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William F. Donaldson

William F. Donaldson, MD

Spine Surgery

Accepting New Patients
Online Booking
Video Visit
4.8 of 5 stars286 ratings, 65 reviews
Need help scheduling? Call 412-687-3900

Highlights

Age Groups Seen

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Languages

  • English

Gender

Male

About William F. Donaldson

William F. Donaldson, III, MD, is a graduate of the Rush Medical College. He completed a residency in orthopaedic surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery, as well as a fellowship in spine surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. Dr. Donaldson serves on the program committee for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Scoliosis Research Society, and the Rocky Mountain Trauma Society. He is also involved in the Cervical Spine Research Society, North American Spine Society, and the International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine. He has published more than 100 articles, book chapters, and textbooks, and regularly presents his clinical and research findings at national meetings. He serves as executive vice chairman for Clinical Services, and division chief of the spine service for Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Donaldson has been recognized as one of Pittsburgh’s "Top Docs" by Pittsburgh Magazine since 2000. He specializes in the care of spinal disorders and spinal surgery.
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Provider Type

Physician

Locations

  1. UPMC Sports Medicine
    • 8000 Cranberry Springs Drive, Cranberry Township, PA 16066
    • UPMC Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
      • 3471 5th Avenue, Suite 1010, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

      Expertise

      Education

      Hospital for Special Surgery

      Fellowship

      Hospital for Special Surgery

      Residency

      Rush University Medical College

      Medical Education

      Board Certifications

      Orthopaedic Surgery

      American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

      Insurance

      Please call the physician's office to verify insurance coverage.
      Search plans
      • UPMC for Life
      • UPMC for You
      • UPMC Health Plan
      • Aetna
      • Aetna CHIP
      • Amerihealth Caritas
      • Caresource
      • Cigna
      • Gateway
      • Health America
      • Health America / Advantra
      • Highmark
      • Humana
      • Independent Health
      • Medical Mutual of OH
      • Medicare
      • Non-PA Medical Assistance
      • PA Health And Wellness
      • PA Medical Assitance
      • Palmetto
      • The Health Plan
      • Tricare
      • Unison
      • United Healthcare
      • Veterans Choice

      Ratings & Reviews

      4.8 out of 5

      286 ratings, 65 reviews

      The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

      Care provider's efforts to include you in the decisions about your care
      Average provider Care provider's efforts to include you in the decisions about your care rating 4.7 out of 5 stars
      Concern the care provider showed for your questions or worries
      Average provider Concern the care provider showed for your questions or worries rating 4.7 out of 5 stars
      Explanations the care provider gave you about your problem or condition
      Average provider Explanations the care provider gave you about your problem or condition rating 4.7 out of 5 stars
      Care provider's discussion of any proposed treatment
      Average provider Care provider's discussion of any proposed treatment rating 4.6 out of 5 stars
      Likelihood of your recommending this care provider to others
      Average provider Likelihood of your recommending this care provider to others rating 4.7 out of 5 stars
      Search reviews
        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/11/2025

        Dr. Donaldson explained my condition and then took the time to make sure I understood my condition.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/11/2025

        Dr Donaldson and his staff are always top notch

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/29/2025

        Listened to my concerns of previous treatment. Explained what was done and suggested future treatment

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 12/17/2024

        Dr. Donaldson was incredibly helpful and went over everything in great detail. I appreciate the time he took to go over all of the images and options.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 12/17/2024

        What a terrific office!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/20/2024

        Dr. Donaldson was concerned, focused and provided direction for me and my issue.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/12/2024

        The experience with Dr. Donaldson was so supportive and helpful. He was obviously an expert, and had a bedside manner that was so kind and helpful. When he realized I had a second concern, he made it work to get another x-ray and address that on the spot. Such a great experience-thank you so much!!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/30/2024

        Good

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/29/2024

        Doctors Fakhre and Donaldson were excellent.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/16/2024

        Top rated in my book

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/15/2024

        Dr. Donaldson did a very good job with my surgery. Hospital staff was great. They took good care of me. Lauren was always helping me with questions and very prompt answers. I would highly recommend this hospital,staff and Dr.for any back related issues. I can't thank Dr. Donaldson enough.

        4 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/4/2024

        Good

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/27/2024

        All my questions were answered. I am very pleased with the visit.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/20/2024

        Dr Donaldson and others in this office are always very thorough, professional, and kind. This is why I have come to him for 20 years.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/6/2024

        Can't recommend Dr. Donaldson because he is retiring from practice. But I like him very much. We have worked together for 2 years on my issues..

        3 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/6/2024

        He is retiring & not performing surgery.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/17/2024

        Have seen this doctor for three previous issues.Obviously I think highly of him and his work. That's why I chose him again

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/17/2024

        Dr. Donaldson is a great doctor. He listens carefully, asks questions when needed, and answered any questions I had. He is a great doctor.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/17/2024

        Dr Donaldson is a very conservative MD. He is kind and gentle. He could teach your residents and interns about excellent bedside manner.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/26/2024

        Best doctor ever!!!!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/26/2024

        Great communication with both dr and physician's assistant/nurse practitioner

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/18/2024

        All physicians/medical specialists should emulate this group's philosophy and interpersonal interactions

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/11/2024

        I would recommend these doctors in this office to anyone with symptoms similar to my own.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/5/2024

        Dr explained what he was do8ng & why & quickly got things going

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/29/2024

        Overall, a very helpful and good experience

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/14/2024

        Doctor Donaldson impressed me in every way. I am thankful that he used his knowledge and expertise to direct my care. I will recommend him to all in need.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/30/2024

        I never feel rushed by Dr Donaldson. He lets me ask my questions and things that are concerning and gives clear answers and opinions.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/3/2024

        I refer Dr Donaldson to anyone I hear has issues, he's a remarkable Dr.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/2/2024

        No new treatment plan at this time. Outcome of surgery was excellent - I have recommended Dr Donaldson to people already

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 3/27/2024

        I have been recommending Dr Donaldson since he did my neck surgery 20 years ago. He did a fabulous job and I really haven't had any limitations from a broken neck. So glad that I chose him.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 3/26/2024

        Very pleased

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 3/12/2024

        Evan though I still have more testing & follow up, I left feeling so relieved & confident that I'm in good hands!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 3/12/2024

        Good

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/28/2024

        Al aspects of appointment and interaction/responses very good and meaningful/helpful

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/14/2024

        Dr. Donaldson always has alot of patience answering questions & providing options for the best care for the best prognosis.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/13/2024

        Dr. Donaldson is a wonderful doctor. He explained my problem. We talked about it.The resident that saw me first was very good also

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/6/2024

        Dr. Donaldson and Dr. Wesley annswered all my questions and put me at ease. They both listened to all my concerns and were thorough in their explanations. They were excellent!

        4 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/6/2024

        He is the best spinal surgeon around. He set my fears aside that the surgery would need to be redone. Previously he was worried about a screw placement on the bottom and I assumed that was the reason for the pain.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/17/2024

        Provider showed great care, concern, was not in a hurry to get my appointment completed

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/11/2024

        Dr Donaldson was very kind and had amazing bedside manner. I would recommend him to anyone.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/9/2024

        Dr Donaldson and his staff are fantastic. The takes the time to thoroughly explain my issues and discuss all my options. I would give him a 10. I recommend him to everyone I know who have back issues

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 12/19/2023

        Dr. Donaldson listened to my concerns. He reviewed my Scans & mri, unfortunately there was nothing he could do to help me with the pain I am having.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 12/13/2023

        GREAT

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 12/13/2023

        Dr. Donaldson spent a lot of time explaining my problem to my husband and me. He thoroughly explained the treatment plan.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 12/5/2023

        All good

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/29/2023

        Wish all UPMC personnel were this cordial, knowledgeable and effective.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/7/2023

        A good experience.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/26/2023

        Excellent

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/24/2023

        Dr Donaldson is a good listener. He answered all my concerns. He makes you feel like you are his only patient.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/19/2023

        Good

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/30/2023

        Very kind pa and Dr w . Professional and to the point

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/29/2023

        Dr. Donaldson is one of the first doctors who actually listened to my issue and didn't push me off! He also was very intensive to my needs and made sure I understood ever test they ran and also my diagnosis. He's definitely the best in his field! Very compassionate. We don't see that very often and I'm glad I got the chance to meet and work with him!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/29/2023

        Dr. Donaldson always shows empathy and compassion. It is refreshing that he takes a fair amount of time to listen to and discuss my concerns

        4 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/16/2023

        It kind of felt like the doctor was able to look at my test results and knew what course of treatment to prescribe, but I didn't really feel like there was a good explanation of why my condition had gotten worse, why, if there are structural issues, the prescribed treatment, which is muscular related, would help the structural issues, or why the treatment would help prevent the condition from getting worse in the future. Everyone was very nice and helpful, and admittedly, I hadn't thought to ask these questions during the appointment.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/15/2023

        Good

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/15/2023

        Great doctor

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/2/2023

        Resident Doctor and Dr Donaldson took time, explained the X-rays and how we can treat my condition.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/25/2023

        Dr Donaldson is awesome! He seems genuine about addressing my problems. He provides more time and care than most doctors! I can't say enough good things about him!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/27/2023

        I tell anyone else that has back problem to get Dr.Donaldson. No problem with the care I got . He got me a ride Home in an ambulance to keep me flat thanks

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/14/2023

        I have rarely met a physician who has exhibited as much concern as Dr. Donaldson demonstrated. He explained in detail exactly what is wrong with me. I probably would show less enthusiasm for him if he had not given me totally unanticipated good news, but I think he deserves 5 stars.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/6/2023

        Excellent

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/30/2023

        Dr Donaldson is kind and takes time to explain and discuss options

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/16/2023

        Great Doctors

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/16/2023

        Dr.Donaldson was very professional and explained everything he needed to tell me. My husband and I both liked him very much.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/2/2023

        Excellent