Do you want a chatty surgeon or do you want the absolute best? If you want the absolute best, the physician that is going to fix you or give you the best outcome it is 100% Dr. McCormack. He corrected a failed spinal fusion in 2010 and then performed a follow-up surgery in 2025. He is the absolute best, but not only by my standards but when you ask surgeons from SF down into the South Bay he is well known and each physician will tell you he is very good. The nurses at UCSF will tell you he is a man of few words, but he is the best at what he does and well respected. When your life or mobility is on the line what is important to you? A great bedside manner, a friendly person or the physician that is going to restore your ability to have a great life. The man cares and he is the best at what he does. Do yourself a favor and truly do the research when your life and the quality of your life is on the line. Then call his office and get your life back. read more

Dr. McCormack could not perform surgery because he was leaving for vacation in a couple of days. It speaks a lot about doctor's attitude and ethics when he says "I can't operate because I won't be able to observe you post-surgery, it's not a good medical practice". Instead, he referred us to two doctors that he knew so well that he said "I would let them operate on myself ". One of them performed the successful surgery, so far we are happy, fingers crossed. Bedside manners? What bedside manners? He is calm, patient, informative, knowledgeable, experienced. What more do you want from a doctor? He is not your mother, you know... We are also very grateful to Neric, she did everything she could to help us at every step. Thank you, Neric! read more

Great experience! Honest and not pushy for surgery. Would recommend to anybody with lower back pain.

I second other's opinion that Dr. McCormack is a bit reserved but in no way condescending or disrespectful. He operated on me and corrected my severe pain. I unfortunately had a complication shortly afterwards and Dr. McCormack knew exactly what to do. I understand complications happen and in no way blame Dr. McCormack nor the surgical staff. Sadly, many of the other health care providers I came into contact with were not the same. Rude, uncaring, dismissive and already having an opinion of you due to being labeled a "chronic pain" patient. Yes I was in chronic pain due to severe cervical spine degeneration and it was fixed. This label however haunts one for the rest of their lives. This is awful for anyone going through such a process and I'm a fellow medical doctor and was treated as if I knew nothing. Sad state of medical affairs. Four years later and I needed to see a neurologist for an EMG and was treated so disrespectfully it was unbelievable. This doctor ripped open a huge mental wound that I had spent years coming to terms with. Dr. McCormack is an exceptional surgeon and one whom I highly recommend. His office staff is also wonderful. read more

If I could give zero stars, I would. DO NOT go to Dr. McCormack without your attorney. He evaulates patients for Allstate Insurance and will try anything to belittle you. During his "evaluation," he asked to touch my hips but in no way did I give him permission to grab my butt. My daugther was also in the examining room with me because I didn't want go alone. He has no respect for women. I felt violated and my back was hurting more than when I first arrived. This was a traumatizing, stressful encounter. I will never recommend Dr. McCormack or Sutter Health for employing someone that thinks he can do anything he wants to women. read more

There is no accessible parking at this office so those having difficulty walking cannot park close by. The doctor was held up in surgery and was three hours late. Also, the lift to get into the building was not working so both my parents, who have difficulty walking, had to negotiate stairs. The doctor then sent them over a block away to get an X-ray which they could have easily done in their hometown either beforehand or later. No one was willing to lend a wheelchair from the hospital to aide in getting them back to the doctors office. Why would a doctor put someone through all of that? My parents drove 5 hours (one way) for this. read more

Dr. Bruce McCormack is very simply the best, he is in my wife's words "outstanding." He saved our daughter's life after a late night assault and blow to the back of her head resulting in a subdural hematoma. We were so fortunate that he was on call on a Saturday night, March 26, 2023. We received a call from the hospital that evening that we should catch the first flight from the East Coast as our daughter might not survive the evening. We took a 6 am flight to SFO not knowing whether our daughter would be alive when we arrived. She was and we met Dr. McCormack that day. He was reserved but caring. As she continued to improve and he saw her in the hospital then in follow up in his office, his caring yet direct information as to what she could not do or not do was so helpful. He continues to help her. We are forever indebted to him, and so proud to know him as such a fine person as well as outstanding neurosurgeon. read more

Dr. Bruce McCormick may not be the most sociable of people, but he's a brilliant neurosurgeon and he saved me from a life of pain. He is consumed by his work and it makes him somewhat socially awkward. Oh well. I'd say its even a little charming. I'd prefer comfort from my family and a Dr. that really knows what he's doing anyway. Oh, and it is his job to FIX you, not hand you a tissue (1 star) read more

If you're looking for a exceptional surgeon, Dr. McCormack is the right choice! I met him in January 2011 for a surgery consultation, unfortunately at that time I decided I was not mentally prepared to undergo surgery. 8 years later I decided to have Discectomy on 6/4/2019 with Dr. McCormack. This was the best decision of my life! During Pre-opt he addressed ALL my concerns, help set aside my worries and fear of the actual procedure. His office staff professionalism surpassed my expectations before and after my procedure. Neric G. is his Surgery Coordinator and she is awesome! Thank you everyone I'm currently in recovery mode. -Robin MM read more

Horribly unfriendly surgeon. My husband is/was in this hospital and unfortunately had to deal with this person. He's in here for severe backpain and has electric shocks that make him scream and shake all over. Normally a shot of hydrocortison would make it better, but my husband is HIGHLY allergic to hydrocortison. He had extreme Hyves all over and other doctors (several!) told him that he should never get hydrocortison again because there is a huge risk of dying with this allergy. McCormack didn't believe him and just scoffed at him. He told him in a really shitty way to just deal with his pain and stay till after the weekend and have 'some other doctor' deal with him." Please consider a second opinion if you have to deal with this guy. read more

This review is on behalf of my father. My father wanted a second opinion after his doctor stated he required immediate surgery otherwise he might die. I found Dr. McCormick' from my dad's HMO website. From his resume, he is very educated and well trained to make a practical recommendation. Dr. McCormick spent time to talk with my father about his ailment and performed physical tests to come to his own diagnosis. His recommendation of no surgery only confirmed what we had already determined from speaking with three other medical professionals. My parents and I found him to be humorous, informative, and genuinely interested in my father's well-being even though it was the first time they had met. I feel that his education and skills should outweigh any misconceptions others may write about him. I would recommend Dr. McCormick to anyone in need of a neurosurgeon. read more

Dr. McCormack operated on my brother's cervical spine. He got a great result, and has been quite encouraging during the recovery. I mostly disagree about his manner. While not effusive, he communicates well and gets the job done. What more could one ask? read more

I've known Dr. McCormack for 20 years and he has done a total of 3 fusions on my spine (2 in my neck and 1 in the lumbar region). With every procedure, the outcome has been extraordinarily successful. I work full time, am active and always on the go and I can thank Dr. McCormack for that. His office staff is superb - insurance and temporary disability paperwork are done in an efficient and proper manner (Special shout out to Nerick!) and the staff are always responsive to any questions one might have. Personality? For those detractors out there, Dr. McCormack may not be the most "touchy/feely" person on the planet, but I have yet to meet another doctor who listened so well and cared so much for his patients. He is absolutely the best, and like another review here, everyone I have referred to him has raved about the outcome of the various procedures he performed on them. Believe me - if you're having spinal issues, go see Dr. Bruce McCormack! read more

I just want to say THANK YOU! GRACIAS Dr. McCormack! I am pain free and my life is back. read more

I am so pleased to write this telling of my experience getting a lumbar laminectomy by Dr. McCormack. When first we met I felt he was very sensitive to me as a fellow human and a patient. He was thorough in his explanation of the procedure and I felt very secure. As he sometimes works out of a hospital in Mendocino County where I live it made travel much easier. The staff at the hospital was wonderful, easy going, and very on top of everything I needed. Dr. McCormack did a perfect job. He is a very experienced neurosurgeon. I went home the day after the surgery and never felt any pain from the incision or from the surgery at all. I have heard that some people find his manner formal or not friendly. That was not my experience. He was warm, kind, and willing to answer all my questions. read more

I felt so confident after meeting him knowing he was an expert surgeon. Don't let the unfriendly comments sway your decision. You don't want him to be your best friend, you want him to be your SURGEON. read more

I originally posted this on a page with this doctor's name, but I had the only review. [It is the same doctor with different listings here.] I think you should read it so I omitted the other and posted it here. I was a long term runner and an athlete before this happened. I was hospitalized with excruciating back pain and was in the hospital for three days without a diagnosis when Dr. McCormack came to see me. After a very brief exam he told me he was going to discharge me, saying my pain was a flare up of an old back injury from years before. I told him that I was quite positive that this back pain was very different. I protested the discharge and contacted my primary care doctor (Dr. Jennifer Ross, outstanding and also Yelped here). Dr. Ross telephoned me in the hospital. Soon after a new team of doctors came to see me and eventually found a systemic blood infection - staphylococcus - with deep pockets of infection in my back and several other places in my body. [I was infected in the same hospital during a routine procedure eight months before this hospitalization.] The infection also shot out my neurological system. I was told that had I left when Dr. McCormack tried to send me home I would have had a heart attack and most likely would have died. I am much better now, but I still remember this experience, and I will never forget Dr. McCormack and how poorly and rudely he treated me. read more

After reading people whine about his gruff and cold bedside manner I thought I should share my story a little, because the thought not seeing the best surgeon because you are worried he isn't "Nice enough" is just ridiculous. When I wheeled myself into his office the Friday before labor day 2002 I he took o e look at my MRI and told me that he knew he could help me, despite my previous saw bones neurosurgeons insisting I was a lost cause. I had almost all the discs in my t-spine bulged and herniated with all kinds of spinal injury. Well I flat lined during my surgery and had to be recessitated and spent 30 days in ICU because I was a heavy person and smoker and the anesthesia almost killed me, but that was my fault, and dr McCormick not only saved my life that day but gave me my legs back. Was he nice? No way, the guy is I neurosurgeon, nice and cocky with a god complex just like a surgeon like him should have. I don't want patch Adams in my spinal column! I want a guy who is so good at it he is cocky and anti social about it. I was told that I was the first big scare in surgery and the only patient to have flatlined and that he although he handled it and still fixed my back he was very embarrassed and didn't come to see me much after my mini coma and when he did he was still cocky and a bit gruff with me, but I don't care at all. I run 2 miles on my elliptical machine everyday and dance at least once a week thanks to him and the hospital staff (which is awesome and CLEAN compared to your other options by far) I HATE people that act like he does to people, but I can't think of the guy and my lifechanging life and death experience without crying or at least feeling very emotional and I'm a normally bottled up. I think if you are in more pain than you can imagine like most of his patients are before they see him that you should be willing to have your feelings hurt a little in exchange for your physical freedom. What are your priorities? Health or playing the victim of your own bad luck? Make yourself the priority and see the best, do your research on success and his modern medical prowess and get your life back. You won't care how much he looks down on you when you are high on morphine and feeling your legs again after them being numb. If you do, then maybe you just have PTSD which is very common to back patients and just need help on that end. Because crying about they way a person makes you feel sad after he saves you, just makes you kind of a dick, right? Please get well soon, and remember that your health is worth more than your credit score or a bounced check, don't let yourself be a cripple just to keep your rating. Money will come and go, it's your life and they don't make a sequel, so live it to it's fullest, that is what counts. read more

Bruce McCormack gave me my life back. I was referred to him after two failed surgeries for lumbar disc herniations and spinal stenosis. First, a local back surgeon did a limited decompression, after which a supposedly "superstar" Stanford neurosurgeon mucked up an attempt at a spinal fusion. At that point, my internist had me see another local neurosurgeon, who looked at my train wreck of a back and, w/o hesitation, referred me to Dr. McCormack. There's such obsession here about his personality. Honest to goodness - who cares? He walked into the treatment room, looked at my wife and me, and asked "so, which one of you is the patient?" All business. No bs. He looked at reams of old MRI's, reviewed my history, asked lots of questions, listened thoughtfully to the answers, sent me for more films, had me return to his office even though he was over-scheduled, apologized and took an urgent consultation call from somewhere far away (he's that good), then sat down and assessed everything for us. In one (long) visit, we got a blunt assessment of what had happened previously, a clear diagnosis and treatment plan. He was patient, direct, and after initial coolness, kind. Yes, kind. The surgery - another fusion - was scheduled and performed at the Buchanan St. campus. We saw Dr. McCormack every day. Marianna brought a post-surgery appliance I had to wear for weeks to enhance bone growth, and his staff was PHENOMENALLY EFFICIENT. It's been five years, and I am totally pain free. Every surgeon has detractors. Neurosurgeons, especially. And neurosurgeons like Dr. McCormack who take on complex cases are even likelier targets of criticism. All I can say is that I found him clinically brilliant, personally engaging and would recommend him to anyone. (in fact, he's cared for several patients I referred; I haven't heard a bad word from any of them.) read more

Yikes! Stay away from this guy. I'm sure this doctor is a technically a great surgeon but his bedside manner is the worst. He never asked me about my well being (which indeed is his job). I've never written a bad Yelp review but felt compelled to do so in order to warn those with back pain NOT to consult with him. read more

I will admit, I read these reviews before seeing Dr. McCormack myself, but went in to see him anyway, even with the "bad bedside manner" comments. I have to say in hindsight those comments are HILARIOUS. Bad bedside manner? Not at all. He's direct, efficient and knows what the heck he's talking about. I don't need to be friends with my neurosurgeon...I want him to be focused. And honestly, I found him quite charming. I researched carpal tunnel surgery for months, even flying to Nevada to see a hand specialist there. By chance, I saw a billboard for the Manos Carpal Tunnel procedure that Dr. McCormack performs (and as I understand it, invented) and I after my initial consultation with him I knew this was the best option for me. I had my left hand done in July. If you know anything about traditional carpal tunnel surgery, it's a gruesome procedure. With the Manos procedure I was literally typing with my left hand the very next day (I know, I know, it's why I have CT in the first place) and ran 4 miles 3 days after surgery (again, I know, I know). But the point is, I was able to do these things because the surgery was so non-invasive. Within 2 weeks of the surgery, I felt like I had a new hand. My carpal tunnel syndrome was gone, and the two tiny little scars are barely noticeable. Last week, I had the right hand done. This is my dominant hand so I was very scared to get this done. I kept my arm in a sling for a week (yes, I actually didn't use my right hand for a whole week) and yesterday when I took off one of the bandages I couldn't even see the incision! It literally disappeared. The incision on my wrist is still healing, but I after another week I'll be as good as new. I should also mention that there were no stitches required. Just a small butterfly bandage thing (I have no idea what they're actually called). I cannot thank Dr. McCormack enough for what's he's done for me. I can finally sleep at night without my arms falling asleep and now I can work as much as my little heart desires! Seriously, the man is a miracle worker and I'm very grateful that he's as focused as he is. p.s. Marianna who schedules the surgery comes across as, um, a bit scary but underneath the yelling (yes, she kind of yells) she's really a nice lady. But don't say I didn't warn you if she makes you cry. p.p.s. If there was a 6 star rating, I'd give it. read more

I just wrote a review of Dr. MCormack on another site telling my story. I then read all these reviews about his bedside manner. I can understand why people say this about the bedside manner, he would always get right to the point, but he listened- he always seemed...tired, distracted. And we always waited a long time in the office. But we grew to trust him and to believe he could help my husband by doing a disc replacement on his L5 disc. I want to share that what blew my mind was when Dr McCormack walked out of the operating room to come tell me my husband's surgery went perfectly and was finished- he was a totally different person, his eyes were bright, he was so happy to tell me, he just seemed like a person doing what he was made to do, like he was doing God's work. Sorry to be so mystical, but it was remarkable. I always tell people about the way he was lit up when he came to speak to me that day. It helps me accept that it is actually possible that a man could be healed from the amazing amount of pain my husband was trying to live with, and that we could be given back a life of fun and joy with our kids and each other. I don't like doctors at all, I think they are often arrogant and disconnected. That is not the case here. He is putting his energy into his gift, and is not arrogant or proud, and so, just enjoy his great staff, and the magazines in the office while you wait in line for your miracle. Four years later, my husband is still completely pain free and drug free. read more

What a awesome surgeon! I saw him for my herniated disk at the L1 S1 disk which was pinching my sciatic nerve. He took his time and explained the procedure that he planed on doing as well as made sure my questions were answered. He made sure that he scheduled me for surgery within the week since he noticed my left foot drooping... On the day of surgery he looked focused and energetic! Like a quarterback on game day. He did a great job since when I woke up the pain was gone and I was walking within the same day! Best of all I should be back to work within 6 weeks! I would highly recommend Dr McCormack to any one who needs the best back surgeon! read more

My mom urgently needed spine surgery and Dr. McCormack took very good care of her. He was professional and to the point, which is exactly what we needed. He was very nice and patient with us as English is my mom's 2nd language. He was very pleasant the morning of surgery and the days after, and put my mom at ease with her concerns. His office is extremely busy with him and his staff clearly sacrificing their lunch hour to accomodate patients. Gina was wonderful to work with and very caring. Marianna was awesome and efficient but also so very nice to my mom. Dr. McCormack came highly recommended to us and I can see why. This was one of the most stressful times in our lives and I am grateful that we had Dr. McCormack as my mom's neurosurgeon. read more

I wrote a previous review about Dr. McCormack, which for reasons that are unclear to me, is in the 'filtered' section. I finally did hear from him the day I wrote the review. I'm sure it wasn't the review which prompted his call, bur rather my personal physician sent him x-rays of my back. He called to comment on the x-rays. It is now 2.5 months after the surgery and I think he did a great job. It may be too early to tell what the final outcome will be, but given the much lower pain levels I am confident that this will be a successful surgery.. This doesn't change my opinion of his bedside manner and his inattention (due to his vacation) after my surgery. He should have had a backup neuro checking my condition and available to answer basic questions like how long after surgery before the staples could be removed. read more

Dr. McCormack was involved in the diagnosis and biopsy of my husband's GBM tumors. When it became apparent that the situation was "dire" he was honest, caring and forthright in telling us what to expect and an idea of the time line. His honesty helped us deal with our circumstances. I am very grateful that Dr. McCormack was his doctor. read more

I am cracking up at the reviews about Dr. McCormack's bedside manner. First of all, let's get the spelling of his name right, it is McCormack, not McCormick. He is a top rate doctor for sure. When your life is on the line, who cares about his bedside manner. Geez..... I was diagnosed by Kaiser with an intradural spinal tumor in the neck area! I was losing the ability to walk, hold objects in my hand, and and and. It took 10 years for Kaiser just to do an MRI. I was diagnosed just 6 months after getting married to my husband who had a PPO. He did not want Kaiser's brain surgeon to work on my spine so he called all the Neurosurgeons in the area and on the East coast with a top not reputation. Dr. McCormack was straight forward, concerned, did not get into my personal life but knew I was a mother of twins. He said, quote..."I am the best neurosurgeon around and if you want to walk out of here, you need me to do the surgery." Yes, that is a cocky thing to say but when you are as good as he is, you deserve to be a little arrogant. He was right, I walked out of the hospital three weeks later with a walker and soon with physical therapy, rehabilitated. Kaiser told me I would be in a wheelchair the rest of my life. He also had me in his surgical care very fast.....diagnosed iDec 22 and I was on the table Jan 3rd. He was truly concerned and canceled a few none urgent appts to take care of this immediately. At the time they didn't know if it was cancer or??? I was lucky, it was benign. Well, the magic and skillful hands of Dr. McCormack did just that. I went on to have a baby exactly one year later and have enjoyed a painless and productive life. I was going to name after him but the baby was a girl and Brucilla just didn't sound right. lol: ) I will be revisiting Dr. McCormack next week for a second opinion about some development of scar tissue in my cord at the surgery sight. I am surprised with the extensive surgery I went through that I got 15 years without complications. I can't imagine anyone else touching my spine. He is knowledgeable, skill full. I lived so long with pain, and he gave me my life back!! read more

I was dealing with extreme lower back pain and chronic pain and numbness in both my feet. I was referred to this guy through my primary dr. I did the usual background check on and found he was a very good surgeon however his personal approach to patients was very cold. I meet with him several times summer 2016 and he stated I needed surgery on my l5 . Surgery was set for October 2016 and was cancelled by him one time and finally done a week later. That sign should have alerted me to what was going to be very much agony and pain ahead. Two weeks prior to surgery I was contacted by the surgical nurse to go over the procedure. She explained I was having an l 5 fusion with a cage front and back entry. Wow... dr, McCormack never explained any of that. After 4 days of a brutally painful surgery I was finally released from PMC hospital in S F. I was in a room where every night they would wheelin a crazed patient from the emergency room using other the bed for temporary overflow. I had to beg to get discharged.. Bottom line.... once this guy slices you open he is done with you. I had one follow up appointment which was almost impossible to get. I was expriancing incredible post surgical leg pain for the first 4 months then all kinds of chronic foot back and leg pain then on. So I called his office knowing how busy he is and how hard it is to get an appointment asking if I could speak to him over concerns of terrible pain. No was the answer . Dr McCormack does not takes phones calls . Really. Absolutely No. Ok can I email him with questions. No. No emails. I finally got an appointment 6 months to the day of my surgery ... he sent me for an exray and said looks great . I told him my pain was 10 times worse than before surgery and his comment, It s only been 6 month give it a year and then we ll try something else. Ok. That was it for me. Never heard from him again. I finally got into UCSF spine center and they tested me and found the surgery did not work. I just had surgery and am doing very well. Total L5 revision surgery. This excellent team of dr.s also found a fracture in the L 5 that was trapping a nerve ..... obviously totally missed by dr. McCormack. So go ahead and roll the dice with this dr. I made that mistake I hope you don't read more

Dr. McCormick not only has a very poor bedside manner but sent my husband to specialists for over 2 years without any forward progress towards a solution. Finally we saw 2 different doctors for second opinons where both recommended surgery. Dr. MCormick very rudly was not going to operate. At that point he refused to even tell us why we was refusing to operate when 2 other surgeons recommend that was the best course of action. My husband lost confidence in Dr. McCormick and sought out another surgeon who did the surgery and gave him his life back. In fact the surgeon said if he had waited another 2 weeks my husband would have suffered debilitating and permanent damage to his spinal cord. We never found out from McCormick why he gave my husband the run-around or why he refused to do the surgery. read more

I normally don't like to give bad reviews, but this surgeon is way too eager to operate. He needs to try more conservative treatments before we go under his knife. We are human beings and not simply items for him to make money off of. That said, he is a very skilled surgeon so if you already 110% know that you need the fusion, he is of skilled hands... Just too motivated by money and he has one very itchy scalpel. read more

I was a practicing physician for 12 years before early retirement, with my specialty falling under the department of surgery, so I am extremely critical when commenting on some one in my area, though I was not in the high end Neurosurgery realm where ego's tend to expand exponentially along with the increasing number of years of postgraduate training in respective fields(ie., orthopedic,podiatric, ENT, plastic & reconstructive, etc.). I found Dr. McCormick to be very straight forward, patient, informative and engaging upon my first office visit. He looked me straight in the eye when talking and listening (not busy doing something else,as many do such as taking notes or typing away thinking about which opinion that they are about to declare as the one and only absolute truth for which you should be wholeheartedly grateful for) and willing to take time to review information important to my chief complaint. He was thorough, patient, focused, unhurried and relaxed (and was excellent at setting me at ease immediately). Many people bag on surgeons in particular, though often for good reason. But detachment is a mutually important and useful part of being a surgeon. Especially when dealing with the more serious aspects of the surgical spectrum, like trauma or pediatrics(infant &children ) one can still maintain their humanity and above all compassion. BOTTOM LINE: I was their to hire a surgeon with superior technical skills, and hopefully enough humanity, compassion and caring with sufficient social skills to tie the above package together to make for a meaningful encounter and appropriate agreeable outcome. After all, I was not there to get a new best friend! Too many people get bent out of shape when seeing a new doctor because they were not warm and they were too disagreeable and opinionated (which is what you actually are paying for, an OPINION, HELLO?). If this is what you are searching for then PLEASE, go to a pet store and rent a puppy or something! I just don't know how one could give Dr. McCormick any less than 3 stars. His reputation and training simply in and of themselves merit an excellent to superior rating! (Even if he were a complete moron, which he certainly did not seem to be at all in my eyes). If you are lucky enough to be allowed by your insurance to see him, then by all means see him. read more

Dr Bruce McCormack is awesome!! When I'm looking for a surgeon, I'm not looking for a best friend. One thing I loved was he wasn't sold on the surgery right away. He wanted me to go through a bunch of other steps before we went through with the surgery. He cares about his patient's and makes sure everyone is on the same page. I recently had a triple lamincectomy L3,L4,L5 and cleaned out my spinal canal. The surgery went great and now I feel much better. I read other reviews about Dr McCormack and his bedside manner but who cares.. I want a surgeon that knows what he's doing and has confidence in his ability. I would recommend him to my own child or family member. I have the up most confidence and respect for the Dr and would go to him again. He's one of the best in the Bay Area and not by my standards but by his peer's. I got a 2nd and 3rd opinion and they both said he's the one to do the surgery. So if you want the surgery done right with no regrets then look no further Dr McCormack is the man!!! read more

Bedside Manner. Two words.. Douche Bag! This guy has the worst bedside manner ever! I have two fractured vertebra in my lumbar spine and this guy knew it because he is technically an okay surgeon I guess but I'll be quite frank. Today's so called doctors really don't know what the hell they are doing and surgery is not for everyone. He told me he would NOT prescribe pain meds or physical therapy until I let him cut me open. So I'm supposed to just let him blindly explore my one and only spine right. Even the teachers and student doctors at UCSF/Mt. Zion's Pain clinic called him an asshole. As it turns out for me, intense physical therapy like the way the million dollar athletes use to rehab is a much better answer for me than allowing some douche bag just blindly cut. I also luckily found a FANTASTIC Doctor who manages my pain quite well. Finally the stupid girls in his front office tried to double bill me the $10 copay!! Do yourself a favor and stay away or, play at your own risk. Also, to all of you individuals talking that "fix" garbage. In my case a surgery would mean that I wouldn't be able to bend over and tie my shoe. That is not fixing, that is "fixing". If you choose to live your life stiff like a robot then at least you will be good at one dance. Also I'm a tough as nails former Military Combat VETERAN. If you think you're tougher than me, give me a ring and we'll see about that. Right is right and this guy is just wrong. read more

After doing considerable research and consulting 4 surgeons, including the head of orthopedics at Stanford and a doctor at UCSF, who wanted to fuse my entire lumbar area, I selected Dr. McCormack for back surgery. I was in terrible pain from stenosis and spondylolisthesis at L4/L5. Dr. Mc was the only doctor who went over details of the MRI and he personally returned a call at my home to answer additional questions. The best part of this recommendation is that the day after the surgery I was pain free. Although I was unable to walk before without pain, I have returned to hiking mountains and gardening. One year later I am still giddy over feeling so good. This doctor may not be touch feely, but he is one hell of a surgeon. read more

Dr. McCormack is simply the best. He told my husband (a doctor)he should not have surgery until his symptoms and ECG were more pronounced (what doctor does that?) he operated on him in 2009 and there has never been another problem. The spinal stenosis and related disc problems are gone. The cadaver bone graft is perfect. My husband, now 75, bikes in the gym daily for 20 miles. Surgery was 1.5 hours long and husband was in the hospital a total of 2 days (of course I am a nurse who could offer the routine care at home). We have recommended Dr. McCormack to many people...and now we are so pleased that he is seeing a close friend in Feb. Great surgeon. read more

Dr. Mccormack has seen me a handful of occasions in both his San Francisco office and his Wllits office. And I have to say the service he and his office provides is priceless. He has always told me straight exactly what is going on with my neck and does not hold back also he speaks with certainty unlike several other doctors who I've had in the past that don't seem to be sure of there own diagnosis. Also he and the wonderful women he works with in his San Francisco office helped me dramatically to get my surgery approved by my workman's comp insurance. A lot of doctors and office techs procrastinate or don't even bother sending in the reasoning behind why a procedure is necessary which usually leads to the procedure being denied. Not Dr Mccormacks office he sent all the necessary info promptly Gina even pre-scheduled my appointment for surgery so I would not have to wait even longer. I am in a lot of pain every day and can do very little of the activities I once enjoyed so when a busy office like doctor Mccormacks works so well so fast I have to say it gives me hope that relief is on the horizon. Thank you doctor McCormack and Gina I am confident my surgery is in good hands. read more

It's been over a decade since my brain surgery with Dr. McCormack. I've noticed some reviews stating that a few patients felt a pack of a bedside manner with Dr. McCormack. In my experience, the opposite was true. Not that I was shopping for a new best friend, but it was an added plus in my experience with him and his office staff. I found him to be quite charming and truly enjoyed the personable attention of his office staff as well as their efficiency. Prior to my visit with Dr. McCormack I had seen other neurosurgeons in Nevada, where I then lived. My internist sent me to San Francisco to see doc McCormack, and it was the right decision. Previous specialists had examined my MRI films and told me there was nothing unusual. A Stanford educated specialist and his team of associates inferred that I was drug-seeking and suggested I attend their exorbitant seminars for pain control and depression. Within about a minute of examining my MRIs, Dr. McCormack found my Arnold Chiari malformation, explaining a lifetime of severe headaches. My surgery was scheduled. I was pleasantly surprised to see Dr. McCormack checking on me when I awoke the following morning. My hospital stay was 7 days, and Dr. McCormack had a scheduled event out downtown, but left me in the capable hands of a colleague for the last couple days of my stay. I have substantially less pain post-surgery. I've gone on to live a full, active life in the years since, including playing roller derby for 3 seasons (and counting). I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Dr. McCormack to anyone seeking first rate care. I was very fortunate to have been under his care (which went on for about a year post-surgery). read more

Interesting to read the reviews. Dr. McCormack did a complicated surgery on my neck in 1996. I could not lift up my right arm from an injury. I am 99% perfect today after 17 years and very thankful. I found Dr. McCormack because I was told that when Doctors in the SF Bay Area had a case they did not want to handle, they would refer their patient to him. I am living proof. Bill S. Carmel Valley read more

Dr. McCormack performed emergency surgery on my husband who had developed an infection after disc surgery weeks before. The infection was in the spine, super serious and required immediate attention. Dr, McCormack has been great, communicative, kind and available to talk us through symptoms, etc. I appreciate his direct ways and no nonsense care. Thanks mountains. read more

Thirteen years ago I was referred to Dr. McCormack by a surgeon who told me : "I wouldn't touch your neck with a ten foot pole". Dr. McCormack looked over the scans of my cervical spine and told me; " I can take care of you" and he certainly did. It was a long recovery process, but today I am pain free after having a three disc fusion (c-4,5,6). Dr. McCormack was very professional and caring. He told me exactly what to expect from the results of the surgery and suggested that I consider retiring. I worked for another twelve years until a very serious automobile accident forced me to quit working. My injuries; compression fracture @L-1, disc herniation @ S-1 have been treated with PT, radio frequency ablation and epidural. If the epidural doesn't work, I will try to schedule a visit to Dr. McCormack. He is the ONLY surgeon that I would have do surgery on my back. read more