I understand the basic philosophy of going to a spinal specialist associated with a university teaching hospital, but if the doc is teaching and doing research, that means he has less time to perform surgery. Someone in private practice does nothing else but surgery, so he would be involved in many more surgeries per year than the doc who does other things....right? Does anyone think that would make any difference to the outcome of MY surgery?? I'm trying to rate going to a univ. hospital vs. a highly rated hospital in my hometown. I like both surgeons about equally.

What are the advantages to a teaching hospital? Seems to me there are more disdvantages, in so far as you have to be inconveniences by dealing with students and residents.

xx Tsohl

I had my first fusion done at a teaching hospital and I must say they were up to date on the latest in spinal surgery; however, I hated the fact that there was a constant stream of students coming thru the room and multiple examinations done. When you have had back surgery, the last thing you want to do is be woke up 30 times a day. Just my 2 cents...

The multiple exams are annoying, especially when you just want to sleep. But on the other hand, in a teaching hospital there is a lot of competition. The residents are vying for coveted slots with particular physicians and are trying to make good impressions on all the attendings. The attending physicians are constantly being watched by the residents and know that word gets around if they aren't spot on all the time. So the quality of care is usually excellent, plus they have a lot of resources that private hospitals don't have. They're the first ones to get the state of the art equipment.

There are pros and cons to both types of hospitals. And, of course, there are still bad doctors in teaching hospitals, too, and a lot of very excellent doctors in private hospitals.

Guess I wasn't much help!!! :)

Emily

The multiple exams are annoying, especially when you just want to sleep. But on the other hand, in a teaching hospital there is a lot of competition. The residents are vying for coveted slots with particular physicians and are trying to make good impressions on all the attendings. The attending physicians are constantly being watched by the residents and know that word gets around if they aren't spot on all the time. So the quality of care is usually excellent, plus they have a lot of resources that private hospitals don't have. They're the first ones to get the state of the art equipment.

There are pros and cons to both types of hospitals. And, of course, there are still bad doctors in teaching hospitals, too, and a lot of very excellent doctors in private hospitals.

Guess I wasn't much help!!! :)

Emily

Can't you as a patient say enough is enough with regards to students coming in umpteen times for exams? I believe you can. Also, look up your surgeon or any potential surgeon on a website for your state, a lot of states post information about them, whether or not they have ever been disciplined because of neglience, lawsuits etc. Kinda of nice to know when choosing a surgeon.

Lori

My parents live in Ann Arbor and both have had some orthopedic problems. My mom (shoulder replacement) chose a surgeon that was not associated with the U of M becuase she wanted someone whose sole focus was surgery. She too got tired of the endless stream of residents/interns at her appointments, etc. My dad (knee problems) chose the U of M since he wanted to avoid surgery and wanted to see what the latest cutting edge treatments may be.

personally i would take a teaching hosp any day over any other type of doc/facility.they HAVE to be onthe cutting edge and believe it or not,probably do many many more surgical procedures than some private practice docs,really.they also see the more obscure types of conditions and cases since these types of facilitys are kind of the 'last resort" for alot of people,like myself,who could not even find an experienced enough neurosurgeon who really truely understood the full impact and risks of my particular congenital malformation inside my spinal cord.my son also was at this same hosp when he went into liver failure and needed a Tx.we had actual teams of all types of specialists working on him.they were truely amazing in the care they gave him,and myself when it was 'my turn' to go thru medical hell.i cannot say enough really good stuff about where i was at at the U of MN.if you feel your actual surgeon is a good one at your U,go for it.you will have many people working on you and with you at all times.it was also very highly informative listening to the head of neurosurgery discuss my case and my current status with these young open minds.lots of really interesting feedback.i also learned alot.just do what feels like the best choice for you and your condition.good luck with whatever you choose and by all means,please keep us posted.Marcia

Can't you as a patient say enough is enough with regards to students coming in umpteen times for exams? I believe you can. Also, look up your surgeon or any potential surgeon on a website for your state, a lot of states post information about them, whether or not they have ever been disciplined because of neglience, lawsuits etc. Kinda of nice to know when choosing a surgeon.

Lori

You are right about the website to look up your doctor. I look mine up way to late. I found out that he has 5 malpractice lawsuites that he paid out on. 2 this year alone in the past 4 months. I am now with the cheif of surgery for a teaching hosiptal and I am so much happier. They do have all the latest equipment and I know Im in good hands. As far as the students, remember they are just doing what they are told to do. I have asked them not to wake me if I am sleeping and some do honor your request. But check out your state website and research your doc. After all its your health and life.

I have been to both the teaching university neurosurgeon & the private practive neurosurgeon. The neuro at the Univeristy Hospital is up on all of the new treatments...I have not had surgery there...but had many treatments with the pain mgmt. Dr.....the students were there...and did some of the procedures...BUT the Dr. was right there guiding them - Also had private neuro & pain mgmt. Drs....the private neuro. has been about the same.knowledge..(but I choose experienced people) the private pain mgmt...well...I like the pain mgmt. Dr. at the university better!! But, I am not sure if that is a personality thing!! Guess it is a matter of choice..and experience of the Doctor you choose.. The interns don't bother me that much...as long as the treating Doctor is standing right there also!!

Sage

I found that the University doctor's only wanted to do a spinal stimulator. They wouldn't go any further than that. They did say my hardware needed to be removed and that they would refer me to pain management. I feel my private practice doctor is much better, in that he gives me other choices as far as surgery goes. I don't think any surgeon out there wants to do follow-up surgeries from other doctors. IMO find a doctor that you want to stick with. Do all your background on the surgeon you pick first and not after your surgery, you might have to use him again.