospital stay and every follow up he made sure he was answering all of our questions. He had great bedside manner. My daughter now 21, got married a few weeks ago. It made me think of him. If it wasn’t for Dr. Gillespie and the grace of God my daughter wouldn’t be here today. So now even 13 years later I am so thankful for Dr. Gillespie and I still do highly recommend him.

Submitted June 1, 2021

I can not be more positive about my experience with Dr. Gillespie and his team. From my first visit to my post surgical follow-up I was informed, comforted, listened to and never rushed or felt like anything other than his only patient. I’m 84 and was up and walking in hours and felt like a million bucks only a day after surgery. If you have a hernia look no farther as you can’t get any better treatment or care than Dr. Gillespie and his team.

Submitted Feb. 27, 2021

My husband had a hernia the size of a cantaloupe. Dr. Gillespie built a new wall and closed him up. Dr. Gillespie is the best doctor and that is very important. Do not go to anyone else. You will be happy with the results you get from Dr. Gillespie. My husband is back to enjoying life. He can start golfing and swimming again. Yeah!

Submitted March 8, 2020