I had an ALIF (L5/S1 anterior lumbar interbody fusion) in May 2023. I saw Dr Scholsem after poor communications from another surgeon and who had performed 2 surgeries on a family member, both with poor outcomes. The communication with Dr Scholsem was excellent. I had a clear understanding of exactly what the condition of my spine was in and how we would proceed. Communication with Shelley in the office was excellent. The surgery went perfectly, I had a clear understand of how my rehab would progress and I was able to start playing golf (with limitations) after 9 weeks. I write this review in February 2024 and I have had no issues post surgery. There were normal levels of pain post surgery but all manageable. Dr Scholsem is probably one of the most humble surgeons I have encountered. His costs are significantly lower than other surgeons for the same procedure which was done at St George Private. I have had friends who are also very active, who have had other spine related surgery performed by Dr Scholsem and they are happy with the outcomes. I would highly recommend Dr Scholsem.

Submitted Feb. 1, 2024

Dr Scholsem is a very pleasant, obliging and knowledgeable doctor. You never feel rushed and everything is explained thoroughly and in layman’s terms. Dr Scholsem has a genuine care for his patients and is very easy to communicate with.

Submitted Aug. 25, 2022

An expert in his field. The consultation was not rushed and Dr Scholsem explained everything with a very caring and empathetic nature. You felt like he really cared about your problem and was eager to help as much as humanly possible.

Submitted Aug. 5, 2022

Very highly recommended. I felt very safe in Dr Scholsem's hands and found him to be extremely skilled and knowledgeable while also being kind and concerned. My back surgery was a complete success. He was very good at addressing my anxieties in a no pressure, caring manner.

Submitted July 16, 2022

Dr Scholsem was simply amazing! I felt so comfortable asking questions which he always made time to answer fully. He has an awesome bed side mannered. He always made time for me with anything me or my husband needed to know. He is such a lovely, humble doctor who treated me like I was his sister and explained the importance of treatment without pushing me to do it. Thank you for everything you have done to help me get back to normal. You are 1 in million.

Submitted July 10, 2022

This has been my best experience with a specialist of any kind. Dr Martin was straight to the point with options and did not force me in any direction. Dr Martin gave me the information to make up my own mind. He has not asked me to re visit him for unnessary check ups, (completed over the phone) which has saved me money. Always polite and punctual, I have nothing but a positive experience. And, also my 5 years worth of nerve pain has been completely eradicated. Thanks Doc!

Submitted Feb. 17, 2022

Dr Scholsem was recommended to me by someone who had a similar diagnosis from a local neurosurgeon where I live (I am not from Sydney being interstate). I rate Martin with 10 stars plus he is such a humble, kind, generous human being. After my first visit when Martin booked me in for my op I had the utmost confidence in the operation he was going to perform being XLIF 2/3, which was done on the 11/2/21, I knew I was in good hands, everything Martin told me would happen was true and it was a seamless journey. I am pain free after years of being in pain with sciatica and back and leg pain. I am so grateful and glad I chose Martin and I cannot recommend him enough. My husband has early Parkinson’s and I know Martin is the person we will talk to down the track. Shelly, Martin’s receptionist is amazing and very helpful. Janice Laney

Submitted March 12, 2021

I am not generally the type of person who participates in reviews.
But I felt the need to inform others of my life changing experience.
I have had chronic neck pain C5/6 for 20 years.
By chance my physio referred me to Martin.
From the first call to book in an appointment it was a simple and easy process with Shelly.
Martin and Shelly managed to fast track my cervical fusion within the week.
The whole process from admission,operation ,post operative recovery was fantastic.
They are a credit to their profession.
Craig Korkmann 25/11/20

Submitted Nov. 25, 2020

I’ve had lots of experience with medical specialists over the years, advocating for my parents and close family. Recently, I’ve needed to do a deep dive into my own medical circumstances, following several different radiology reports suggesting I was heading for a fairly serious diagnosis.
My GP did not prove to be very knowledgeable (at all) - either on the diagnosis itself, nor on any suitably experienced specialist surgeon to refer me to.
I was left to my own devices, which essentially entailed all kinds of Google researches (which no one should have to resort to) reaching out to friends of friends (who were doctors) and finding a support group and reaching out (to their US network) to ask for recommendations of Sydney surgeons.
Ultimately, I managed to secure appointments with 3 specialists who were willing to see me even while most medical services (and elective surgeries) had been cancelled / shut down during COVID-19.
Dr Martin Scholsem was the one of these surgeons. He is highly experienced in this delicate (and rare) surgery, he answered all my questions carefully and openly and had a way of making me feel that not only would he do the very best he could, but that I did not need to carry the worry of this situation any further, because he would take it on for me. So - it wasn’t a difficult decision for me to choose him to do the surgery. He was able to fit me onto his surgical list in less than a week and his office staff were so helpful and responsive with all the documentation and any questions I had, in preparation for surgery. Coincidentally, Dr Scholsem’s fees were also the most reasonable of all the specialists I consulted.
On the day of the surgery, during my hospital stay and after discharge, Dr Scholsem has been accessible to me, either in person or at the other end of the phone - without exception - as were his staff.
I would not hesitate in recommending Dr Scholsem to anyone considering his services as a specialist neurosurgeon. He is an exceptional medical professional and a very special, humble and kind human being. I feel that my recovery actually started when I found him because I had faith in his advice, his ability and I could hand the worry over to him on that first appointment - and I don’t say that lightly. My outcome could not possibly have been any better. I am so grateful to him.

Submitted Oct. 3, 2020

I can't say enough positive things about my experience with Dr. Scholsem and his staff. Dr. Scholsem is extremely professional, he has the best bedside manner, his warm compassionate attitude certainly helped ease my concern before my operation. I have every confidence in him. Thank you Dr. Scholsem. Leonie Latino.

Submitted May 15, 2020