Gerald (Rusty) Rodts, Jr., MD
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RoleNeurosurgery, Spine Surgery
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Specialty
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Practicing Since1994
Rating: 4.9 out of 5 (825 ratings)
Dr. Rodts’ clinical interests in spine include degenerative conditions, tumors, rheumatoid arthritic conditions of the cervical spine, revision spine surgery, and traumatic injuries. He is Chief, Division of Spine Surgery, in the Department of Neurosurgery at Emory School of Medicine. He joined his orthopaedic spine colleagues in the Emory Spine Center in 2005. He has held numerous leadership positions and honored speaker opportunities including:
Dr. Rodts serves on the editorial boards of Neurosurgery, The Journal of Spinal Disorders and Techniques, and the Japanese Spine Journal. He is the former Scientific Program Chairman of the CNS and of the AANS/CNS Joint Spine annual meetings. He greatly enjoys teaching post-graduate fellows, residents and medical students. He is a spine consultant to the NFL and to Georgia Tech football. Every year since 2005, he has received the Castle Connolly Research Award as a Top Neurosurgeon in the United States and has been named one of Atlanta Magazine’s Top Neurosurgeons.
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| 4.9 |
| Provider showed concern |
| 4.9 |
| Provider explained things clearly |
| 4.9 |
| Provider discussed treatment options |
| 4.9 |
| Provider included you in decisions |
| 4.9 |
| Likelihood of recommending this provider |
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02/27/2026 |
Dr. Rodts is exceptional and very clear in his discussions and explanations of the medical findings and the methods of correcting the issues. |
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02/24/2026 |
Dr Rodts is extremely thorough, professional, warm, welcoming, knowledgeable, and helpful. |
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02/17/2026 |
Dr Rodt is excellent. His staff is likewise excellent. The entire experience dealing with he and his team has been great. Very happy. |
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02/13/2026 |
Dr Rodts took plenty of time with me and gave me a thorough, clear explanation of my back problems. |
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02/10/2026 |
I have recommended Dr. Rodts and a friend of mine had him do her surgery. He's the best!! |
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02/10/2026 |
I have full confidence in Dr. Rodts' knowledge and ability. |
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02/06/2026 |
Dr Rodt and staff were very nice and informative |
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02/03/2026 |
I always have had the best experience with the entire staff. |
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02/03/2026 |
Dr. Rodts was excellent with regards to evaluating, communicating findings and recommended path forward, and providing thoughtful answers to my questions. |
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02/03/2026 |
Dr. Rodts has excellent medical knowledge, great experience, first class interpersonal and communication skills. |
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01/30/2026 |
Dr. Rodts explained the problem and procedure clearly, confidently, and yet I never felt he was rushing through the visit. I have great confidence in him as my doctor and the proposed procedure. |
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01/25/2026 |
PA showed concern for my situation and was thorough in our conversation.Doctor did a great job of explaining my condition and my options. He made me feel comfortable with my decision. |
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01/23/2026 |
Dr Rodts as usual was excellent in all categories |
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01/19/2026 |
Dr. Rodts is an outstanding physician. He explains everything clearly and gives the best medical advice. |
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01/18/2026 |
All good |
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01/10/2026 |
Dr Rodts is Excellent! |
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12/23/2025 |
The experience was very good; there was not a single bad apple who was responsible for my comfort and care. |
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12/20/2025 |
Answered all my questions |
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12/12/2025 |
Love & trust my doctor completely. |
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12/09/2025 |
Dr. Rodts explains the fusion operation in full, and he answered my many questions. Plus he is so professional, smart and nice. He has a wonderful bedside manner, |
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12/07/2025 |
Dr. Rodts is the best surgeon of any type I have had the pleasure of dealing with. He is very knowledgeable, very skilled, he listens extremely well and shows great concern for my well being. |
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12/05/2025 |
I would absolutely recommend Dr Rodts |
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12/05/2025 |
Dr Rodts and staff are top notch. They understood my history and thoroughly discussed all options forward. |
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12/04/2025 |
I had surgery by Dr Rodts over 20 years ago and I have recommended him to friends since then. |
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12/02/2025 |
Dr. Rodts provided an excellent, educational explanation of my condition. He clearly showed why I'm experiencing this level of pain via XRAY or MRI and walked me through the recommended solution in a way that was easy to understand. He was thorough, patient, reassuring, and very well spoken. I felt informed and supported during the visit. I walked away with the feeling of hope, Something I have not felt in a very time. |
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11/21/2025 |
I felt very cared for. |
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11/18/2025 |
Dr Rodts was awesome!!! |
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11/15/2025 |
Dr Rodts was incredibly generous with his time, thorough in his evaluation and extremely personable. |
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11/12/2025 |
In interacting with Dr.Rodts and staff, I found them to be extremely informative and good teachers. |
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11/06/2025 |
Excellent Dr. |
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11/04/2025 |
Dr. Rodts is GREAT! Will recommend him highly to others. |
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10/30/2025 |
Dr. Rodts and his staff, especially Jamie Bowen, are top notch. They take very good care of their patients. |
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10/28/2025 |
Dr. Rodt was fantastic in explaining all the details and options that I have for my back pain. The surgery explanation was thorough and easy to understand as he did not use all the medical terminology. The optiona procedure was also explained in terms that were easy to understand. He used a model, which helped to have a visual. I certainly appreciate his knowledge and commitment to help you understand what will take place for either of my particular options. |
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10/24/2025 |
Dr Rodts absolutely first class in every wa |
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10/21/2025 |
Dr. Rodts does a thorough job. |
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10/16/2025 |
I have been dealing with this situation for a long time. I think this doctor is the fire one to truly understand my issue. |
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10/14/2025 |
I walked into office anticipating surgery would be required and Dr Rodts thoroughly explained why I do not need surgery right now. I was extremely thrilled yet relieved to have that response from the neurosurgeon. |
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10/10/2025 |
Excellent diagnosis and proposed treatment plan provided by physician. |
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10/04/2025 |
Excellent job by the doctor and his PA. They both showed compassion and understanding. |
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10/03/2025 |
Dr Rodts and staff are excellent. |
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09/30/2025 |
World class care and expertise |
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09/21/2025 |
We were cared for and educated for such a long time by Dr. Rodts all before he even knew we were going to commit to his care plan. Totally blown away by his expertise, knowledge, kindness and patience with our questions. He was never hurried. For the first time in a long time, I am excited about my future. |
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09/20/2025 |
Have already referred him to several friends and acquantices |
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09/11/2025 |
I was pleased beyond belief with the care I received at my appointment with Dr. Rodts and his team. They were thorough, caring and they listened to all of my concerns. I could not have asked for a better experience. |
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09/10/2025 |
Dr. Rodts and his entire staff are amazing! Everything explained thoroughly during emotionally and physically difficult times |
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08/26/2025 |
I I cannot imagine going through my back issues without Dr Rodts. At every visit, he takes the time to thoroughly answer all of my questions - A rare quality these days. I truly appreciate his care and dedication. |
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08/26/2025 |
Dr. Rodts is a very warm greeting and caring doctor. He listens and he seems to care about his patients overall well-being. I am having some surgery related issues and he listens to me without making me feel like it's not a big deal. |
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08/24/2025 |
Dr Rodts is the absolute best! |
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08/22/2025 |
Dr. Rodts spent 45 minutes with me! Explained everything so well. I feel very confident that I'm in good hands. |
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08/22/2025 |
Dr Rodts excellent in every aspect. |
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08/15/2025 |
The whole staff was great! I am happy the dr took time to go through everything with me. I felt like I mattered and the dr cared. |
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08/14/2025 |
Diagnosed the pain in my hips as bursitis in 5 seconds! |
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08/10/2025 |
Incredible support from everyone. I just spoke to the 4th person about my experiences at Emory, WOW! |
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08/08/2025 |
Dr Rodts is a wonderful doctor and so is his staff |
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07/23/2025 |
Dr. Rodts is the best! |
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07/22/2025 |
We recommend Dr. Rodts and his staff at every opportunity we have. |
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06/28/2025 |
Dr Rodts always spends as much time as I need to answer questions and explain things to me. |
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06/27/2025 |
Dr Rodts, is the best and we have seen each other since 2007. I would never go see anyone else |
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06/27/2025 |
Everything about Dr. Rodts and his staff was very professional and impressive. I cannot be happier with the professionalism of everyone I came in contact with. |
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06/26/2025 |
Dr Rodts was the answer to my prayers- Regarding to why I am having issues with my back. He explained everything with what is going on with my back in a way that I could understand and what choices I had to help with my pain. |
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06/18/2025 |
Dr Rodst is a wonderful doctor. I refer him all the time when friends have back problems. |
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06/12/2025 |
Everyone was explaining & listening |
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06/11/2025 |
I am looking forward of returning for my surgery and also telling our friends about y'all as well. Great service. |
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06/10/2025 |
Rusty Rodts is the best of the best |
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06/10/2025 |
Excellent discussion with Doctor |
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06/10/2025 |
Dr Rodtz was referred to me by a friend who had surgery done by him, and I'm glad he did. I found him very professional and caring, In addition to extremely knowledgeable!! |
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06/10/2025 |
Everything went well. |
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05/31/2025 |
I have referred 5 friends to Dr. Rodts. Two have experienced wonderful outcomes. One is in process and one is scheduled for surgery. The fifth is considering. |
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05/30/2025 |
Dr. Rodts is excellent communicator; attentive, empathetic, positive, interested, clear, respectful , thorough, and patient! Kudos also to Dr. Nelson, thanks! |
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05/15/2025 |
I was very impressed by Dr. Rodts and his staff. |
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05/15/2025 |
I was so impressed with Dr Rodts, his ability to describe in detail my probable diagnosis and the anatomy that it affected. He has great bedside manner and never made me feel rushed. |
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05/07/2025 |
Each were superb and by far exceeded my expectations. Would highly recommend them to anyone seeking the highest level of care! |
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05/06/2025 |
I was in lots of pain and Dr. Rodts was helping me And took time to explain things to me. |
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05/02/2025 |
Dr Rodts is the very best in every aspect of my care. Couldn't be happier |
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05/01/2025 |
Dr Rodts, as well as his resident were fantastic and informing me, but what was going on my options and I would highly recommend them anytime |
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04/20/2025 |
I am very happy with all the treatment and care I have received. |
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03/25/2025 |
One of the best doctors I have ever seen |
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03/21/2025 |
The surgeon and front desk staff were amazing. |
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03/18/2025 |
Dr. Rodts thoroughly explain my health issue and hir recommendations for a solution. |
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03/14/2025 |
Best in all the U.S. |
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03/11/2025 |
Dr Rodts makes me believe he truly cares about me |
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02/27/2025 |
Excellent informative experience |
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02/25/2025 |
Dr. Was wonderful. |
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02/14/2025 |
I am very happy with Dr.Rodts and his team for their care, I feel comfortable with them taking Carr of me |
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02/11/2025 |
Dr. Rodts is an excellent communicator, as well as an excellent physician. He listens carefully, explains clearly and collaboratively, and instills confidence in the process and the plan. |
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02/11/2025 |
Dr Rodts and the entire staff are professional and 2nd to none! Thankful to receive care! |
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02/11/2025 |
Every thing good |
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02/04/2025 |
Dr Rodts is terrific: perfect description of complicated process |
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02/02/2025 |
Already had referred Dr. Rodts to two friends, who are now his extremely satisfied patients. |
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01/28/2025 |
I was very impressed with Dr Rodts. He seemed very knowledgeable & explained everything very well |
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01/26/2025 |
Gerald Rodts is excellent! |
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01/14/2025 |
Extremely caring amd professional. |
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01/09/2025 |
The office visit was a little long. The information that I got from the NP and the doctor was very helpful. |
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01/07/2025 |
Dr Rodts is the best. A gentleman and a skilled Doctor |
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12/29/2024 |
Love Dr Rodts and his staff. Fantastic experience |
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12/20/2024 |
Dr. Rodts ALWAYS spends time with us and explains everything. |
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12/19/2024 |
Clear & concise feedback |
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12/13/2024 |
Dr Rodts is very thorough, caring, compassionate and helpful. I have total trust and faith in him. |
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12/11/2024 |
A perfect group knowledge of your case and concerns. Top notch |
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11/23/2024 |
Wonderful |
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11/20/2024 |
Dr. Rodts was very thorough explaining my issues and why/how the surgery can correct my problems |
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11/08/2024 |
Dr. Rodts is the best neurosurgeon in the world. |
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11/05/2024 |
Dr. Rodts and his staff were very efficient and took time to explain all options. |
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10/29/2024 |
Everyone really cared that I was in pain. I have been to other appointments not with Emory and they talked a good game but didn't seem to care about my pain level |
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10/25/2024 |
We adore Dr. Rodts. He is always thorough. |
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10/25/2024 |
Top notch service. |
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10/25/2024 |
Dr. Rodts is always very thorough with explaining X-rays and MRI's. He is very friendly, pleasant and never seems rushed. |
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10/16/2024 |
Dr Rodts and his staff are the best. |
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10/16/2024 |
It is rare to have a doctor spend the amount of time that Dr. Rodts did to answer all my questions. |
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10/03/2024 |
Answered all questions and spent a lot of time explaining recommendations |
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09/17/2024 |
Second to none |
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09/17/2024 |
Dr. Rodts and his professional staff beyond exceptional! Courtesy, professionalism, care to ensure understanding in plain language gratifying. |
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09/07/2024 |
Already have recommended this Provider to others! |
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09/02/2024 |
Experience is always wonderful. |
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08/31/2024 |
From the moment I arrived at the checkin desk in Suite 1060 until I moved on to X-Ray and then exited the building, I was treated in a very respectful manner with concern and understanding. At last, I'm hopeful I've found the right place to get some help with my back issues and be able to return to a reasonable quality of life. |
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08/27/2024 |
Great doctor. He was well prepared. |
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08/23/2024 |
I have confidence in Dr Rhodts which is so important in his field of specialty. |
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08/16/2024 |
Again, Emily was terrific! |
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08/13/2024 |
Saw a Physician Assistant, who was excellent! |
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07/28/2024 |
Emily is wonderful. She is very knowledgeable and caring. We love her!! |
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07/23/2024 |
I love EMORY; Don't change anything; just keep on being EMORY! |
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07/09/2024 |
Dr. Rodts was extremely pleasant and explained everything clearly. It is easy to see why he is so well thought of. |
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06/27/2024 |
Dr. Rodts was the most thorough, caring, all around pleasant Dr. I have ever met. After being told by so many Dr's they couldn't do anything for me, to hear him give me a plan of solution nearly made me cry happy tears. |
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06/25/2024 |
My husband and I came into the appt with Dr Rodts terrified from a previous diagnosis. He was the kindest and most thorough and most encouraging doctor I have ever seen for any problem, especially a serious one . Both he and his PA Emily put us immediately at ease. Dr Rodts showed us pictures of my MRI and explained everything in easy understandable terms. I am forever in his debt and look forward to his care in the future. Life changing for me and my husband. Truthfully! |
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06/24/2024 |
Dr. Rodts was very personable as well as professional. He spent much time with his assessment and explanations of my issues,I feel that his treatment suggestions will make a very positive difference In my symptoms.I would definitely recommend Dr. Rodts to others!! |
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06/23/2024 |
The took a while. I was very pleased with the attention that I was given. That can help you make any decisions if you're worried about a procedure. |
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06/21/2024 |
Dr. Rodts is very caring, professional, knowledgeable and tries everything to help me. |
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06/18/2024 |
Dr Rodts went out of his way to attend to my interests and/or concerns. |
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06/16/2024 |
Excellent experience. |
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06/16/2024 |
Dr Rodts REALLY listened to me. He showed true care for my ongoing back pain that another provider told me was due to my "sensitive nervous system" It feels validating that Dr Rodts has a plan to help my pain so I can get back to my normal activity level! |
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06/11/2024 |
Top notch people on Dr. Rodts's team. |
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06/11/2024 |
Dr Rodts and his staff are the best |
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06/06/2024 |
Dr. Rodts and staff are top notch. Always answers any questions I have and are very personably. I travel over an hour to see him and it is worth my trip. |
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05/24/2024 |
Nurse, resident and attending all make CWL look great |
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05/17/2024 |
Dr. Rodts significantly improved the quality of my everyday life with the acdf surgery he performed. I will always be frateful. |
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05/10/2024 |
Excellent experIence. |
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05/05/2024 |
Dr. Rodts is the best neurosurgeon in the world! |
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05/05/2024 |
Dr Rodts is great takes as much time as needed |
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05/03/2024 |
Very good and I appreciated the care, communication and expertise |
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05/02/2024 |
Dr Rodts is an excellent doctor with a great staff |
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05/02/2024 |
I have the highest respect and confidence in Dr Rodts. He is an exemplary surgeon and human being. |
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04/29/2024 |
Outstanding care! |
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04/27/2024 |
I have been seeing Dr Rodst and his staff for several years. It's always a great experience. He is beyond wonderful. I feel better after a visit and exam. He touches on all my Issues and explains what I need to understand with clarity and compassion. His staff reflects his attitude and are competent & compassionate. Especially his resident Dr.( Whos name I forget.), His nurse helped me numerous times over the years through calls and emails., I can't say enough about these people. I am very grateful for Dr Rodst and his staff. |
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04/26/2024 |
Dr Rodts is best? |
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04/26/2024 |
Went as I expected |
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04/26/2024 |
Excellent visit with Dr. Rodts. He is an outstanding doctor and instills in me confidence and comfort in my medical care. |
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04/25/2024 |
Dr Rodts Is excellent! And new nurse practitioner is very capable |
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04/23/2024 |
Dr Rodts is the VERY BEST! There is no other surgeon I would trust to operate on my spine, EVER! |
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04/21/2024 |
I am so grateful for the care, concern, support & professionalism or Dr Rodts, Jamie & the rest of this Incredible team. |
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04/09/2024 |
Dr Rodts is the best there is! |
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04/09/2024 |
I wish dr rodts would of done my last two operation I was at st joe and dr operated and 4 days after operated again screw where loose left side not doneHe installed no drain blood dripped all over my legs called many time and they sent antibiotics after 6 day 5 days after got a infection 3 months after dr rodts remove all metal and now after 4 weeks all is great |
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04/04/2024 |
Dr. Rodts is the very best physician I have ever dealt with. |
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03/30/2024 |
Both physicians were highly effective in showing concern for my problems and answers to my questions. Dr. Rodts was absolutely exceptional in explaining my problem(s), as well as having a most congenial manner. Not In all my years have I encountered a physician as friendly and able to inject such confidence within me, regarding my issues. How excited I am moving forward with hopes of improving my condition. |
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03/29/2024 |
Dr. Rodts was very patient explaining the cause and treatment for my pain. He was courteous, informative, and attentive. |
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03/26/2024 |
Excellent care!!! |
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03/23/2024 |
Dr. Rodts always makes me feel that he is truly plugged in to my problem and is giving me the highest level of care. |
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03/22/2024 |
Dr Rodst is very good about explaining what to expect post surgery and explaining how the surgery will go and how much it will help |
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03/21/2024 |
I have had 9 orthopedic surgeries and Dr Rodts is the best I have ever had for his knowledge ,explanation , follow up and skills . |
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03/19/2024 |
Dr. Rodts was very clear explaining post op recovery. |