Dr. Brian Walczak, DO

In 2017, age 52, I fell on my shoulder on concrete. X-rays looked fine, but moving my arm in any direction hurt as badly as if I had a freshly broken bone. Doctors didn't believe me for three years and said I just needed to work harder on my physical therapy exercises. My left arm was immobile and pretty much useless for 3 years.I was finally sent to Dr. Walczak in 2020, who did a subacromial decompression. He found a dozen problems, from calcium in my tendons and bicep to trapped tendons and nerves that required him to remove a piece of bone so they fit again. Just 8 months after his surgery, I bought my first kayak and started marathon kayak racing a week later. I now have a whole wall of trophies and medals and have not had even a glimmer of pain in my shoulder since the surgery. I have bad knees, and keep telling my doctors now that I need to find 'the knee version of Dr. Brian Walczak,' because he's my gold standard. He's also nice as a person.

Dr. Walczak is an amazingly talented surgeon. I had a hip labral repair done and was worried about the outcome. Dr. Walczak assured me a couple weeks of crutches and little pain. He was 100% correct. I had zero pain immediately after surgery and none after 2 weeks. I compared this with a friend having the same surgery. They did not have nearly as good results. He is a gifted doctor, kind, and tells you exactly what to expect. He is also reassuring and gains your trust and confidence quickly. We are lucky to have him on the Rush team. Thank you Dr. Walczak!

Dr. Walzcak was the first doctor that actually listened to me and wanted to help me with my knee problems. I actually felt heard. He took a lot of time with myself and husband to discuss options for treatment. Never made me feel rushed. He has been amazing pre and post surgeries. I will not go anywhere else for my Orthopedic needs.

Poor bedside manner, late by 30 mins and forgot to release me after he was done. He was just talking at the nurses desk and forgot to release me saying “my bad, I dropped the ball”. Never again.

Very helpful and kind with genuine concern and empathy for his patients. Joint preservation is his specialty bc he has advanced training on too of his surgical training. I had a second opinion consult with him after I was told I needed a total hip replacement by another surgion. He felt confident that he could fix my hip and preserve the hip joint. The surgery was arthroscopic and successful. He also did my other hip 6 months later which was successful as well. He saved me from having two total hip replacement surgeries and both hips feel great today. I highly highly recommend Dr. Walczak.

Poor communication and follow up. Your just a number..next

Poor experience when he worked in orthopedic oncology in Michigan. Abandoned practice and patients and left us unable to access records for months.

Very condescending attitude. Not helpful. Discouraged when we left for surgery consult after she had a torn labrum in hip. Made my 16 year old daughter cry.

Dr Walczak is talented, thoughtful, caring, and has a great sense of humor. I pretty much needed hip surgery (after tearing so many other ligaments, I know what 'need surgical intervention' feels like) and he was the first one to actually take the time to assess my situation, listen to and address my concerns. Even though he stated up front he tries to avoid surgery whenever possible, he let me know I needed to get surgery. He discussed the procedure before and afterwards, shared images from the laparoscopy and discussed their significance -- treated me like I have a functioning brain in my head which I so so appreciate. So far, I'm healing up really well; I have complete confidence in Dr. Walczak and if (god forbid) need more orthopedic surgery, I would definitely seek him out.

Dr Walczak is an expert in joint preservation surgical measures. He is kind, thoughtful, caring, and humbly confident. I am very proud to say that he did my hip arthroscopy.