Dr. Jacob Schwarz, MD

We have been bragging on our visits to Nashville. Even other travelers are very courteous and understanding. We have always had the best trips.

He made sure I understood my options

Good

Without wasting time with pesky details like history of present illness, review of symptoms, or physical exam, Dr. Schwarz walked in and said, 'Your films look fine, but if you are worried about your scar I can send you to a plastic surgeon.' Taken aback and thinking he had walked into the wrong room, I said, 'I am not worried about my scar. I am here because I have an inadequately treated hardware-associated delayed surgical site infection (CoNS and C.acnes) with retained cervical hardware, as well as a CT last month showing opacification in the left mastoid in a patient with a recent history of inadequately treated hardware-associated cranial osteomyelitis.' He repeated, with a smirk, 'Well, your scar looks fine, but I can send you to a plastic surgeon if you want. I don't cut scars that look fine.' I am a physician, a patient, and a patient advocate, and I obviously should have heeded all the one star reviews. Learn from my mistake.

I am just in awe of the man. I was relieved when I left his office after the first visit. I found the Healer that will help me.

He is a great surgeon and is very kind and compassionate as well as communicates well. In fact I begged my husband to go back to him a second time when a knee surgery done by another dr wasn’t healing right and his walk seemed like nerve damage. It ended up being a herniated disc in his spine and Dr Schwartz had my husband walking the next day. We totally trust him!

Around a year after a car accident I saw him, had an MRI, told him I never had neck pain until after the wreck. Now I can barely sleep, have chronic pain and can feel a bulge on the right side.He says it’s because I’m “getting older” and that he “wouldn’t state in court that it was from the wreck”… WHAT?!!! I never even hinted to that! I hit a friggin deer. A giant buck actually. I was dumbfounded! He says “Try physical therapy.” I said I already have, for months. He said, “Well I can refer you to someone to try injections.” I said “Fine, I’ll try anything.” He did NOTHING but brush me off. 2+ years later I’m still in terrible pain. And he ended up doing my mother the same way. NO THANKS. I would never recommend him.

I can't imagine any negative comments about Dr. Schwarz, and I regret that he is being judged because office calls were not returned.. He is such a gifted surgeon and takes great pride in helping his patients. I was terrified when I went for my first appointment because of the pain I was in and what it could mean. He did not put pressure on me about having surgery. He showed me the x-rays, explained what I was seeing, and let me make a decision that I would be comfortable with; thankfully, I opted for surgery. I have heard nightmare stories about spinal surgery my entire life, and after a 4hr+ surgery, I found that those stories could not be further from the truth. No true pain, just typical post surgery discomfort, and hospital stay was perfect because of the staff at Vanderbilt. It has been several months since my surgery, and I feel so blessed to have been directed to Dr. Schwarz.

Saw Dr Schwarz. In pain for 3+ weeks. He wanted to "wait and see", I wanted relief from pain and avoid further nerve damage in arm/hand. He reluctantly agreed to an MRI; nurse told me they would call to schedule. Two weeks later, I had to call to schedule. Had the MRI. A week later, no call from his office. I left a message through MyHealthAtVanderbilt and called. A nurse told me someone would call in 24 hours. No call. A week later, office called to schedule my follow-up - 4 weeks out. Really.

He listens. That is amazing since I find most doctors don't take the time to listen to what you have to say. He cares. Genuinely cares. He also explains the good aspects of surgery outcomes and the negative ones as well. I trust his opinion.

After suffering with severe pain for approximately 3 years, I was talking with one of my former home health patient, who had just had surgery performed by Dr Schwarz and she was doing beautifully! I decided that day, because I would ask for a referral for him to evaluate my situation. Long story, short, he performed surgery (L-4 & L5 fusion) the end of 2014! Almost 3 years later, I'm pain-free! He sure has my respect and gratitude!!

Best neurosurgeon around. Spends time with you explaining your procedure.

Dr Schwartz is the best doctor

Dr. Schwarz perfomed a cervical fusion on me about 8 yrs ago. I was scared, in tremendous pain and clueless. He is younger than my other MD's also but he came HIGHLY referred. I cannot say enough, everything and aspect of this was above excellent. Dr. Schwarz cares about the patient and takes time to explain any concerns. He reviews imaging every office visit. He gave me instantenous relief from nerves wrecking my daily life. He diagnosed a bone condition also and educated me on it.