Dr. Don Park, MD

Best of the best for minimally invasive disc herniation correction. I’m in my mid-twenties and after herniating my L4-L5 causing leg numbness and foot drop, surgery was needed and needed fast. Not only did Dr. Park have a calm, knowledgeable, and professional approach in our consultation, but his litany of video documentations and presentations online assured me that he was second to none. He and his office were accommodating and made the entire scheduling process seamless.Post-Op, I have stuck to Dr. Park’s direction to a tee, and now a few months later, I am almost at 100%. I would highly recommend anyone to go to Dr. Park. His surgical approach for this injury was cutting-edge, minimally invasive, and most importantly, got the job done.10 out of 10

I suffered excruciating pain from a ruptured-herniated disc in my lower back that was pressing on spinal nerves - the kind of pain that takes your breath away. Another back surgeon told me that he did not recommend surgery. After much research, I found Dr. Park and read the reviews from his patients. I was impressed. I practically crawled into the surgery center the day of my surgery and I walked out - pain free. Dr. Park listens, explains everything in language that a patient can understand, and is an excellent surgeon.

It is one and a half years since Dr. Park, then at UCLA, did a spinal fusion on me, leaving both my legs measurably nerve-damaged. It apparently is permanent. He denied that leg & foot burning, numbness, tingling, inability to lift my toes, shocking of my toes, and the feeling that my feet were 'caged' were signs of nerve damage. When I insisted, he took MRIs of my back and repeated statements that I couldn't have nerve damage. When I insisted, Dr. Park finally said maybe 'we' should think outside of the box and get nerve conduction studies. They proved nerve damage in both legs. I didn't hear from him after his office received the results. When I finally called to find out what to do, I was told by his assistant that Dr. Park had received the reports but was leaving UCLA for UCIrvine. He never called or wrote to tell me this fact, no less to let me know what to do about the nerve damage, nor did he let another patient of his know he was leaving. I felt totally abandoned.

I'd been suffering from sciatic nerve pain and numbness for over a year and had tried injections, but they didn't last. I saw an old school spine surgeon who recommended a two-level spinal fusion with rods. I got a second opinion from a younger spine surgeon and he suggested that Dr. Park could help me. I had dual portal surgery and I am very, very happy with the results. I'm pain free and almost all of my foot numbness is gone after three months. Dr. Park is known internationally as an expert in minimally invasive spine surgery and I'm glad I found him.

Excellent and compassionate spine surgeon.

Dr Park is the absolute best at what he does. I was apprehensive as 3 prior spinal surgeries at UCLA had failed. Dr Park is the most compassionate man while being completely realistic with expectations. Had 3rd lumbar spine revision in 2019 and 2nd cervical spine revision in 2021. I have my life back 100% and could not be happier with the results. I have recommended him to both friends and family members but also doctors in my community. My local physicians were blown away by my results. Cannot say enough great things about Dr Park. Thank you!!

I am so grateful to have found Dr. Park. He wanted to wait on surgery, I insisted, and we are both glad I was so insistent. He is highly trained and knows his field. I never felt rushed and he was patient and responsive to my in person questions and emails. 4 years post surgery and I feel great and learned how to do things correctly. I travel around the world, snorkel, and enjoy life. I am forever indebted to him.

On September 2nd, I underwent a very difficult procedure by Dr. Don Y. Park at UCLA Santa Monica Orthopedic Hospital. I have dealt with long term, dibilitating neck pain which caused me to lose my balance and control of my arms and legs. Although the idea of replacing three bones in my neck felt extremely risky, I always trusted Dr. Park because of his outstanding reputation and his ability to communicate well and ease and concern I had before surgery. Today is three weeks since the surgery, I am happy to say everything went well and I have regained full functionality of my arms and legs! I owe a lot of gratitude to Dr Park, the incisions and pain have healed quickly.

I recently had surgery on my cervical spine...I needed two discs replaced. I am a very physically active 60 year old and was very nervous about what impact this surgery would have on my lifestyle. First of all, Dr. Park was incredibly nurturing and so reassuring about the entire procedure. The day I went in for my surgery, he came to visit me and reassured me yet again, that I would be ok. I was so surprise when I awoke that I felt as great as I did! The chronic and utterly agonzing pain I had been experiencing in my upper back, neck and shoulder was gone. I was thrilled! And, even after a very long day of surgery for Dr. Park, he made time to come check on my recovery. He was and is always so calm and reassuring. At almost two months post surgery, I am SO HAPPY with the results! I can't say enough great things about Dr. Park. He has always been responsive to my many questions, always reassuring and helpful, takes the time to listen to me and is a FANTASTIC surgeon!

Dr. Park couldn't wait to get out the door during our consultation. He spoke of the surgery like it was a piece of cake (severe anterolisthesis) and that the success rate was over 90%. Back surgery is very serious and the recovery can make or break the result. I want someone who'll put in the time with me, before, during and after surgery. Same for his physiatrist, Dr. Fish. Stay away from the UCLA Spine Center. It's like a factory.

Dr. Park performed min invasive spine surgery on my back in Dec 2019 on L3 L4 L5. Spectacular results. I had extreme pain in the lower extremities which is now eliminated. The recovery has been remarkable. The results far better than I could have ever hoped for. Dr. Park has a great bedside manner and his team is great, including his nurse practitioner Rebbeca S. Prakash.

Dr. Don Y. Park specializes in minimally invasive spinal surgery at UCLA. He performed surgery on an area of diagnosed "severe spinal stenosis" in my lumbar spine that had me in deep pain and limited movement. When I awoke after the surgery I was surprised to find that the spinal pain had gone away completely -such relief. My recovery was quick - even at 80 years of age - and has persisted over six months by now. In addition to his excellent surgical skills, Dr.Park is as patient, gentle and courteous as any physician I have ever met - and I have met many.

Dr. Park is amazing! I am a Registered Nurse who developed severe spinal stenosis due to wear and tear, arthritis and degenerative disk disease. Dr. Park showed compassion, and was kind during my interactions with him during the past 2 years. We tried everything but surgery was inevitable. I had surgery several months ago and My right leg numbness and weakness was gone as soon as I woke up from surgery. He was recommended by all of the doctors I work with and encounter.

Dr. Park was amazing. I was extremely nervous to have my back surgery but he reassured me that it was an easy fix. Sure enough, after the surgery I had zero amount of pain. I would highly recommend Dr. Park.

Dr. Park recommended insertion of metal in my husband's spine which was contraindicated by the manufacturer of the product given his osteoporosis and their limited research.

Doctor spent 10 minutes with me. Told me, a patient in my 20s, to live with back pain. He said my pain will get worse over time. Told me to stop working out. Didn't offer a solution.

Dr. Park initially cared for me during an acute episode of spinal stenosis. I have congenital stenosis aggravated by arthritic and degenerative changes in the central canal and foraminal areas at a few levels. He was companionate,caring and most of all he was knowledgable and conservative. He moved to so.cal. From where my treatment began, if I progress from the stability I've gained I will likely make the trip for his expertise ! Dr Jeffrey T