Dr. Daniel Refai, MD

Dr. Refai is amazing, very personable and probably the best spine-doctor this side of the US. I was going critical when I limped into his office with a drawn-up leg and mostly paralyzed arms. After counseling he expressed me into a complex spine surgery. It’s been a year this March 2025 and I’m walking good and working in my yard. Thanks so much to Emory and Doc. Refai.

Initially, I consulted another spine specialist with the goal of scheduling surgery quickly. However, the experience left me feeling uninformed and rushed. Seeking a second opinion, I met Dr. Refai at Emory Midtown, and I'm so thankful I did. He and his staff took the time to fully explain my condition, discuss all treatment options, and detail the specifics of the ultra-microdiscectomy, a procedure Emory excels in. In stark contrast to my previous experience, their team handled scheduling immediately, and even expedited the process once insurance approval was secured. The surgery day itself was meticulously organized, with clear instructions and consistent updates for my family. The online portal proved invaluable for post-operative communication, eliminating the frustration of phone tag. Dr. Refai and his staff provided exceptional, attentive care, and I am deeply grateful for their expertise and compassion. I feel blessed to have found them.

Dr. Rafai rushed my partner into surgery, he said he expected him to walk in 4 months, he came out of surgery and Rafai said he would likely never walk again. He never did. He lied to us saying they lost contact with his nerves on the moment of biopsy, but when asked by another doctor, he told a different story. I cannot stress enough how much this man completely destroyed our lives.

He was amazing. I went in for myelopathy and myelomalacia...he had reviewed my MRI prior to my first visit, had a surgical plan and I had surgery a couple of days later. I have never looked back. I feel like he gave me my life back!!!

I have many medical problems, and what started as a fall, followed by paralysis for about 30 minutes, I felt like I should see a Dr. I knew if I needed back or neck surgery, I wouldn’t want anywhere but EMORY do it. I felt so Comfortable with Dr. Refai, and knew that he totally knew what he was doing. I had been an RN for almost 35 years, so I felt very good about my decision. ..the surgery occurred several years ago, and was extensive. 2 Cervical vertebrae fused, a disc removed, and a titanium cage put around to protect the spine. I have not had ANY problem since the surgery, and really no pain to speak of. I would chose him to do the surgery again, if I had to . He is amazing!

Dr. Refai is top notch. He performed an ALIF with posterior instrumentation on me a week ago. I should not be doing half as well as I am doing at this stage in my recovery, but I am. A resident, Drew Albers, at Emory midtown, diagnosed me and suggested my treatment plan after I visited their ER. I followed up with Dr. Refai whom confirmed it and made me feel confident about it. Post op, another resident, Megan Cosgrove, came by to keep up with my recovery. We were both shocked with how well I was doing. I cannot go without mentioning Dr. Miller and the vascular surgery residents that did a great job with my exposure and follow up care.

Omg, Dr. Refai saved my life. I got hit by an 18-wheeler in Jan of that year. I already had issues but this put it over the edge pain wise. I was hardly walking or leaving my bed. Pain was constant and severe. I even thought suicide by the time I saw him in August. I had many comorbidities that my case was going to be difficult. I just had my 3rd kidney transplant in June 2022, plus a rare blood disorder. He was not so on board but I begged to have the surgery. I thank this Dr. And team so much. I told him he's like Captain America. He may not fly like superman or crush things like the Hulk but his intelligence, caring and skill is like the Captain. If I could give a million or infinite stars to this doctor I would. He is amazing and so nice.

Choosing Dr. Refai as my spine surgeon was one of the best decisions I've ever made. For three years, his genuine concern for my well-being has always been evident. Not only does he possess incredible surgical skills, but his ability to explain complex medical concepts in a way that's easy to understand made me feel at ease throughout the process. He gave me the information I needed to make decisions about my treatment and never pushed surgery before conservative approaches. Dr. Refai’s personal touch, gave me the confidence I needed. I can't thank him enough for giving me my life back.

I had a bilateral pars fracture at L5-S1 which was causing a sciatic-type pain down my left leg. I had fallen at my house and it seems the spine was slipping causing pain. Tried PT, shots in my spine, neuropathic pain meds.Situation got so bad that I could not stand or walk longer than 5 min without pain when it reached afternoon-time due to the slipping spine. Dr William Read from Emory recommended him to me since I also had 2 spinal tumors to be evaluated as well. Had surgery just over 1 year ago and back to normal now, walking 2-3 miles about 5 days a week. He explained all of the procedures to me and the risks. Saw him today for follow up and he was as nice and thorough as always. So glad he did my surgery! He is a wonderful surgeon. He did a L5-S1 ALIF and I have 7 screws and 2 rods in my back. Pain is gone.

Just finished my final follow up appointment for my lower back surgery done Aug. 2022. I’ve healed up with great results. I appreciate the firm advice Dr. Refai gave me prior to my surgery on getting my blood sugar down and losing a little weight, following his instructions and recommendations ended with great results. I strongly suggest you listen to his advice if you’re a diabetic.

Dr. Refai is actively engaged with his patients. He explains all options, treatments and outcomes. He listens carefully to everything his patients and their families say. He is kind and compassionate. My husband had a severe spinal condition. He was in excruciating pain, was showing signs of spinal cord compression and rapidly losing the ability to participate in any normal activities. Although his surgery was long and difficult, he was up and walking in 48 hours and home day 3 post surgery. He needed no physical therapy and only needed pain medication for 3 days. By 3 months, he can do any activities as tolerated. I am a registered nurse and have cared for patients who had similar surgery. In fact, I also had similar spinal surgery and it’s no easy day. Dr. Refai is a gift to the world. I would never consider another neurosurgeon.

Dr Refai takes his time explaining everything that you need to know about your situation. He does not rush the appointments and makes sure that you understand all of the various treatment and surgery options available to address your condition. Dr. Refai handled my complicated spinal surgery with great care and expertise and I believe that he is one of the best neurosurgeon’s in Atlanta.

I had been suffering with this lower back pain for over two (2) years. After during a consultation with Dr. Refai and he reviewing my MRI and X-rays he took the time and went over everything with me and suggested I have the surgery. He listen to my concerns. On July 28, 2022 Dr. Retai performed the surgery and I must say When I woke up after surgery, I didn’t experience any pain nor while I was recovering at home. I am one who do not like taking pain medication (especially prescription drug) so I would take an ibuprofen. months later I am in physical therapy and I completed the three mile breast cancer walk on October 22, 2022. Dr. Refai is an excellent doctor and surgeon. I recommend him to anyone who need this surgery.

Both Dr Refai and his resident were very friendly. Explained procedure very well. Dr Refai was not rushed and made sure all my questions were answered.

There are no words to describe my gratitude to Dr. Refai and his staff(also Dr. Steven Miller) for giving me my life back. I lived with excruciating pain daily until my surgery. Now I have no pain and am able to do things like yard work and taking care of grand children with no difficulties. Every step of the way I was given education and instruction. I always felt a genuine concern for my well being. I can't say "thank you" enough!

Dr. Refai is the GREATEST dr. we have ever had! My husband experienced SEVERE pain in his hip, leg, and back. It was so bad he couldn't sleep or eat. He spent 24 hrs a day trying to get comfortable. He lost 25 lbs and couldn't work for a year! After seeing various Drs. at Emory and taking many Xrays, MRIs, and CAT scans, we were finally referred to Dr. Refai. I felt he was heaven sent! When he looked into my husband's eyes and told him "we're going to get to the bottom of this", I knew we were going to be okay. He treated us with respect, he was attentive and very detailed. On the very first visit, he saw a second large mass. He stopped during the visit to get my husband an appt. with a urologist for the other mass. No radiologists wanted to biopsy 1st mass due to "location". Dr. Refai went in blind and did an AMAZING job! After much discussion/planning, 2 surgeries later he gave my husband his life back!! During the long recovery he was with us every step! We LOVE Dr Refai and Katie!

Dr. Refai and his staff are excellent, kind, and professional. Every step of the process went smoothly from evaluation to pre-op to follow-up. I hope I never have to undergo surgery again, but if I do, I would return to Dr. Refai.

Dr.Refai and his staff are so awesome. I had surgery, and we discussed how my recovery will be. I'm so thankful for every step-by-step walk through that he and his staff.

Dr. Refai’s surgery enabled me to walk normally and be completely restored from near total paralysis caused by a tumor. I’ve already reviewed the surgery experience but want to add that the follow up appointment was extremely gratifying. He repeatedly said “I’m as happy as you are,” and he genuinely meant that. He remembered details of my condition before the surgery and even how concerned my husband was. He was excited at how complete the recovery was. His expertise is evident, but his personal care and warmth is also exemplary. He does not fit the stereotype of the cold surgeon. I recommend him without reservation.

Dr. Refai is a wonderful surgeon he performed surgery on my husband and now my husband is doing great thank you so much Dr. Refai!