I had back surgery (L5-S1) in 2005 with Dr. Soumekh. I was in San Diego at the time. I currently reside in San Antonio TX. It has been 12 years ( almost to the day) and I remain symptom free and pain free and I enjoy full mobility. His bedside manner was not the best; but he was respectful of my time, told me what I needed to know and gave me excellent direction on what I needed to do to recover. He ensured I had plenty of physical therapy, including aqua therapy following my procedure. I would recommend him to anyone. He is an exceptionally skilled surgeon. Don't be put off by reviews about his personality- if you want a warm, supportive conversation call a counselor-if you want back surgery with good outcome go see Dr. Soumekh.

Submitted Jan. 17, 2017

I had back surgery with Dr Soumekh in 2008 for a ruptured disc. I was in excruciating pain and I was told that I would not be able to walk without a leg brace if surgery was put off. I had only heard amazing testimony as to his skills. Guess what...8 years later and I am still pain free. I am stronger than I have ever been and this is due to the complete competence of this man. Is his bedside manner lacking? Yes. Is he abrupt? Yes. Will he ever waste your time? No. Will he ever tell you an untruth? No. I truly feel that his skill and expertise trump any lack of social skills or bedside manner that this highly skilled surgeon has. I would not let another surgeon touch me if given the choice.

Submitted July 10, 2016

I am appalled!!! I had my Pre-op appointment with him today and just could not believe the lack of professionalism and complete disregard his office practices. I was initially excited, and very much so, that he had decided that I was a worthy candidate for the fusion that I had earlier been told I could not have. Then I read raving reviews about him that further made my heart dance for joy, although I had read he is lacking in the area of bedside manner however more than making up for this with his quality of service and medical competence. So I went into the office having prepared my wife beforehand that he may be a little on the blunt side or not necessarily kind. Boy, was I underestimating this by a long shot... I have never in my entire, long medical history, EVER been treated so rudely or rushed so impatiently or handled with such non-professionalism. At first, going into the office (I am handicapped), I stood at the counter and was ignored (almost appearing to be deliberate) for over ten minutes before being acknowledged and when I was acknowledged it was with an extremely patronizing tone and rude, as if to insinuate that I was wasting her time by asking my question about check-in protocol. Furthermore, when the doctor called me back to have my appointment, which I was told was to specifically address any concerns I had with my surgery and answer any questions I may have, he never once looked me in the face. He pointed to where he wished I would sit and came in about three minutes later and said, "So, any questions?". To which I responded, "Yes, I wrote them down, so I wouldn't forget". He passively placed his left hand entirely inside the collar of his scrub top and let out a sigh while keeping his eyes trained on the floor and occasionally pausing to look at my wife impatiently, as if to silently say, "Is he done yet?". I might add I had 14 very relevant questions that anyone facing major spinal surgery might wish to know the answers to. Each question I asked was responded to with very short, abrupt answers that indicated clearly, how he wished not to be there at that moment. When I asked "How long should I expect following the surgery, to wait before safely riding a motorcycle?", he looked at me for the first time and insulted me for having asked such a rude question and said "One year. You do not wish to undo everything I am going to accomplish by operating on you... Any more questions?" All the while, his hand was resting where I could imagine would be "fingertips in the armpit", inside his collar, pulling it down in a very unprofessional manner. At the front desk after the appointment, we were further treated with rudeness and as a result of the entire experience, and much to my sadness, decided NOT to have this man operate on me and take the chance that this abrasive, horrible behavior will manifest itself in surgery as well. Again, I am appalled! And more importantly, I am suffering as a result of hoping to have my back fixed, to be let down this badly.

Submitted Dec. 31, 2015

Was falling and he performed an emergency surgery on my neck a cervical fusion and all was well there though my lumbar spine needs his expertise and as soon as it's approved it will be GOD leading the good docs hands as My Father GOD has always done. WHY I AM STILL HERE Testifying. AMEN HALLELUJAH JESUS

Submitted Oct. 5, 2014

Extremely RUDE and unprofessional staff!!! Im sure he is a good doctor but your staff represents you as well!

Submitted Oct. 1, 2014

Horrible surgeon!! Caused severe infection in my sister's back. It was impossible to get an appointment with this doctor post-op. Multiple visits to the ER were required. Never did he come and do rounds while she was admitted to the hospital. When he finally did see her he basically said it was all her fault, went back into the surgery site and when he comes out he is rude, short and tells the family to fire him, that he wants to be fired. We would except no other doctor wants to clean up the mess he made. This doctor is not recommended!!

Submitted Aug. 14, 2014

THis surgeon is the best at what he does. WE heard this from at least 10 people from the community, other physicians, and nurses. I know many Dr.'s send family to him. Yes, he is extremely quick and sometimes hard to get a word in. Hes quick and to the point--but when it comes to neurosurgery--I much rather have the best hands verus bedside personailty. And he was never that bad with bedside like I heard--he was actually very sympathetic with our case, and knew he wanted what was the best medically. Just be ready for him to be quick and have questions ready.WE don't know what we would have done without him!!

Submitted June 5, 2012

Ignorant assumptions recorded. Damaged my spinal cord or missed the damage. Operation 11 years ago to repair membrane, clean up debris and fixate cord without instrumentation. Assumed I was an alcoholic (no) , complained that he could not examine at pre-op as 'patient not co-operative'. I had 9 disks, skull fracture, crush injury, pain. He wanted a closer look at blackened closed eyes. Operation record with voltage records claimed 'no cord damage' which was not correct per exams and my statements when I regained my reason.

Submitted May 31, 2011

Dr. M. Hertzel Soumekh is a brilliant neurosurgeon and diagnostician. He is incredibly hardworking and devoted to healing. He is very careful and precise. I recommend him without any reservation. He saved me from loosing my legs. I am walking because of him. He however does not have a good bedside manner. He is direct,a bit impatient but very professional. He will not hold your hand or waste time trying to reassure you. But he will do whatever he can to help you. He is the neurosurgeon other doctors go to when they need surgery. He is the best! God bless him!

Submitted Jan. 21, 2010