I just went where my gp sent me.

For my torn ankle ligament, I was sent to the "Best of Docs List" doctor who is a foot and ankle specialist by my podiatrist; my knee surgeries, I asked my pain doctor who worked on his wife and again was sent to another "Best of Docs", (My pain doctor is a Best of Doc too, referred by the ankle specialist!); my shoulder replacement which started as arthroscope, I was going to PT and asked the physical therapist who he would allow to operate on him. My gyno surgeries where my gyno doc who is again a "Best of Doc". I've endured about 12 surgeries in the last 10 years. You can also look up your doctors' records online to see if they have any cases pending or closed against them or if the board has placed any actions against them. it will also show where they went to school, etc. Always check your doctor out and fire those you don't trust! You are THEIR employer....

I was originally going to see an Orthopedic. I was told by a few people (Doug, you being one of them :) that it was an option to go to a Neurosurgeon. With alot of my pain coming from my sciatic nerve and my lower spine, I did alot of research into the fields and chose to go the Neurosurgeon route. I went to a consult here on Long Island and the doctor didnt even look at me in the eye. He barely spoke to me as a human. I knew then that HE was not doing my surgery.
I am lucky enough to live 45 minutes from NYC. We have some of the best teaching hospitals in the country. As soon as I walked into Columbia, my new doctor shook my hand and said "how are you feeling, Meg?" I had never met this man in person!!! He was honest, straight forward, and told me exactly what he could do to help me and treat me.
4 days later I was in the operating room.

Meg, you are so right, you can get "that feeling" when you are at the wrong doctor. I was glad to read that you went someplace else. So many just stay where they were told to go instead of using their instinct. Unless you are in an emergency situation, there is always time to doctor shop.

When we met the surgeon who performed my three back surgeries, I got the feeling he had "it" whatever "it" is. When he said he can fix me, I started to cry and knew I was in the right place.

He then sat down on a stool, and answered the 17 questions I brought with me.

Two years ago on the 6th was my life changing lumbar surgery. Although I did nothing to celebrate the anniversary, I did manage to toast the doctor.

Ouch

Hello. I am new here but I want to say one thing. Trust your gut. If you don't feel right about the surgeon, move on. I went against my gut feeling and I am paying for it now. Trust yourself.

check to make sure surgeon is board certified in his specialty + member in good standing of the FACOS or FACNS(?)=fellow members of orthopedic or neurosurgeon associations...patient compassion, respect, and patience for patient and family very important also.
i once went to see ortho knee specialist recommended by my GP..this guy turned out to be arrogant,rude,and performed a 1 minute exam.the surgeon who ended up doing surgery was very kind, compassionate, patient and thorough..don't forget that part..make sure everything being done is explained AS it is being done. Keep a list of ?? to ask also.