The following review is based on 4 years of care provided by Dr Michael McDermott and his staff, 1 arthroscopic procedure, 2 open surgeries (ACI and OATS), and post operative therapy. All of the aforementioned treatment was for a left knee cartilage injury. Dr McDermott in my experience is as good as they come. His competence in diagnosing and treating my condition has been exemplary. His no-nonsense approach to treatment and recovery empowered me to adjust to what limitations I may have, but also to maximize my improvement. He conveyed a sense of confidence in his treatment options while being honest about the potential outcomes for a 50+ year old patient with cartilage damage. My consultations with him provided me with the necessary details to make an informed decision. Dr McDermott made clear that his assessments of my rehabilitation from the procedures was based on my actual outcomes and not a pie in the sky template of the most desirable ones. His process was to keep me grounded with my measurable progress. He accomplished this through straight talk during our office visits, and through his outstanding Physical Therapy department. He didn't always tell me what I wanted to hear, but rather what I needed to hear. Chris Krug was instrumental in reinforcing this philosophy, as well as Pat Hall, and Tom Sather. Truly the finest group of physical therapists I have ever encountered. Dr McDermott compassionately recommended procedures that would afford me the most desired outcome I could strive for, quality of life. He came to these options by evaluating what that looked like to me. While the rehabilitations from my surgeries were lengthy and difficult, with due diligence and strict adherence to the prescribed protocols, the results have been beyond expectations. Finally, the 7" scar left from my first open surgery was so minimally visible that I rarely got sympathy from anyone. I asked him before my last surgery if he could repeat that feat of precision. He said "absolutely, the way I look at it that is my business card. What you see on the outside is what I do on the inside." Well he delivered on all counts, and I won't be getting any sympathy. read more

I was seen by Dr. McDermott at the Mark West Springs office to consult regarding pain and arthritic discomfort in my right knee on which I had a severed quad tendon repaired 20 years ago when I lived in Pennsylvania. I was called to the exam room exactly at the time of my appointment. An assistant took me to Xray and the Xray technician was prompt and thorough. Dr. McDermott was very personable, showed sincere interest in how I was experiencing my knee pain and spent a generous amount of time with me. In addition to physically examining the knee he asked a series of impressively complete and thorough questions, giving me the opportunity as needed to add detail, clarification, or expansion on history or circumstances. He then went through the X-rays with me and shared his professional diagnosis and advice going forward. He clearly outlined options and explained his thoughts about each and about their potential timing into the future. When that process was complete, he dictated in my presence an exceptionally thorough and detailed report, asking as appropriate if I had any additions or modifications to suggest. I left with great confidence in Dr. McDermott and satisfaction in having established a professional relationship with him upon which I can rely in the future. He also supported strongly the confidence I had in the orthopedic surgeon who performed the quad tendon repair 20 years ago and followed me for a number of conditions prior to my moving to Santa Rosa two years ago. This was a first-rate patient experience in every way including the efficient and courteous operation of the office and friendliness of every staff member with whom I came in contact. SRO is an excellent practice and Dr. McDermott is a superior practitioner. read more

Wild applause for Doc McDermott and his entire team, including his assistant Tammy, the front desk crew at SRO, and all the surgical staff and support at Sutter where he worked on my knee. Wild applause? Well, sure, a fantastic night of musical theater might have been more applause-worthy, but if you have to get knee surgery instead, Dr McDermott is the best. I had seen two surgeons who couldn't deal with my knee, before going to him. Not only was he able to plan out the three surgeries I would need instead of one simple one, but he made sure I was on my feet again as soon as possible after the first surgery, so I could care for a disabled dependent. Tammy kept on top of all the scheduling and records, what with imaging, pre-op and post-op check-ups, and pre-op pre-check-in at the hospital. As for the hospital, they were a huge part of the good experience, making sure that I got to talk with the anesthesiologist beforehand and make a special plan to allow for my extreme sensitivity to anesthesia. A different area hospital failed to do this in past, resulting in my near-death during a routine out-patient procedure. So I'm super happy that Dr McDermott works with a hospital that takes patients' individuality and special needs seriously, and that everyone, from surgeon to nurses, from anesthesiologist to admitting staff, were accommodating and not dismissive as that other hospital had been. I'm writing this with one surgery down, two to go. I was terrified before the first surgery. Now I'm confident and eager to get on with it, doing my PT to be in shape for the next phase, and very glad to be working with Dr McDermott. read more

After we waited in the exam room for 50 minutes, Dr. McD didn't even acknowledge our wait time. Then, he started out by asking which knee was the problem. This was a follow up appt., and he had my xray on the screen, as well as an MRI and nuclear scan. Every time I (the patient) asked a question, he looked at and responded to my husband, who was there as a second set of ears. After the appt., my husband told me he intentionally looked away to avoid getting all the responses directed at him. Dr. McD told me my questions were off the point the doctor was making, but when my husband reworded an identical question, he was told, "Oh, so YOU understand the problem" (verbatim). Dr. McD told me my previous surgeon retired and "married a Thai Bride," like she was a commodity. Why would you even say that to a patient about their former surgeon? Dr. McD assumed that, of course, I would be getting surgery from him, and was ready to order a preliminary test needed only for that purpose. He refused to give me a cortisone shot which I got the following week from a top doctor at UCSF, so I could travel on a vacation. I felt dismissed and condescended to. On the positive side, Dr. McD spent a good deal of time with us at the end of an obviously busy day explaining (mostly to my husband) why I needed surgery. read more

So here's my update post surgery. Modern medicine is absolutely fascinating and terrifying at the same time. I have not felt a single ounce pain since as of 12hrs ago. When the anesthesiologist put a 6inch needle down my shoulder. #worst-needle-ever!!! But nothing after that at all. The precision of the Santa Rosa Orthopedic Team led by Dr. McDermott, was perfect. I woke up from the operation patched up, painless, and all paperwork and scheduling already handled. Not a single piece of paper did I had to leave with. I was comfortably fitted with my cast, not a single adjustment made thus far. I was met and handled with each appointment and encounter with promptness, kindness, accommodating and friendly staff. (No hassle, paperwork, or exemption of any room for people who came with me they were with me up until the surgery room.) It felt like 5 star treatment ever since I began dealing with them. It was, for me, one of the most professional if not the most professional experience I ever experienced. Thank you Dr. McDermott and the entire Santa Rosa Orthopedic Team at Sutter Hospital. Hopefully no more painful and uncomfortable dislocated shoulder from here on out. read more

As a fifty year old active guy, I never thought I would need an orthopedic surgeon but I found out differently after destroying my right bicep tendon in early January. Dr. McDermott was recommended by a friend that had been successfully treated by him to repair a torn ACL. From the first appointment Dr. McDermott's staff was responsive, courteous, and professional. Dr. McDermott spoke to me in language I could understand, explained my treatment options fully, and laid out a full treatment plan to repair my arm. My questions were only two: will I regain full use of my right arm and will I be able to ride my Harley by June. Dr. McDermott said yes, provided you do the work in physical therapy, you will have full use of your arm and ride your Harley probably in May. Here it is the end of April, my arm feels great and I've just been released to ride again. Thank you to Dr. McDermott and his staff. Should you find yourself in need of an excellent Orthopedic Surgeon, I give Dr. McDermott my highest recommendation. read more

Dr. McDermott came highly recommended. I drove 2 1/2 hours from my home to see him. He surgically repaired my fractured right wrist in 2009. I found him to be extremely informative and professional. I found his office staff to be friendly and very helpful. The surgery and rehab were outstanding, I made a speedy recovery with no complications. It is with this experience in mind that I chose to see Dr. McDermott again last November (2014). I needed to have an ACL reconstruction and meniscal repair to my left knee. Once again I was thrilled with the performance of Dr. McDermott and his staff. I am also very pleased with the outcome of the surgery and his follow-up care. I have been so pleased with Dr. McDermott, that I have recommended his services to my friends and neighbors. Some of those friends have made the 2 1/2 drive to see him (that says a lot in itself) and have been equally pleased with his practice, bedside manner and care. I continue to highly recommend him. read more

Dr. McDermott is an exceptionally wise and honest physician. I have been seeing Dr. McDermott for a couple of issues and each time I have been treated with a gift few doctors seem to be able to give these days: time. He is careful in explaining the medical issues in an intelligent fashion and gives the patient time to ask questions. As a patient I appreciate his knowledge and confidence. I appreciate the possible treatments and root causes for the medical issues that have come up. Dr. McDermott knows a lot about a lot and that kind of assuredness makes this patient feel like more like a person than a medical record number. His office is exceptional and his ability to put people at ease is a great addition. The physical therapy program at SRO has done nothing but bend over backwards to meet my scheduling needs. I have found the whole SRO experience terrific! read more

on Michael J. McDermott Strait Shooter Dr. McDermitt and his staff are very professional. I have been seeing Dr. McDermitt for over a year and he has always been straight with me. My injury is to the knee, bone on bone. I am over 400lbs, and the treatment (injections) was not working. About 8 weeks ago the Dr. came into the room and said something that changed my life. He did it firmly and professionally. No candy coat, kinda rough like! He said, "I can't do anymore for your knee. You need to lose weight before any treatment will be Effective. You are circling the drain." He then went to the phone and contacted weight loss programs for me. With those words I left his office and my wife and I began a Vegan lifestyle. I have lost 33 lbs. and I can actually see the healthy me. Thank you for being my Dr. And not my "comforter"! Sincerely Mark read more

I have been a patient of Dr. McDermott for over 2yrs due to a knee injury. I am nothing but pleased with his professionalism and knowledge. During my first appointment with him he took the time to educate me about my injury. I was trying to avoid surgery so he very patiently gave me some alternatives. I recently went back to see him due to the same injury and he again took the time to explain to me why and how important it is for me to have the surgery now, and what the long term consequences would be if I don't. It is very comforting to know that I have the best orthopedic doctor for my care. I would highly recommend him to friends and family. read more

Dr. McDermott is the most caring doctor I have ever seen. He is not only very intelligent and up on the latest orthopedic medical issues but he is also empathetic and caring and goes out of his way to make sure I understand everything. I trust Dr. Mcdermott explicitly with my orthopaedic medical concerns. I am so happy I found him and I recommend him to all of my friends and family. His medical assistant Tammy is a sweet person who does a great job guiding you through the appointments and paper work. They make a great team. read more

I highly recommend Dr. McDermott and his staff. For the last year I have been dealing with old knee injuries. Dr. McDermott took the time to question me and gather information before jumping to conclusions. From the diagnostic interviews and x-rays and MRI, we put together a plan to fix the injury, that resulted with a knee replacement. Between Dr. McDermott's skillful and surgery and his highly qualified physical therapy team I'm happy to report I am now pain free and back to enjoying a higher quality of life. read more

I injured my knee 6 years ago and the first doctor I saw said there was nothing to be done but ice, ibuprofen and exercise. Very depressing. I was found Dr. McDermott 2 years ago. The first thing he said when he walked in the exam room was "I can fix that". He spent the next year fighting with the insurance company till they FINALLY approved the surgery. It's 11 months later and I am doing so much better than before. I can walk at least 4 miles without pain. I highly recommend him read more

I was referred to Dr, McDermott from my husband who had a great experience with him. I had my knee replaced by Dr. McDermott and all went super. I really like this doctor and his MA. It takes a while to see him in the office but it is well worth the wait. Dr. McDermott is very empathetic and is patient while answering my million and one questions. I have not doubt about his surgical skills as I am doing the things I just to love to do with no pain. read more

While being injured at work I was assigned to Dr. McDermott. He has always had my best interest in mind. He worked very hard and diligently to insure that I received the proper care that was needed. He performed my total knee replacement surgery .And Iam already on my way to a complete recovery. It's only been 3 weeks and I am doing great. I want to thank himself and his staff for the outstanding treatment they have given me. read more

My daughter had a volleyball injury and my primary doctor recommended Dr. Michael McDermott. He was so good with my daughter, put her at ease with her injury and explained thoroughly the treatment and when she could return to play. He even went as far as to educate her how to land properly to avoid further injuries like she had. We found Dr. McDermott to be both a compassionate and very knowledgeable orthopedic doctor. read more

Dr. McDermott is an excellent ortho doctor. He did a fantastic job on my surgery. My recuperation was great and I have not had any residual problems at all. He is very nice and competent and his assistant, Tammy is wonderful as well. In addition, the surgery scheduler was wonderful. I continue to see Dr. McDermott for his advice if I have a problem because I respect his work, knowledge and opinion. read more

Dr. McDermott is a true veteran orthopedic. He has a Fellowship in Sports Medicine and is an excellent surgeon for knees, shoulders and hips. He has a great sense of humor and has great bedside manner. His staff is very supportive and makes a possible tense visit a very positive experience. I would highly recommend Dr. McDermott for anyones orthopedic needs. read more

This month I am celebrating my third anniversary of a right total knee replacement done expertly by Dr. Michael McDermott. A year and a half later, I had the left one done by him. He restored the lower half of my body, essentially. It's no cakewalk, but if you do the post op PT and follow his orders, you will do fine. He is a perfectionist. I love him. read more