
David O. Okonkwo, MD, PhD
Spine Surgery
Neurosurgery
Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Adult
- Older Adult
Languages
- English
In-Network Plans
View All Accepted Plans (25)Gender
MaleAbout David O. Okonkwo
Dr. Okonkwo is professor of neurological surgery as well as clinical director of the Brain Trauma Research Center and director of the neurotrauma program. He also serves as director of the scoliosis and spinal deformity program at UPMC Presbyterian.
Dr. Okonkwo received his medical and doctoral degrees from the Medical College of Virginia of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. He completed his neurosurgical residency at the University of Virginia and a fellowship at Auckland Public Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand. He has also received specialized training in scoliosis and other spinal deformities.
Dr. Okonkwo has published more than 70 papers in refereed journals, authored numerous book chapters, and garnered several awards for his scientific research.
David Okonkwo, MD, PhD, specializes in neurosurgery and is certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. He practices at University of Pittsburgh Physicians, Department of Neurosurgery and is affiliated with UPMC Mercy, UPMC Presbyterian, and UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. He completed his residencies at University of Virginia Medical School, fellowship at Auckland City Hospital, and medical education at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical College.
This provider is affiliated with UPMC.

Provider Type
Physician
Locations
- UPMC Neurological Institute - Presbyterian
- 200 Lothrop Street, A402 UPMC Presbyterian, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- phone: 412-647-3685
Expertise
Education
University of Virginia Medical School
ResidencyAuckland City Hospital
FellowshipUniversity of Virginia Medical School
ResidencyVirginia Commonwealth University Medical College
Medical EducationBoard Certifications
Neurological Surgery
American Board of Neurological SurgeryInsurance
- 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
4.7 out of 5
173 ratings, 41 reviewsThe 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.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/4/2025
Dr and team are efficient and thorough with exam and care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/10/2025
Dr Okonwa is one of the best dr's I've been to
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/3/2025
Everything was thoroughly explained
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/27/2025
Very professional and personable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/19/2024
Dr. Okonkwo has often been rude, degrading and disrespectful. This time he could not have been better!
- 2 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/9/2024
I know he is the best surgeon. I know he has more important things to do than worry about my minor brain injury but it does not feel good to feel as though you are bothering someone when contemplating the largest decision of your life! He seemed bothered that I was still deciding on a course of action despite this being our second conversation ever.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2024
My heroes in this practice.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2024
Good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/31/2024
Always a good experience with Dr O and his PA's
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/31/2024
I appreciated the honesty about the proposed surgery. He did not sugar coat it.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2024
I feel very blessed by the whole experience
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/17/2024
Dr Okonkwo and his team are absolutely amazing. I've had three spine surgeries performed by Dr. Okonkwo. The care before and after has been extraordinary. He always has time for you whether he's behind or not. Word will never be enough to express my gratitude for the positive changes in my life!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/22/2024
Dr. Okonkwo and the physician assistants, whole team, were kind, caring, compassionate and very helpful!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/28/2024
He brought an angle to my situation that no other physician had noticed. As a result, I will do less extensive surgery on my spine, which is less risky long term.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/6/2024
Dr Okonkwo was amazing. He made me feel at ease right away. And looked me in the eye so I felt like he cared about helping with my problem
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/9/2024
I have already referred Dr. Okonkwo and will continue. He was easy to talk to and discuss my spinal issues. To me he must be one of the best if not the best at UPMC.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/2/2024
Doctor does wonders
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/28/2024
Always a pleasure to chat with Dr Okonkwo!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/28/2024
Feel very worth the 2 and a half hour drive made from altoona pa. Felt a caring , compassionate feeling from dr. Okonkwo. Made me feel at ease . He listened to me in a caring way. Felt like he cared. Explained everything in a way could understand.told me the positives and negatives I should expect which I appreciated
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/11/2024
All 3 doctors listened and provided feedback on possible solutions to resolve my conditions
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/8/2024
Dr. Okonkwo and his Residents and Fellows were great. I so appreciate how Dr. Okonkwo comes into the exam room, sits down and gives you his total attention. He listens well, explained the probable cause of my back pain and listened to my response and questions. Wonderful physician!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/29/2024
I have recommended Dr. Okonkwo to others as he is the best at what he does. I appreciate that his office got me in so quickly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/18/2023
Dr.David Okonwko has always been very professional but also takes the time to explain everything to me so I understand. Answers any questions and I am one hundred percent satisfied with the care he has given me.
- 3 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/14/2023
Dr. Okonkwo tends to brush over potential side effects and risks. I would have liked to see the x-ray and CT films as part of the explanation.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/14/2023
Dr. Okonkwo is an excellent doctor. He is not only a highly skilled doctor, he is easy to talk with and hears what you are saying. That has become a rarity with most doctors.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/7/2023
I have recommended dr o
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/30/2023
Thank you
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/16/2023
There aren't enough words to describe the faith I have in Dr. Okonkwo. He operated on my back twice. First surgery was serious and long loss of blood. When I first saw him he assured me Iwas going to be FINE! The second surgery was very difficult I was stressed I fell it was emergency surgery. He stated he'd fix my back again! I would trust him with my life. Oh wait I did and so thankful to God for Dr. Okonkwo. He told ME to call him any time If If I feel the need to see him. Well all I say I'm not a Steeler Star football player but he did make me feel like one. God bless him and staff!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/16/2023
The doctor was wonderful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/9/2023
Dr. Okonkwo is one in-a-million who has all the characteristics, personality, knowledge, wisdom and experience that make up an awesome doctor and spinal surgeon.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/14/2023
Doctor Onkonkwo is a tremendous surgeon and person. I cannot say enough about him!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/28/2023
Took his time to understand my goalsExcellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/24/2023
Dr Okonkwo is alway attentive and addressed all my concerns in a thorough manner.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/21/2023
Can't say enough positive things. The best.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/10/2023
Dr O was always upfront with how well my surgery would go.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/3/2023
Dr. Okonkwo is simply the best!! My family and myself are so thankful for all he has done for me! I refer him to anyone I talk to that I think could use his services.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/20/2023
I would always recommend Dr. Okonkwo and staff.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/8/2023
Dr. Okonkwo was wonderful. He sat down and listened well to my concerns. Reassured me and then discussed annual follow-up to keep a watchful eye on any deterioration of my scoliosis and possible need for surgery. His reputation is spot on!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/8/2023
I have already recommended Dr Okonkwo to people I know
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/11/2023
Dr. Okonkwa is very forthcoming and thorough
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/4/2023
Dr.Okonkwo and his PA Alicia Bergell are always extremely caring and accommodating.