Dr. Christopher Shaffrey, MD

It is a nightmare dealing with Dr. Shaffrey's office! I was referred to him by another Duke doctor, Dr. Tawney, who spoke with Dr. Shaffrey who said he would take my case. I called Dr. Shaffrey's office to make an appointment and spoke with Ms. Odom. She said they need to get my myelogram films and I offered to send her a copy. She said they preferred to get them directly from the myelogram doctor due to formatting. I called repeatedly for a month to then get an appointment and never got a returned phone call. I ended up calling Dr. Tawney's office and they made an appointment for me with Dr. Shaffrey. On the date of the appt after driving 6 hrs from DC I was called by Ms. Odom to cancel the appt! She said Dr. Tawney's office had not followed correct procedures. She still had not gotten my myelogram films. Rather than handle these Duke health miscommunications internally, the patient was penalized. The office was the most unprofessional I have ever dealt with (out of 100s)!

Was referred by many physical therapists and several doctors due to my unique anatomy, however, Dr. Shaffrey decided, without seeing me, that my case was not interesting enough for him to perform my surgery. There are pictures and procedures of me in medical textbooks and journals dating back to the 70's, but I'm not even given the opportunity to be seen by him. If he is as good as I've been told perhaps he has put himself on a high horse he should come down from.

Refused to see my mother simply because she is a smoker. I thought everyone deserved care? He needs to be knocked off of his high horse.

Extremely knowledgeable and skilled. Answers all questions thoroughly and clearly. Doesn't operate until absolutely necessary and all other options tried. Absolutely the best spine surgeon anywhere

Excellent information about pros and cons of surgery. Anesthesiologist highly praised him and noted his dual specialities-neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery. Excellent surgical aftercare as well as follow-up for a long period. Shared and explained all x/ray and mri results. Brilliant surgeon with an outstanding bedside manner.

Dr. Shaffery did emergency surgery on me May 4, 2011 after breaking my C1 and C2 bones in my neck after a car accident. I broke it in several places. I owe him and God my life. When I went for my follow-ups he answered my many questions in plain and simple terms. I am ever grateful to him and his team.

He excellently explains what has happened and what will need to be done to move forward. He is always willing to answer any question you may have about your condition and he will provide ways to help move you forward with your recovery.