David Dodgin, MD

This past July my Mom had full anterior hip replacement surgery with Dr. Dodgin.
From beginning to end the experience exceeded every hope and expectation.
The staff at Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin and Dr. Dodgin’s staff in particular provided assistance and information in a professional, friendly and timely manner. Appointments were scheduled at the best times for us as we were driving in from Laredo, Texas.
Dr. Dodgin himself was outstanding!
We were coming off a terrible experience with a Laredo surgeon who used screws that had to be removed seven months after the initial break – so I did extensive research before making a decision.
Dr. Dodgin was very straightforward and willing to answer as many questions as needed for us to feel comfortable. He used clear and easy to understand terminology and never mystified the process.
Going into the surgery, I knew my Mom was in the best possible hands with a surgeon who is involved, not only in using the most cutting edge technology in his area of specialization, but in developing it.
Dr. Dodgin himself called us after the surgery and called us back when we had questions following the surgery. His P.A., Ryan, was also very helpful and knowledgeable.
I cannot recommend Dr. Dodgin highly enough. He is very personable, caring and highly skilled in his field.
We are 10 weeks post surgery and my Mom has already begun walking around the track in our neighborhood without a cane or walker.
If you are looking at hip replacement, I don’t think you can do better than Dr. Dodgin.

I just read the review from someone who mentioned that Dr. Dodgin had practiced in CA. Well, I was one of his patients here in the Bay Area, and I cannot tell you how Dr. Dodgin’s mistakes ruined my leg and a good part of my life. After having chronic, severe knee pain for many years, I saw Dr. Dodgin who recommended a knee replacement. I was only 44 yrs. old at the time, but I knew something had to change. I’m trying to make a long story short, but let me just say that after a botched operation, my leg froze into an unbending position. Dr. Dodgin then did a manipulation (forced straightening under anesthesia). I needed a completely new replacement 3 weeks later. Another botch and another manipulation. I was in absolute agony, but Dr. Dodgin said I needed to walk on it. After 3 weeks of unimaginable pain trying to walk. Dr. Dodgin discovered that he had broken my leg during the second manipulation! Broke my leg and told me to walk on it. My leg had healed into a completely unnatural position which game my hip and my back pain. I saw many other orthopedic surgeon who told me the problem was not repairable and would not fix it. I finally found one who was willing to take a risk by trying to fix it. He told me that Dr. Dodgin has overestimated his abilities and should not have tried such a complex surgery. This doctor was actually a friend of Dr. Dodgin. The new doctor performed an 11 hour «salvage operation». He managed to straighten my leg, but it is hopelessly damaged. Once Dr. Dodgin realized that the problems were going to be serious, he somewhat disappeared and started sending in his colleagues to see me. A cowardly and pathetic act for a surgeon.
Just be careful, be very careful. The charm will disappear mighty fast if there is a problem.

Thank you Dr. Dodgin. We just left your office and I’m so grateful for your «bedside manner» for my loved one. You took the time to answer her questions and did your own examination (not just your nurse or PA). She didn’t have to reschedule for the steroid shot. You did it yourself right then and hopefully that did the trick to get her hip back on the right track. Thanks again.

I don’t know who/​what the bad reviewers here saw but it wasn’t Dr. Dodgin. I moved here 6 weeks after THR and Dr. Dodgin has come in as post-​operative care. He’s been awesome, caring, knowledgeable, thoughtful, and helpful. He spends as much time with me as I need and answers every question. He’s as good as the Ortho I had in Utah (who is one of the best in the country). He’s definitely a surgeon and is there for surgery rather than day to day care — that’s what a non-​surgical ortho is for.

I am now 10 months post hip-​replacement surgery, and I can assure you that there was nothing negative about my experience. At 58, I was devastated to learn that I already needed this, but I feel fortunate that I learned about the anterior approach and this experienced surgeon. My recovery period was challenging — after such major surgery, who could expect anything else? — but I was climbing stairs in my home after just 10 days and returned to work after only 4 weeks. Dr. Dodgin took a considerable amount of time with me in our initial discussions and answered all of my questions. Others posting reviews here see arrogance — I see confidence, and it played out in my results. His staff is friendly and professional and St. David’s hospital where he does the work was awesome.

If only we were able to give NEGATIVE star ratings. Dr. Dodgin is by far the most incompetent, unprofessional «doctor» I have ever encountered. After getting into a serious car accident last June (I was hit by a woman who ran a red light doing 40 mph) I was referred to Dr. Dodgin as a expert for my injury (torn PCL). After finally getting through the rude front office staff I was put in a room to wait… and wait… Dodgin finally graced me with his presence. He quickly glanced at my MRI (which any true professional knows my injury needs to be closely examined) and then prescribed me 4 weeks of physical therapy. In a flash, he was out the door and off to see his next victim. He didn’t take the time to explain my injury or what I could expect moving forward.
Fast forward 5 weeks later, after all the painful physical therapy I endured & another grueling MRI, I returned to Dodgin for my follow-​up and next step. I explained that there was no improvement and in fact my knee felt worse. Dodgin’ response? «I don’t know why you came to me in the first place. I don’t specialize in your injury. You’re going to need to go to a Specialist.» REALLY!!! You could have told me that BEFORE you wasted my time, money and prescribed me 4 WEEKS of painful therapy that you had no business prescribing if you’re not qualified to treat my type of injury!
It’s really unclear as to why Dodgin still has his medical license. He clearly DOES NOT CARE about his patients or their well being. Do yourself & your body a favor, if you hear of Dr. Dodgin RUN THE OTHER WAY! This guy is a quack, rude & unprofessional! Who wants that in their physician? Not me!

Had my 1^st cortisone injection, did NOT hurt a bit. It was awesome!
I am overweight and no one likes to be told this, but yes I was told if I want my knees to stop hurting I need to lose weight. Dr. Dodgin was not rude about it, i didnt feel like with other Drs that talk down to their patients he was actually really nice, helpful and answered all my questions. I’m sending my sister to see him next.

I had the good fortune to meet with Dr. Dodgin after a fluke fall that caused a fractured femoral neck (otherwise known as a broken hip). I knew I was hurt but didn’t know how bad, and he took PLENTY of time and answered all my questions before recommending that he place 3 pins in the joint — my risk at that point was a displacement which would require a full replacement — I’m 48, no thanks!
During surgery he went the extra mile as well — Titanium pins, and only three tiny incisions, when he could have done a much larger incision. He is an absolute professional, with a great personality and sense of humor. Is he busy? Sure — great docs are always in high demand.
My recovery was perfect and he was very attentive as I healed. I would go back and see him in a heartbeat.
Two years later my dad (72) was struggling with problems from a hip replacement from 5 years past — done in Dallas and using the now known faulty joint. I sent him to Dodgin who instantly gained his trust and admiration. My Dads surgery was very complex, as he had lots of damage from the bad joint — it actually took two surgeries and many hours to fix (known as a revulsion) — Dr. D told us he would heal slowly and may always need a cane, but he actually walks without one, and recovered very well. I credit Dodgin with the talent and care that took care of my Dad — there are many that would have rebuilt the hip with other more extreme measures. Dodgin had the skill to get it done right.
I have never sensed him as arrogant, but instead confident — the way I want my surgeons (and pilots :-)) to be. He is caring and attentive, and yes, pretty busy.
I am happy to wait a bit for the best. I would recommend him to anyone. He is top notch.

I chose Dr. Dodgin based on the one review I read here on Unilocal.Boy, was that a BIG mistake! Having recently moved to Texas, and leaving a dr. in California that I had seen for the past 7 months, I was forced to find a new orthopedic surgeon. At this time, after going through months of therapy to strengthen the muscle around my knee, having a cortisone injection as well as other injections, my CA Dr. decided it was time to scope my knee, since the above mentioned techniques didn’t help. He suggested that I find a Dr. in Austin, rather than come back to CA for the surgery. He enters Dr. Dodgin. First off, I have never been to a Dr.‘s office where the PA spends more time with you than the Dr. Dr. Dodgin’s PA walked in with a decision already made regarding my knee, based on my appearance. He basically told me that my knee hurts because I am over weight, and that there is no way the Cortisone shot wouldn’t have worked, if my previous Dr. knew how to give the injection properly! Really? Since when are cortisone injections 100% effective? I’ve had several in my life time and know of several people that have also had no effective pain relief from this type of injection. What works for some, does not always work for others. When Dr. Dodgin finally decided to come in and meet me, he did nothing to examine my knee. He came in, basically reiterated what his PA told me, insulted me, never examined my knee, gave me another cortisone injection, which I should have declined, and left. In addition, Dr. Dodgin felt it necessary to inform me of how he worked in the same CA area as my previous Dr., and had never heard of him. Is this yet another stab at my Dr.? Look him up, he is a very well respected Dr. in the Bay Area, whom has several more years of experience than you. He didn’t rush into surgery, he took every step possible to fix my knee prior to even discussing this option. He was caring, thoughtful, respectful and actually took the time to listen to me and my knee issues. This is way more than I can say about Dr. Dodgin. Stay away, unless you like to be insulted.

I liked Dr. Dodgin from the moment I saw him. He treated my father in a friendly professional way. I appreciated the fact that he answered my extra detailed medical questions giving both me and my father lots of personal attention and time.
Dr. Dodgin answered all of my dad’s questions along with mine and took our concerns seriously when I expressed a special non-​surgical issue. He is absolutely one of the best surgeons I have ever met. Dr. Dodgin is kind, intelligent, has a sense of humor, makes great eye contact, has wonderful bedside manner, is personable and thorough.
My dad’s knee surgery was a complete success and I feel that Dr. Dodgin is responsible for this! Hopefully I’ll never need hip or knee surgery ever, but he will be my first choice should I ever have to make such a decision. His office staff are friendly, polite and have been kind and informative to us every time we had to contact them.