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Dr. John Thomas, MD

Dr. John Thomas, MD

Neurosurgery*
20+ years of experience

Dr. John Thomas, MD is a neurosurgeon in Wilmington, NC and has over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Georgetown University School of Medicine in 2004. He is affiliated with medical facilities Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center and Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. He is accepting new patients.

4.5 Star Rating
Based on 68 reviews 4.5 Star Rating (68 reviews)

Locations

Atlantic Brain and Spine PA - Wilmington

Atlantic Brain and Spine PA - Wilmington2208 S 17th St Wilmington, NC 28401
1

Dr. Thomas is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Neurosurgery

The Healthgrades Choice designation helps you understand the most important factors to consider when choosing a healthcare professional. This designation is earned based on four set standards.
Read our methodology

  • Above average experience
  • Good hospital quality
  • Good patient ratings
  • No healthcare sanctions
  • Area of ExpertiseDr. Thomas specializes in the area of Neurosurgery. See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions WellPatients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Quiet HospitalPatients said the hospital this doctor practices at is quiet. See hospitals
  • TrustworthyPatients said this doctor is trustworthy. See reviews

More Neurosurgery Specialists at Novant Health

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Dr. Thomas' Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Thomas

4.5
68 ratings, 32 with a written review
5 star
87%
87%
4 star
1%
1%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
12%
12%

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Ruined my life over something he forgot to do
I adored this doctor but in the end he ruined my life. I needed a fusion and I knew the prognosis for a good fusion was not high for smokers and former smokers , so I told dr. Thomas I DID NOT WANT THE FUSION. This surgeon literally said for me not to worry, that he would use fusion material for the surgery normally used in revisions or hard to fuse people. I TRUSTED THAT. BUT I called his office shortly before my surgery and asked if he had ordered that material. The rude woman on the phone said ‘he knows what he is doing’. I found out shortly after the surgery at my first appointment that he had FORGOT, to use revision material, I mentioned ‘thank hod you used the revision material’ and he just hung his head’. In horror I said ‘DID YOU FORGET?’ He said ‘don’t worry you will be fine’. I trusted him again when he said ‘don’t worry, you will fuse’. By the second year he was still saying ‘don’t worry you are a slow to fuse person ‘ . In the mean time everything was breaking down around
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Kbjames – Feb 16, 2024
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Excellent neurosurgeon
Dr. Thomas is an excellent surgeon. He is careful to explain the procedure, risks and your aftercare following be the procedure. I recommend!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Ron Sites – Apr 03, 2023
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Caring bedside manner, very knowledgable
Dr. Thomas went out of his way to explain my options for a lumbar disc herniation and really took the time with me to help me make the best decision for a plan forward. He is very knowledgeable and caring.
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
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Samantha Connor – Feb 10, 2023
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Excellent communication and diagnosis. His work is spot on and i was very happy with my operation. Explained what he was going ot do and what to expect. If i ever need a spinal surgeon he is the one.
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
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
DANIEL F THOMPSON JR – Feb 09, 2021
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Regarding Dr. Alex Thomas: The staff of Atlantic Neurosurgical, from Dr. Thomas' PA Jack Bagley to all of the support staff, made my experience as pleasant and effective as could be. The nerve pain from an L3-4 cyst had been excruciating. With proper imaging, the diagnosis and day surgery to remedy it was performed quickly. The result: Pain gone almost instantly. Having recently moved here from the medical epicenter of Boston, MA, I will confidently say that the Wilmington area is quite lucky to have such a skilled and personable surgical specialist in Dr. Thomas.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
9 others found this helpful
Helpful
Jim Quaglia – Aug 21, 2020
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Dr. Thomas did major aggressive surgery on my back. It was a long recovery but is absolutely perfect. I would recommend him highly.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
4 others found this helpful
Helpful
Margaret Riano – Jul 20, 2020
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It's been exactly a year since my surgery. I wanted to wait till I was fully recover before doing a review. Let me say, I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Thomas and his entire staff. They were amazing through the whole process. From start to finish everyone was great. They all were very helpful, never rushed, and I always felt at ease. Any time I had a question they were there and spent as much time as I needed. Dr. Thomas & Jack Bagley spent a lot of time explaining the problem, the solution, and what to expect at every step along the way. This was a huge help post-op and through recovery. They were very honest with me and looking back, they were spot on. Long story short, 1 year later, I am so glad that I found them, and had the procedure. I have about 90% less pain, and can do pretty much anything I want to without worrying. Again, I can not say enough good things about Dr. Thomas, Jack, Crimson, the entire team, including Dr. medley, and all of the OR staff at NHRMC.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
4 others found this helpful
Helpful
Mike – Apr 26, 2020
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Not only did I get wonderful recommendations for him, I found him to be compassionate and kind. He listened and took time to answer all concerns.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Jane McDermott – Mar 07, 2020
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My hero! Prior to my triple lumbar fusion I could only tolerate short distance walking before low back pain occurred and need to sit down. Post op 3 months my activity tolerance dramatically improved with minimal discomfort. Able to start PT including pool walking 1 hr daily. At 6 months I was able to go on a 17 day Italy trip walk over 50 miles hills stairs with no discomfort! This is why DrThomas is my hero I have my life back.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
6 others found this helpful
Helpful
Sep 23, 2019
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He took care of me very quickly, knowing the severity of my problem. He was very confident that he could take care of it and it put me at ease. Couldn't ask for a better doctor!
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
Michael Cioffi – Aug 01, 2019
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I struggled with severe pain in my buttocks, shot down my leg and caused my feet to go numb for many years. The last 2 years I was very sedentary due to the pain I experienced when walking or standing. I was referred to Dr. Thomas who recommended a double fusion. I had this surgery this past June, and was walking 3 miles/day 9 days after surgery! Dr. Thomas, Jack Bagley (PA), and Crimson (surgical scheduler) are a great team and were with me through every step of this process. THANK YOU!!!
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
10 others found this helpful
Helpful
Rhonda Turner in Wilmington, NC – Oct 15, 2018
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I never got to see Dr. Thomas after waiting 5 weeks to see him after making appt. 45 mins. after I arrived I was told he was not in the office. A phone call may have been prudent by the office staff. Met with a hostile MA who basically said it my ball my game my rules. The PA Was my only option or I could reschedule and the next appt was in mid October. SHE LIED. A very very poor experience for sure.
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
10 others found this helpful
Helpful
Thomas Minichello in Leland, NC – Jul 12, 2018
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I had a fusion, and a discectomy. Both were done orthoscopic. Dr. Thomas does not rush you into surgery. Lets you know if your a candidate, thoroughly explains your particular situation and possible options. I was in pain management until it no longer work and then went to surgery. He explains well and thoroughly, his office and staff are very responsive, and I always felt important and well-cared-for. Highly recommend him
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
8 others found this helpful
Helpful
Maria Wheeler in bolivia, NC – Jun 13, 2018
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I had a cyst pressing on nerves in my lower back. After surgery I walked out of the hospital pain free.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
6 others found this helpful
Helpful
Ocean Isle Beach – Feb 02, 2018
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Have seen Dr Thomas for over a year for a herniated disk. Last year pain management helped-not this year. Just had Microdiskectomy surgery And everyone will ask "did it work?" It is more painful is that I expected and it may not work. But I believe he's a good doctor. I had cold feet 10 min before surgery and Dr Thomas gave me the option to cancel. I'm recovering and better on day 5. I'm recommending Dr Thomas based not on unknown results but on his outstanding knowledge and demeaner
What went well
  • Office environment
  • 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
12 others found this helpful
Helpful
Dennis S in Sunset Beach, NC – Sep 04, 2017
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He returned to me a quality of life I had not experienced in 12 very long years. Dr. Thomas is a true physician and wonderful human being.
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
6 others found this helpful
Helpful
Russell S. Strader in Emerald Isle. N. C. – Jul 30, 2017
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My experience with Dr. Thomas was excellent! He went over and above to help me get my surgery scheduled when my insurance company was not cooperating. I checked him out before surgery, as I am in the medical field myself, and heard only extremely positive remarks. I was walking 3 miles 13 days post-op,when, before surgery, I could go about 2 blocks before having to sit due to pain. I had the lateral approach fusion L4-5, and I honestly could not have asked for a better result!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
9 others found this helpful
Helpful
Carrie in Southport, NC – Jul 10, 2017
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Dr. Thomas has given me a new lease on life. I had previously undergone three failed spine surgeries leaving me in constant pain and discomfort. Qualified, Caring and Compassionate describe his manner with honest and straightforward answers to my obvious concerns. I highly recommend Dr. Thomas and his staff. To his credit, I can honestly say that I have been pain and discomfort free since his corrective surgery and the healing process has been so much better.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
10 others found this helpful
Helpful
RMcKenna in North Myrtle Beach, SC – Dec 15, 2016
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Dr. Thomas and his entire clinical team are exceptional in their diagnosis and treatment.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
7 others found this helpful
Helpful
Colleen Richling in Ocean Isle Beach, NC – Oct 28, 2016
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Was very personable, listened to my concerns and was prompt to advise treatment. Entire staff from Medical assistant, physician assistant to scheduler was proficient and professional. Dr. Thomas was excellent in explaining the process and I had a good outcome. His blog is informative and easy to read and to understand.
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
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Donald Variot in Wilmington, NC – Oct 25, 2016
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About Me

care philosophy

I am a neurosurgeon who specializes in advanced minimally-invasive techniques in cranial and spinal surgery. Patients who undergo minimally-invasive spinal surgery (versus traditional spinal surgery) have been proven to have lower infection rate,...read more
  • 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.

  • Georgetown University

    Residency Hospital, 2010
  • Georgetown University

    Internship Hospital, 2005
  • Georgetown University School Of Medicine

    Medical School, 2004
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. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.
  • English

  • Spanish

Dr. Thomas is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Neurosurgery

    Read our methodology

    Affiliated Hospitals

    • Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center

      2131 S 17th St
      Wilmington, NC 28401
      Recipient of 7
      hospital awards

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

      85%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      1% higher than the national average

      75%
      Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

      1% lower than the national average

      View all patient feedback
    • Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center

      240 Hospital Dr NE
      Bolivia, NC 28422

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

      87%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home
      80%
      Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

      2% higher than the national average

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