Thought I had just pulled a muscle in my back but the pain was only getting worse. I went to different places, urgent cares, my family doctor, a pain management doctor and a chiropractor but nothing seemed to address the pain. One doctor recommended iOrtho in Staten Island, NY, where I met Dr. Martin Quirno who in turn recommended his colleague Dr. Michael Smith which brought me to Rothman Orthopaedics. After my initial consultation I was told to think about surgery in the next 2 to 3 months to address 2 herniated discs. It was decided that I needed surgery much sooner to prevent possible permanent nerve damage. I was scheduled for surgery 9 days later. Turns out I needed a double lumbar fusion. This was scheduled at the Kimmel Pavillion, a new wing at NYU Langone Medical Center in NYC, an unbelievable facility.
From what I understand, Dr. Smith consistently performs his procedures with the same experienced team. This team consists of Dr. Quirno, who initially recommended Dr. Smith at Rothman and Mackenzie Cooke, PA-C, also of Rothman, among others. Everyone involved was very friendly, stated who they were, their title, and what their responsibilities were. Their attention to detail was second to none.
Before and after the surgery I was also put in touch with Dana F. Schlossberg, BSN, RN, ATC. As the clinical assistant to Dr. Smith, she was very knowledgeable and answered every question I had leading up to my surgery and during my recovery. If she didn’t pick up the phone immediately, voicemails were returned shortly as were my emails.

Appointments and updates regarding your visits are sent via text and email. Entering the office itself, you are greeted by a friendly staff. You never wait very long and the office is super-clean. Dr. Michael Smith himself is very down to earth, friendly and professional. He would explain what was wrong with my back and what needed to be done. Follow-up visits exemplified more of the same describing the healing process in a manner that any patient can understand.
Since my surgery in March of 2023, I’ve been going back to Rothman periodically for follow-ups and the service has remained exceptional for this duration.
If I do ever need surgery again, I hope I dont, but I would definitely go back to Rothman Orthopaedics and would highly recommend this office to anyone that requires any of their services offered.

Submitted April 12, 2024

Dr. Smith performed back surgery on me in March 2023. The entire experience from original consultation to final follow up visit was excellent, especially with Dr. Smith himself but also including all of his colleagues whom I dealt with and the entire Rothman staff.

Submitted April 22, 2023

The entire Rothman Orthopaedics team was amazing. I first saw Dr. Hrubes who redirected me to Dr. Smith based on my injury. They were swift, compassionate and helpful as I went into fairly immediate surgery. I went from not being able to sit, stand or walk without excruciating pain to walking out of the hospital post L5 surgery. Mackenzie and Dana were also amazing and these every step of the way leading up to surgery, in the hospital and during recovery.

Submitted April 12, 2023

Amazing experience. Successful surgery with a kind , compassionate and skilled physician, dr smith. His nurse and PA are phenomenal as well and his office staff are professional and caring. I would HIGHLY recommend DR Smith. Best decision ever. NYU hospital is also incredible!!

Submitted March 16, 2023

I couldn’t say enough good things about Dr Smith. I went to him for a second opinion about my neck. I wound up having fusion surgery a week later. I’m on my road to recovery and I feel great.

Submitted Nov. 22, 2022

The best decision I made..
I scheduled a 2nd opinion meeting with Dr Smith having felt I was being swayed only in one direction by my previous consultation with a different doctor.

I received comfort and a clear, un-rushed
Consultation: x-rays, Review of recent MRI’s and
A clear and comforting explanation and examination.

Dr Smith and his assistant gave the clear and thorough explanation I needed and offered an alternative surgery, than the previous Dr. offered, to which I agreed.

The remaining process was simple (apart from insurance clearance) and I scheduled a micro-discectomy with an appointment about 5 weeks later.

At the pre-op again I was again given a clear and comforting explanation of the process and we headed into surgery.

Post-op I feel like a new person with no sciatic pain and follow up meetings and care have been excellent by Dr Smith and his amazing team, namely Mackenzie and the other medical staff.

I am extremely pleased I went for the 2nd opinion and would recommend Dr Smith and his team for their prompt and efficient communication, comfort, reassurance and post-op care.

Submitted Nov. 12, 2022

I’m very grateful to Dr Michael Smith and his staff, I was truly taken care of.

Submitted Nov. 8, 2022

Dr. Smith is extremely knowledgeable about his specialty. He performed my back surgery and I was very confident and comfortable with how he explained everything prior to surgery what recovery was going to be like.

Submitted Nov. 7, 2022

Dr Smith is excellent neurosurgeon. He did spine surgery on my back. He talked to me before the surgery and answered all my questions. He is so nice and caring. Thanks to Dr Smith he has me walking upright and I highly recommend him for anyone that has a back problem. The staff is excellent too they care about the patients.

Submitted Sept. 28, 2022

Excellent diagnostician and surgeon. Good communicator, office visits are never rushed and all my questions are always answered. My back has been pain free since surgery last year.

Submitted Sept. 20, 2022