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Dr. David Shafer, MD

Dr. David Shafer, MD

Neurosurgery*
15+ years of experience

Dr. David Shafer, MD is a neurosurgeon in Grand Forks, ND and has over 15 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Drexel University College of Medicine in 2007. He is affiliated with medical facilities Altru Hospital and Lifecare Medical Center. He is accepting new patients.

3.3 Star Rating
Based on 15 reviews 3.3 Star Rating (15 reviews)

ALTRU HEALTH SYSTEM, Grand Forks, ND

1200 S Columbia Rd Grand Forks, ND 58201

Make an Appointment

(701) 780-5000

At a Glance

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Dr. Shafer's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Shafer

3.3
15 ratings, 7 with a written review
5 star
53%
53%
4 star
7%
7%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
40%
40%

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SI JOINT FUSION
I had SI joint fusion done by DR Schafer I ended up with a huge hematoma I had to have a second surgery on the same day as my fusion surgery to stop the bleeding internally I was bruised from my hip to my ankle this was extremely painful 3 days after my release from the hospital I had to rush to the emergency room with a racing heart and fever first the ER Doctors thought I was having a cardiac event come to find out I had an infection and spent the next 8 days in the hospital getting antibiotics through and IV thanks Dr Schafer for the wonderful time and thanks to altru for hiring this wonderful surgeon
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Staff friendliness
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
Helpful
Sep 01, 2024
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Five Stars!
I was highly impressed by Dr. Shafer during my recent visit. He LISTENS, he is KIND, he is understanding, he is personable & he has a genuine desire to help his patients. Thank you, Dr. Shafer! His nurse, Walter, is a true asset to the medical profession. Walter is extremely knowledgeable, compassionate, kind, caring and a true example of an amazing human being. Thank you, Walter!
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
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Thankful! – May 16, 2024
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Dr. Shafer did surgery on my L3 in July of 2019. I had numerous injuries from a climbing fall, and he replaced my vertebrae. I still have an L3 Complete spinal cord injury, but over the 2 years I've graduated from wheelchair to walker, from walker to arm canes and Frankenstein leg braces, from there to trekking poles and sexy carbon fiber braces, and as of now I need nothing to walk, not even orthotics. I still use trekking poles on rough trails, but I hope to do an easy 14'er by the end of summer.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Replaced L3 from climbing fall injury – Jul 10, 2021
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Dr Shafer saved my life last year! He has been a huge part of my recovery after spending five weeks in a coma and ten days on a ventilator and having two (or 3?) brain surgeries to still be here and to still be the me I was prior is a testament to the amazing medical care I received and to God of course. Thank you Dr Shafer!! I’m thankful for you taking such good care of me! My family and boyfriend are grateful and appreciative as well! See you in September for my next follow up! ??
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
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Amanda – Jul 09, 2020
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Professional, respectful, skilled, kind.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Sandy in Lafayette – Jun 28, 2018
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Interesting experience in a bad way. Did not find any issues but they were all there. I am fortunate to be getting excellent care an surgery from a professional. This doctor was not at all concerned about my well being.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • 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
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Denver, CO – Aug 26, 2016
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completely dishinest . He didn't just misdiagnose me he changed my diagnosis from the right one to a wrong one. Then a funky refused to treat me.
What went well
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • 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
8 others found this helpful
Helpful
Denver – Mar 20, 2016
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Know Before You Go

About Me

care philosophy

David Shafer, MD, MMS, FAANS, is a neurosurgeon at Altru Health System. Dr Shafer believes that patients are the experts on their own health and he uses this information to provide the right treatment to improve and relieve suffering. Outside of work, he enjoys running, hiking, bicycling and playing trombone.

biography

David Shafer, MD, MMS, FAANS, is a neurosurgeon at Altru Health System. Dr. Shafer believes that patients are the experts on their own health and he uses this information to provide the right treatment to improve and relieve suffering. Outside of work, he enjoys running, hiking, bicycling and playing trombone.

  • Neurosurgery

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

  • Drexel University College Of Medicine

    Medical School, 2007
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Neurological Surgery®
- 
Neurosurgery
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. Information last updated March 29, 2025. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Board actions foundState licensing board
More than three years ago
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

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

ALTRU HEALTH SYSTEM, Grand Forks, ND

Altru's Emergency Services1200 S Columbia Rd Grand Forks, ND 58201
1

Affiliated Hospitals

  • Lifecare Medical Center

    715 Delmore Dr
    Roseau, MN 56751

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

    87%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    1% lower than the national average

    86%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    4% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback

  • Altru Hospital

    1200 S Columbia Rd
    Grand Forks, ND 58201
    Recipient of 8
    hospital awards

    America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024)

    Top 5% in the nation for consistently delivering clinical quality

    View all awards

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

    86%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    2% higher than the national average

    77%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    1% higher than the national average

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