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Dr. James Donahue, MD

Dr. James Donahue, MD

Thoracic Surgery*
25+ years of experience

Dr. James Donahue, MD is a thoracic surgery specialist in Birmingham, AL and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Donahue has extensive experience in Thoracic Surgical Procedures. He graduated from HARVARD Medical School in 1998. He is affiliated with UAB Hospital. He is accepting new patients.

4.9 Star Rating
Based on 51 reviews 4.9 Star Rating (51 reviews)

Practice

619 19th St S Birmingham, AL 35233

Make an Appointment

(205) 934-4011

At a Glance

  • Areas of Expertise
    Dr. Donahue specializes in the areas of General Surgery & Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery. • See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. • See reviews
  • Hospital Satisfaction
    Patients said they were highly satisfied at this doctor's hospital. • See hospitals
  • Trustworthy
    Patients said this doctor is trustworthy. • See reviews
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Dr. Donahue's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Donahue

4.9
51 ratings, 45 with a written review
5 star
96%
96%
4 star
2%
2%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
2%
2%

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Great job
He was very informative prior to the surgery and he personally checked on me every day that I was in the hospital.Thank you very much.And thanks to all of his wonderful staff.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
David R Turner – Mar 23, 2025
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He took the time to explain everything in a way that was very easy to understand. Was compassionate after explaining what needed to be done. After surgery checked on me every day i was at the hospital. When I went for my inital appointment after going home listened to everything I said to him about how things were going and how I was feeling.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Dec 10, 2024
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Lung surgery on Monday 11-04...went home on 11-05.
Dr. Donahue explained the lung surgery procedure...where I could understand it.He does Excellent Surgery!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Dec 04, 2024
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Highly recommend!
Dr. Donahue and staff are extremely helpful in provide clear information and expectations. Great treatment by entire staff
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Darell Brewer – Oct 10, 2024
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Very Good
I went in for my procedure and procedure was great. recovery was great and would recommend Dr. Donahue.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Linda W. – Aug 18, 2024
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Dr.Donahue was awesome!
I have used Dr.Donahue twice for two different surgeries. He is very caring and listens to you and seems to genuinely care about you.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Lambert – May 10, 2024
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Excellent doctor and staff
I was very fortunate to have Dr. Donahue as my surgeon. He was caring, knowledgeable and very patient in answering all of my questions. He and his team were very attentive to me while I was in the hospital. His staff was very prompt in answering my calls after my discharge.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Mary Lynn Brown – May 05, 2024
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Donahue was kind and did a great job. I do believe they should have informed me about my broken rib. I feel like that should be listed in the info. At a minimum tell the patient when he wakes up.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Nov 17, 2023
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Worse Experience I ever had
He was very nice in clinic but when I had my surgery I went through hell. I never suffered the way I did in my life. I don’t even have a follow up appointment. It’s 30 days now and I’m still having pain like the first week of my surgery. I really thought Dr. Donahue was going to be great after many visits seeing him in clinic before my surgery. I was wrong. I still don't understand why He allowed me to suffer the way He did and LIE. Uab NEED NEW STAFF!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Aug 03, 2023
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Very attentive to my needs.
I was treated very well and did not have to wait very long for my consultation with the doctor. Dr. Donahue came by everyday while I was in the hospital to check on me and he listened to what I had to say. Very well satisfied with him. I would recommend him for any family or friends who need surgery.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Norman Carr – Jul 12, 2023
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Great doctor
Dr Donahue is a great doctor, I was very impressed with his taking the time to make sure we knew what to expect before and after the surgery.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jul 08, 2023
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Dr. Donahue and his staff are amazing!
Every step of the process, from the first assessment visit to post op follow-up has been great; efficient, helpful, patient focused and everyone is so “happy to be at work.” Dr. Donahue and his staff, are exactly what you want in healthcare today! The entire office was helpful, answered all questions and never “talked down” to me. The perfect mix of clinical expertise and patient compassion!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
KQPickell – Jul 02, 2023
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A+ "The Doctor all Doctors should be"
One of the best competant, caring, effecient, timely and makes you are special.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Robert L. McCurley – Jun 30, 2023
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Great experience with Dr. Donahue
Dr Donahue was extremely personable and engaging when discussing my surgery and recovery. He was very empathetic - never seemed rushed and took the time to answer all my questions thoroughly. I am very pleased with my surgery results and cannot recommend Dr. Donahue strongly enough!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Patient_2023 – Jun 09, 2023
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Compassionate communicator
Dr. Donahue explained my surgery in terms that made you feel at ease and was receptive to questions. He was very thorough explaining the outcome of the surgery. A very good experience!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jun 01, 2023
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Excellent doctor!
I went to see Dr Donahue as a second opinion and ended up choosing him as my surgeon. He is very experienced, knowledgeable and caring. He made me feel like I was in the right place the minute I stepped in the door and his staff was great as well. They have an after surgery helpline for any questions and concerns and we utilized it several times. They always answered right away and helped with every concern I had. I'm so happy that I met Dr Donahue. Definitely recommend!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Deb H – Apr 05, 2023
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Awesome Physician
Dr. Donahue is phenomenal! He is patient, knowledgeable, skilled and provides top notched service. He treated my situation with urgency and care.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Tarell Denson – Oct 19, 2022
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Dr. Donahue and his team are great and made me very comfortable with my procedure and basically took care of everything for me and my family. Thank you team Donahue!!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Cedric Wright – Sep 23, 2022
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Dr. Donahue and his staff were fantastic. He explained all my options and answered every question. I am blessed to have had him perform my surgery.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jun 18, 2022
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Grateful
"GOD" really, used "You"and Your Team. Everything went just like You said. Bless You All
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jimmy Henry jr – Jun 16, 2022
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Know Before You Go

About Me

care philosophy

    

biography

Dr. James Donahue is an associate professor of surgery and the section chief of thoracic surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Donahue comes to UAB from the University of Maryland School of Medicine where he had an active clinical...read more

  • Thoracic Surgery

  • Cardiothoracic Surgery

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • Mayo Clinic-rochester

    Fellowship Hospital, 2008

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

    Residency Hospital, 2005

  • Harvard Medical School

    Medical School, 1998
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Surgery®
- 
General Surgery
American Board of Thoracic Surgery®
- 
Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

Healthgrades receives board action history for physicians and physician assistants. The information displayed here is sourced from independent information providers, such as state board websites, and may not be the most up-to-date information. Healthgrades makes no representations with respect to the accuracy of any information provided here and assumes no responsibility or liability for such information.

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Locations

Practice

UAB Hospital Birmingham619 19th St S Birmingham, AL 35233
1
Office703 19th St S Birmingham, AL 35233
2

Affiliated Hospitals

  • UAB Hospital

    1802 6th Ave S
    Birmingham, AL 35233
    Recipient of 6
    hospital awards

    Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2023, 2022)

    Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    88%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    4% higher than the national average

    81%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    5% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback
Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality