Bruce McCormack, MD

Dr. Slander _​Bruce McCormack, MD
HE’LL DO Anything for money from the insurance COMPANY !!! …
it will be your turn to be sued soon!!!
beware to the public, do not trust this man, he has bad practice ethics
he will be reported to the California board!!!
i hope he’s done!!!
he ruined his own reputation!!!
do not trust this man… he’s a lair!!!
1^st class, thats a joke. he has no class!

Horribly unfriendly surgeon.
My husband is/​was in this hospital and unfortunately had to deal with this person. He’s in here for severe backpain and has electric shocks that make him scream and shake all over. Normally a shot of hydrocortison would make it better, but my husband is HIGHLY allergic to hydrocortison. He had extreme Hyves all over and other doctors (several!) told him that he should never get hydrocortison again because there is a huge risk of dying with this allergy.
McCormack didn’t believe him and just scoffed at him. He told him in a really shitty way to just deal with his pain and stay till after the weekend and have ‘some other doctor’ deal with him.“
Please consider a second opinion if you have to deal with this guy.

I have nothing but praise for Dr. McCormack, he is a first class surgeon and sharp as a tack. I am a retired San Francisco police officer; my back was injured in 2006 during a physical scuffle which herniated two disc’s in my lower back. Due to five back surgeries over a seven year period which did not seem to heal, I was sent to Dr. McCormack and he discovered that the fusions never fully healed. I am at present fused from L-​1 to S-​1. He performed a procedure in November 2014 where the incision was made from the front. All previous procedures were performed from the lower back. Dr. McCormack performed a very invasive procedure where he fused and bone grafted my spine from the front. I had no pain or problems from this serious surgery. I have other lower back issues which Dr. McCormack is presently working on. He is not a RUSH TO THE OPERATION type of Surgeon. Dr. McCormack explores many other possibilities or problems that may be causing back pain which appear to be from the back, but in reality are due to an injury somewhere else near the spine, thus eliminating unnecessary operations. I will most likely need more back surgery in the future and I know that I can depend on Dr. McCormack to take care of those problems. Thank you Dr. McCormack. Sincerely Dave P. Bardoni Retired S.F.P.D.

After doing considerable research and consulting 4 surgeons, including the head of orthopedics at Stanford and a doctor at UCSF, who wanted to fuse my entire lumbar area, I selected Dr. McCormack for back surgery. I was in terrible pain from stenosis and spondylolisthesis at L4/​L5. Dr. Mc was the only doctor who went over details of the MRI and he personally returned a call at my home to answer additional questions. The best part of this recommendation is that the day after the surgery I was pain free. Although I was unable to walk before without pain, I have returned to hiking mountains and gardening. One year later I am still giddy over feeling so good. This doctor may not be touch feely, but he is one hell of a surgeon.

Dr. McCormack was involved in the diagnosis and biopsy of my husband’s GBM tumors. When it became apparent that the situation was «dire» he was honest, caring and forthright in telling us what to expect and an idea of the time line.
His honesty helped us deal with our circumstances. I am very grateful that Dr. McCormack was his doctor.

Dr Bruce McCormack is awesome! When I’m looking for a surgeon, I’m not looking for a best friend. One thing I loved was he wasn’t sold on the surgery right away. He wanted me to go through a bunch of other steps before we went through with the surgery. He cares about his patient’s and makes sure everyone is on the same page. I recently had a triple lamincectomy L3, L4,L5 and cleaned out my spinal canal. The surgery went great and now I feel much better. I read other reviews about Dr McCormack and his bedside manner but who cares. I want a surgeon that knows what he’s doing and has confidence in his ability. I would recommend him to my own child or family member. I have the up most confidence and respect for the Dr and would go to him again. He’s one of the best in the Bay Area and not by my standards but by his peer’s. I got a 2^nd and 3^rd opinion and they both said he’s the one to do the surgery. So if you want the surgery done right with no regrets then look no further Dr McCormack is the man!!!

Dr. McCormack is simply the best. He told my husband (a doctor) he should not have surgery until his symptoms and ECG were more pronounced (what doctor does that?) he operated on him in 2009 and there has never been another problem. The spinal stenosis and related disc problems are gone. The cadaver bone graft is perfect. My husband, now 75, bikes in the gym daily for 20 miles. Surgery was 1.5 hours long and husband was in the hospital a total of 2 days (of course I am a nurse who could offer the routine care at home). We have recommended Dr. McCormack to many people… and now we are so pleased that he is seeing a close friend in Feb. Great surgeon.

Interesting to read the reviews. Dr. McCormack did a complicated surgery on my neck in 1996. I could not lift up my right arm from an injury. I am 99% perfect today after 17 years and very thankful. I found Dr. McCormack because I was told that when Doctors in the SF Bay Area had a case they did not want to handle, they would refer their patient to him. I am living proof. Bill S. Carmel Valley

Bruce McCormack gave me my life back. I was referred to him after two failed surgeries for lumbar disc herniations and spinal stenosis. First, a local back surgeon did a limited decompression, after which a supposedly «superstar» Stanford neurosurgeon mucked up an attempt at a spinal fusion.
At that point, my internist had me see another local neurosurgeon, who looked at my train wreck of a back and, w/​o hesitation, referred me to Dr. McCormack.
There’s such obsession here about his personality. Honest to goodness — who cares? He walked into the treatment room, looked at my wife and me, and asked «so, which one of you is the patient?» All business. No bs. He looked at reams of old MRI’s, reviewed my history, asked lots of questions, listened thoughtfully to the answers, sent me for more films, had me return to his office even though he was over-​scheduled, apologized and took an urgent consultation call from somewhere far away (he’s that good), then sat down and assessed everything for us.
In one (long) visit, we got a blunt assessment of what had happened previously, a clear diagnosis and treatment plan. He was patient, direct, and after initial coolness, kind. Yes, kind.
The surgery — another fusion — was scheduled and performed at the Buchanan St. campus. We saw Dr. McCormack every day. Marianna brought a post-​surgery appliance I had to wear for weeks to enhance bone growth, and his staff was PHENOMENALLY EFFICIENT.
It’s been five years, and I am totally pain free.
Every surgeon has detractors. Neurosurgeons, especially. And neurosurgeons like Dr. McCormack who take on complex cases are even likelier targets of criticism. All I can say is that I found him clinically brilliant, personally engaging and would recommend him to anyone. (in fact, he’s cared for several patients I referred; I haven’t heard a bad word from any of them.)

Not gonna lie, after reading all of the negative reviews from this guy, i was pretty ⁵⁰⁄₅₀ about seeing him. I was referred to this doctor from my workers comp. i got hurt from work and herniated a disc c5-​c6. I have previously seen three doctors including my primary physican. One of those MDs was a neurosurgeon and told me that I needed surgery immediately. He even tried to scare me into surgery, but because I am in the medical field and im in my younger years, i was skeptical. I spoke to my primary physican about what the first two doctors have said and my primary actually referred me to Md McCormack as well. I didn’t even say that I was seeing this doctor but if my primary refers me, then he must be good. Md McCormack doesnt have the most professional language speaking skills but after doing an assessment on me and looking at all my results he put me at ease. He is blunt and very straight forward. Which to a lot of people is a deal breaker, but with anything surgery related I need to know the good and the bad outcomes and what the best option. He is staight forward. I have to give it to this guy. He explained everything to me and made sure I had all my questions answered. This guy is great and saved me a surgery on my back which could of been a major mistake. I reccomend seeing this guy. He will tell you straight up what needs to be done and if what other doctors say is bs or not. I think this guy is a good doctor. I’ve seen some of his work at my work place as well and his work looked pretty good. havent had first hand experience yet but superficially his work looks good.

I wrote a previous review about Dr. McCormack, which for reasons that are unclear to me, is in the ‘filtered’ section. I finally did hear from him the day I wrote the review. I’m sure it wasn’t the review which prompted his call, bur rather my personal physician sent him x-​rays of my back. He called to comment on the x-​rays.
It is now 2.5 months after the surgery and I think he did a great job. It may be too early to tell what the final outcome will be, but given the much lower pain levels I am confident that this will be a successful surgery.
This doesn’t change my opinion of his bedside manner and his inattention (due to his vacation) after my surgery. He should have had a backup neuro checking my condition and available to answer basic questions like how long after surgery before the staples could be removed.

My mom urgently needed spine surgery and Dr. McCormack took very good care of her. He was professional and to the point, which is exactly what we needed. He was very nice and patient with us as English is my mom’s 2^nd language. He was very pleasant the morning of surgery and the days after, and put my mom at ease with her concerns. His office is extremely busy with him and his staff clearly sacrificing their lunch hour to accomodate patients. Gina was wonderful to work with and very caring. Marianna was awesome and efficient but also so very nice to my mom. Dr. McCormack came highly recommended to us and I can see why. This was one of the most stressful times in our lives and I am grateful that we had Dr. McCormack as my mom’s neurosurgeon.

What a awesome surgeon! I saw him for my herniated disk at the L1 S1 disk which was pinching my sciatic nerve. He took his time and explained the procedure that he planed on doing as well as made sure my questions were answered. He made sure that he scheduled me for surgery within the week since he noticed my left foot drooping… On the day of surgery he looked focused and energetic! Like a quarterback on game day. He did a great job since when I woke up the pain was gone and I was walking within the same day! Best of all I should be back to work within 6 weeks! I would highly recommend Dr McCormack to any one who needs the best back surgeon!

I originally posted this on a page with this doctor’s name, but I had the only review. [It is the same doctor with different listings here.] I think you should read it so I omitted the other and posted it here.
I was a long term runner and an athlete before this happened. I was hospitalized with excruciating back pain and was in the hospital for three days without a diagnosis when Dr. McCormack came to see me. After a very brief exam he told me he was going to discharge me, saying my pain was a flare up of an old back injury from years before. I told him that I was quite positive that this back pain was very different. I protested the discharge and contacted my primary care doctor (Dr. Jennifer Ross, outstanding and also Unilocaled here). Dr. Ross telephoned me in the hospital. Soon after a new team of doctors came to see me and eventually found a systemic blood infection — staphylococcus — with deep pockets of infection in my back and several other places in my body. [I was infected in the same hospital during a routine procedure eight months before this hospitalization.] The infection also shot out my neurological system. I was told that had I left when Dr. McCormack tried to send me home I would have had a heart attack and most likely would have died. I am much better now, but I still remember this experience, and I will never forget Dr. McCormack and how poorly and rudely he treated me.

I will admit, I read these reviews before seeing Dr. McCormack myself, but went in to see him anyway, even with the «bad bedside manner» comments. I have to say in hindsight those comments are HILARIOUS. Bad bedside manner? Not at all. He’s direct, efficient and knows what the heck he’s talking about. I don’t need to be friends with my neurosurgeon… I want him to be focused. And honestly, I found him quite charming.
I researched carpal tunnel surgery for months, even flying to Nevada to see a hand specialist there. By chance, I saw a billboard for the Manos Carpal Tunnel procedure that Dr. McCormack performs (and as I understand it, invented) and I after my initial consultation with him I knew this was the best option for me.
I had my left hand done in July. If you know anything about traditional carpal tunnel surgery, it’s a gruesome procedure. With the Manos procedure I was literally typing with my left hand the very next day (I know, I know, it’s why I have CT in the first place) and ran 4 miles 3 days after surgery (again, I know, I know). But the point is, I was able to do these things because the surgery was so non-​invasive. Within 2 weeks of the surgery, I felt like I had a new hand. My carpal tunnel syndrome was gone, and the two tiny little scars are barely noticeable.
Last week, I had the right hand done. This is my dominant hand so I was very scared to get this done. I kept my arm in a sling for a week (yes, I actually didn’t use my right hand for a whole week) and yesterday when I took off one of the bandages I couldn’t even see the incision! It literally disappeared. The incision on my wrist is still healing, but I after another week I’ll be as good as new. I should also mention that there were no stitches required. Just a small butterfly bandage thing (I have no idea what they’re actually called).
I cannot thank Dr. McCormack enough for what’s he’s done for me. I can finally sleep at night without my arms falling asleep and now I can work as much as my little heart desires! Seriously, the man is a miracle worker and I’m very grateful that he’s as focused as he is.
p. s. Marianna who schedules the surgery comes across as, um, a bit scary but underneath the yelling (yes, she kind of yells) she’s really a nice lady. But don’t say I didn’t warn you if she makes you cry.
p. p. s. If there was a 6 star rating, I’d give it.

After reading people whine about his gruff and cold bedside manner I thought I should share my story a little, because the thought not seeing the best surgeon because you are worried he isn’t «Nice enough» is just ridiculous.
When I wheeled myself into his office the Friday before labor day 2002 I he took o e look at my MRI and told me that he knew he could help me, despite my previous saw bones neurosurgeons insisting I was a lost cause. I had almost all the discs in my t-​spine bulged and herniated with all kinds of spinal injury.
Well I flat lined during my surgery and had to be recessitated and spent 30 days in ICU because I was a heavy person and smoker and the anesthesia almost killed me, but that was my fault, and dr McCormick not only saved my life that day but gave me my legs back.
Was he nice? No way, the guy is I neurosurgeon, nice and cocky with a god complex just like a surgeon like him should have. I don’t want patch Adams in my spinal column! I want a guy who is so good at it he is cocky and anti social about it. I was told that I was the first big scare in surgery and the only patient to have flatlined and that he although he handled it and still fixed my back he was very embarrassed and didn’t come to see me much after my mini coma and when he did he was still cocky and a bit gruff with me, but I don’t care at all. I run 2 miles on my elliptical machine everyday and dance at least once a week thanks to him and the hospital staff (which is awesome and CLEAN compared to your other options by far) I HATE people that act like he does to people, but I can’t think of the guy and my lifechanging life and death experience without crying or at least feeling very emotional and I’m a normally bottled up. I think if you are in more pain than you can imagine like most of his patients are before they see him that you should be willing to have your feelings hurt a little in exchange for your physical freedom.
What are your priorities? Health or playing the victim of your own bad luck? Make yourself the priority and see the best, do your research on success and his modern medical prowess and get your life back. You won’t care how much he looks down on you when you are high on morphine and feeling your legs again after them being numb. If you do, then maybe you just have PTSD which is very common to back patients and just need help on that end. Because crying about they way a person makes you feel sad after he saves you, just makes you kind of a dick, right?
Please get well soon, and remember that your health is worth more than your credit score or a bounced check, don’t let yourself be a cripple just to keep your rating. Money will come and go, it’s your life and they don’t make a sequel, so live it to it’s fullest, that is what counts.

Bedside Manner. Two words. Douche Bag! This guy has the worst bedside manner ever! I have two fractured vertebra in my lumbar spine and this guy knew it because he is technically an okay surgeon I guess but I’ll be quite frank. Today’s so called doctors really don’t know what the hell they are doing and surgery is not for everyone. He told me he would NOT prescribe pain meds or physical therapy until I let him cut me open. So I’m supposed to just let him blindly explore my one and only spine right. Even the teachers and student doctors at UCSF/​Mt. Zion’s Pain clinic called him an asshole. As it turns out for me, intense physical therapy like the way the million dollar athletes use to rehab is a much better answer for me than allowing some douche bag just blindly cut. I also luckily found a FANTASTIC Doctor who manages my pain quite well. Finally the stupid girls in his front office tried to double bill me the $ 10 copay! Do yourself a favor and stay away or, play at your own risk. Also, to all of you individuals talking that «fix» garbage. In my case a surgery would mean that I wouldn’t be able to bend over and tie my shoe. That is not fixing, that is «fixing». If you choose to live your life stiff like a robot then at least you will be good at one dance. Also I’m a tough as nails former Military Combat VETERAN. If you think you’re tougher than me, give me a ring and we’ll see about that. Right is right and this guy is just wrong.

This review is on behalf of my father.
My father wanted a second opinion after his doctor stated he required immediate surgery otherwise he might die. I found Dr. McCormick’ from my dad’s HMO website. From his resume, he is very educated and well trained to make a practical recommendation.
Dr. McCormick spent time to talk with my father about his ailment and performed physical tests to come to his own diagnosis. His recommendation of no surgery only confirmed what we had already determined from speaking with three other medical professionals.
My parents and I found him to be humorous, informative, and genuinely interested in my father’s well-​being even though it was the first time they had met.
I feel that his education and skills should outweigh any misconceptions others may write about him. I would recommend Dr. McCormick to anyone in need of a neurosurgeon.

Dr. Bruce McCormick may not be the most sociable of people, but he’s a brilliant neurosurgeon and he saved me from a life of pain. He is consumed by his work and it makes him somewhat socially awkward. Oh well. I’d say its even a little charming. I’d prefer comfort from my family and a Dr. that really knows what he’s doing anyway.
Oh, and it is his job to FIX you, not hand you a tissue (1 star)

Yikes! Stay away from this guy. I’m sure this doctor is a technically a great surgeon but his bedside manner is the worst. He never asked me about my well being (which indeed is his job). I’ve never written a bad Unilocal review but felt compelled to do so in order to warn those with back pain NOT to consult with him.