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David O. Okonkwo

David O. Okonkwo, MD, PhD

Spine Surgery

Neurosurgery

Accepting New Patients
4.7 of 5 stars173 ratings, 41 reviews
Need help scheduling? Call 412-647-3685

Highlights

Age Groups Seen

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Languages

  • English

Gender

Male

About 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.

Logo for This provider is affiliated with UPMC.

Provider Type

Physician

Locations

  1. UPMC Neurological Institute - Presbyterian
    • 200 Lothrop Street, A402 UPMC Presbyterian, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

    Expertise

    Education

    University of Virginia Medical School

    Residency

    Auckland City Hospital

    Fellowship

    University of Virginia Medical School

    Residency

    Virginia Commonwealth University Medical College

    Medical Education

    Board Certifications

    Neurological Surgery

    American Board of Neurological 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

    4.7 out of 5

    173 ratings, 41 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.

    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 4.6 out of 5 stars
    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 4.6 out of 5 stars
    Care provider's discussion of any proposed treatment
    Average provider Care provider's discussion of any proposed treatment rating 4.5 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 4/4/2025

      Dr and team are efficient and thorough with exam and care

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 3/10/2025

      Dr Okonwa is one of the best dr's I've been to

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 3/3/2025

      Everything was thoroughly explained

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 1/27/2025

      Very professional and personable

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed 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 stars
      Reviewed 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 stars
      Reviewed on 12/2/2024

      My heroes in this practice.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 11/18/2024

      Good

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 10/31/2024

      Always a good experience with Dr O and his PA's

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 10/31/2024

      I appreciated the honesty about the proposed surgery. He did not sugar coat it.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 10/21/2024

      I feel very blessed by the whole experience

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed 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 stars
      Reviewed on 7/22/2024

      Dr. Okonkwo and the physician assistants, whole team, were kind, caring, compassionate and very helpful!!

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

      Doctor does wonders

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 3/28/2024

      Always a pleasure to chat with Dr Okonkwo!

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed 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 stars
      Reviewed on 3/11/2024

      All 3 doctors listened and provided feedback on possible solutions to resolve my conditions

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed 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 stars
      Reviewed 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 stars
      Reviewed 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 stars
      Reviewed 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 stars
      Reviewed 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 stars
      Reviewed on 12/7/2023

      I have recommended dr o

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 11/30/2023

      Thank you

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed 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 stars
      Reviewed on 11/16/2023

      The doctor was wonderful

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed 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 stars
      Reviewed on 9/14/2023

      Doctor Onkonkwo is a tremendous surgeon and person. I cannot say enough about him!

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 8/28/2023

      Took his time to understand my goalsExcellent

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 8/24/2023

      Dr Okonkwo is alway attentive and addressed all my concerns in a thorough manner.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 8/21/2023

      Can't say enough positive things. The best.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed on 8/10/2023

      Dr O was always upfront with how well my surgery would go.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed 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 stars
      Reviewed on 7/20/2023

      I would always recommend Dr. Okonkwo and staff.

      5 out of 5 stars
      Reviewed 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 stars
      Reviewed on 6/8/2023

      I have already recommended Dr Okonkwo to people I know

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

      Dr. Okonkwa is very forthcoming and thorough

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

      Dr.Okonkwo and his PA Alicia Bergell are always extremely caring and accommodating.