This review is from my father, who does not have a Yelp account. I must say though, we are very pleased with the experience. I have been suffering from chronic lower back pain for three years. It was diagnosed as due to Spinal Stenosis which severely impacted the sciatic nerve. The pain reduced my mobility and the quality of my life quickly degenerated. The pain spread all the way to the lower extremities of my left leg. In the past three years I had consulted with several orthopedic doctors and surgeons, pain management specialist, physical therapist, and acupuncturists. I had 6 Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI) in my spine. This proved to be ineffective after a week. I went for Physical Therapy for over a year. I got acupuncture which had little effect. I also enrolled in aqua therapy with marginal improvement. During the three years the effects of sciatica became pernicious to the point of rendering my left side numb intermittently. I was advised by the doctors to rush to emergency if the numbness spread. I was terrified of losing vital bodily functions. I changed my insurance provider and enrolled with UCL Health. UCLA Spine Center was extremely efficient. They got me an appointment with Dr, Shamie without much wait. My first encounter with Dr. Shamie lifted my spirits; Dr. Shamie was warm, communicative and full of energy. I went very well prepared with questions but had no need to ask. Dr. Shamie recommended laminectomy. A few weeks after my initial consultation Dr. Shamie performed the surgery. As soon as I recovered from the anesthesia, I noticed that I had no pain or numbness in my left leg. It felt like a miracle. I do feel very emotional-Dr. Shamie was God sent to perform the surgery. I am most grateful to him and his team for freeing me from the chronic pain. Anyone suffering from chronic back issue should consult with the UCLA Spine Center. Hopefully you will get to meet Dr. Shamie. The Santa Monical UCLA Medical Center is a first-class hospital with excellent staff which further helped my speedy recovery. It has been three weeks since my surgery and I am steadily making progress. read more

The sign in the exam room said "We listen, we care". Dr. Shamie did neither. He lied in the clinical notes saying "I spent 45 minutes face-to-face with the patient...." and that "All questions were answered to the patient's satisfaction." He spent only a few minutes and none of my questions were answered to my satisfaction. read more

My husband and I never had an experience with any doctor ever. He was rude and borderline abusive with his behavior. I went for a second opinion and he put down my neurosurgeon who is a woman at Cedars Sinai who preformed miracles on my back. Maybe he just looks down on woman. I had surgery by 4 different and highly experienced surgeons and neurosurgeons at Cedars Sinai and those doctors are not only excellent they are loving and kind. UCLA would be the last place I would go. Cedars Sinai rates just as high. I am sorry for sharing my experience but I am sure there are excellent doctors at UCLA and Dr. Shamie techniques might be excellent but he is mean and dismissive. So sad for his patients especially woman patients. read more

Dr. Shamie is one of the top spine doctors in the country. I had a bulging disc and when I went to my general practitioner, she ordered an X-Ray and an MRI. She also referred me to Dr. Jung and Dr. Shamie at UCLA spine center. This was about 7 years ago. The MRI revealed I have spinal stenosis and all doctors involved had recommended me to start with physical therapy and then go from there. Eventually we had to progress to spinal injections to help with creating space in the Lumbar spine (L4-L5 and L5-S1). Injections provided some relief but then COVID happened and we were forced to wait for further treatment. When we were able to start doing injections again, things continued the same. Dr. Shamie determined that a double laminectomy would be needed and did the surgery December 2022. The results were amazing. After 18 months or so passes, I started having similar symptoms as before but different. I went back to my doctor and she ordered another MRI and sent me back to Dr. Shamie and to Dr. Jung to see what was going on. The MRI revealed that the surgery was successful but scar tissue was causing issues. We went for one more injection and determined I was a candidate for a Spinal Cord Stimulator which has been amazing. That surgery was done in August of 2024. Recently I started having some new symptoms and an MRI was ordered. Dr. Shamie has reviewed the MRI and has ordered another test. He has explained that my stenosis is getting worse and my spine is basically collapsing in my lumbar spine which is most likely causing my current symptoms. This next test will confirm it and after that we will have a procedure to put spacers in my lower lumbar spine. I have the highest respect for Dr. Shamie as he is thorough and by far one of the most qualified people to do these procedures. He listens to the concerns of patients, uses the data presented to him, has fellows and/or student doctors that are learning from him, and wants what is best for his patients. He does not jump straight to surgery as he wants to make the proper diagnosis. His office staff is kind and very professional. I am grateful for UCLA spine center and all the care they provide. read more

Dr. Shamie just can't keep his stories straight. Every time we talk to him, he has a different version of events. Paralyzed by Surgery: I went into surgery having full use of my arms, wrists, hands, and fingers. I came out paralyzed in both arms from torso through fingertips. That was over three years ago, but I still have many more years of intensive therapy ahead and may have lost use of my right hand forever. Surgeon's Explanation: None given. Ever. False Medical Records: The pre-op and post-op consultation notes, both signed by Dr. Shamie, contain many falsehoods. The pre-op notes say I had much pain, had lost much function, had received extensive therapy, and was told of the risks of my surgery. None of this is true. I had no pain, had lost no function, had received no therapy, and "some pain" was the only risk he ever mentioned. Although his surgery left me paralyzed, the post-op notes make no mention of this, only "some weakness." He grossly exaggerated my right hand's grip at 2 of 5 when, in fact, my thumb and fingers were paralyzed. First Version of Events: During our first telemedicine call, Dr. Shamie said it is very common for incorrect information to be "automatically" carried over from other patients, effectively telling us that another patient's inapplicable records were copied and pasted. (UCLA's Office of Patient Experience confirmed this is not uncommon.) Dr. Shamie told us I could submit a request to correct the records. Second Version of Events: I submitted a request to amend the records. Dr. Shamie refused and, after initially telling us how the false records had originated, now said the records were actually true and accurate. Third Version of Events: In our second telemedicine call, Dr. Shamie had yet another story. This time, he said the records were written by someone else and, since he had only signed them, he could not correct them. Then he said the strength test he personally performed on me had been done by someone else. Bottom Line: Dr. Shamie has 1) left me paralyzed with no explanation, 2) ended my career, 3) caused us extreme and continuing anguish, 4) necessitated many years of intensive, expensive and unreimbursed therapy, and 5) given us three different explanations for his false medical records. read more

First time in my Life I have given five stars. To understand why, read on. I'm from a very small town on the east side of Glacier National Park, Montana. Pop 4. Roughly 12 - 13 years ago, I started feeling strange in my legs. Over the years of seeing Doctors and Specialist of every kind while the issue worsened severely until it was identified as a very rare full blowen Extreme Spinal Stenosis of Both legs, the most debilitating and most painful. A condition that eventually stole my life and my ability to Go, Anywhere or do much of anything. I did my due diligence and learned what my condition was and my future outlook which was Paralysis and decided to find the Best Surgeon that was Qualified to handle a case of Extreme Spinal Stenosis of both legs, the worst of it. Now, keep in mind, I am doing my due diligence, and I am looking at Surgeons from coast to coast. I have one life, and I will do whatever it takes to maintain my life so that I do not need someone to wipe my ass. On top of everything, I have already spent more than a decade begging for relief from several doctors with no substantial results. At best, I would get temporary relief, at the worst, I would be wallowing in extreme agony for a long time. When you are in the need of someone like Dr Shamie, chances are you gone through desperation, uncertainty and possibly the complete shutdown of what was once your beautiful and promising life. Bottom line, you are at the end of your ropes, but the desire to survive is still there. There are those rare doctors that become doctors because there is that deep passion, a passion that drives a person to attempt to achieve perfection for that Specific Patient and demand more of himself to achieve it. If all you got in you is one more surgery, then do not hesitate for all Dr Shamie needs is one try. Well, I can tell you that Dr Arya Nick Shamie is by far the best there is and I am telling you that I No longer have Spinal Stenosis of either leg and you can take that to the Bank. Having your Legs taken away from you is No Joke. Getting them Back, I'm speechless. Dr Shamie, Thank you. TJ Just an extra note for those that see one star upset individuals. It's very apparent to me that they actually do not know who Dr Shamie is and what he does. If he is running late as he does at times, you need to understand one thing. If you had a tenth of his workload, you wouldn't even show. If you want a YES Dr or one that has all the time in the world to sit down and talk about the latest flavor of Ice Cream, Then you do not need to see Dr Shamie, you need to see Sigmund Freud. Trust me, the One Star Individuals are simply put. Grade (A) Stupid or Obviously didn't need a surgeon of Dr Shami's Caliber. read more

Dr. Shamie performed my L4/5 laminectomy in March 2024. I could tell when I woke up from the anesthesia that this time it worked! I've had four prior spine surgeries in the last 20 years, and I've had to live with chronic sciatica pain during those decades. I have NO SCIATICA PAIN TODAY!!!! I'm able to sit in a car and drive for two hours, and then get out and walk. Every day it gets a little better. Dr. Shamie has brought together a fantastic team of fellow surgeons and support nursing staff. Dr. Atousa Nourmahnad and Dr. Wei K. Wu were also part of the Operating Room team. I sure hope I do not need any more spine surgery, but if I do, I will contact Dr. Shamie, Dr. Nourmahnad, and/or Dr. Wu (hopefully all three) to obtain treatment for any spine related issues. Anyone who has lived with chronic sciatica pain will understand why I am so grateful for Dr. Shamie's team!! read more

Unacceptable & unprofessional. I waited two hours to see the doctor. I was told by the receptionist "Dr. Shamie often runs extremely late." I feel bad for the nice front desk staff dealing with angry patients like me. It would be easy if instructed by the doctor or UCLA Spine Center for staff to call or text patients of delayed appointments. Obviously, the doctor and UCLA spine center do not care about your time. I will find another doctor. The office is dumpy. read more

Arya Nick Shamie, MD - Dumpy mostly full waiting room. Extremely depressing. No plants or artwork. - Orthopedists Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

Dr. Nick Shamie performed a low back surgery called a Laminectomy in October of 2023 because my spinal cord was pinched by a narrowing of my spinal canal. The surgery was a total success and I have regained the balance and the feeling in my legs that I had l had lost. I am very grateful to Dr. Shamie and his team in Santa Monica. I experienced very little pain, and the procedure went very well. I did have to spend one night in recovery but even the hospital food was good! I highly recommend Dr. Shamie and his whole team in Santa Monica and UCLA. read more

This is the second time I visited this doctor and the last time. I just left his office after waiting for over 2 hours past the appointment time while I'm severe pain ......If you don't respect for my time then you can't care for my health either. I do nont recommend this doctor or his office at all. This is principally wrong . read more

TL;DR: Unprofessional, not invested, rude behavior (i.e. it takes 2 hours minimum to be seen, dismissed after less than 5 minutes). 1 star reviews are actually accurate. I have never witnessed such behavior in my past, and have lived in other western countries before and been exposed to different systems: 1) Waited 2 hours without communication of any sort 2) The conversation lasted 3 minutes 3) He did not listen nor address the symptoms that led me to request a visit, no explanation or discussion about prognosis etc. 4) He dismissed me by referring to another specialist to address OTHER SYMPTOMS for which I did not come for He clearly does not care about his patients. UCLA Health should address such behavior and unprofessionalism, this is a total waste of people's time and money. read more

Received a lumbar microdiscectomy from Dr. Shamie in June 2023. Dr. Shamie is incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and thorough. we proceeded with surgery only after all conservative measures had been tried and found unsuccessful for treatment of my severe sciatic pain. Surgery itself was definitely successful; even though I still have some nerve pain (which Dr. Shamie had told me to expect based on the fact that I'd had a compressed nerve for a long time), my pain was IMMEDIATELY better upon waking from surgery. Before surgery, my pain was at an 8/10 every day, disabling and disruptive of my daily life and responsibilities. I could not sleep at night and was desperate for relief that didn't come with any of the non-surgical treatments. After surgery, my pain is at, on average, maybe a 2/10 most days, but I think if I hadn't waited so long to get surgery (I had lots of doctors prior to Dr. Shamie who didn't believe me when I shared how much pain I was in), I'd probably be free of pain entirely. With diligent PT and careful reintroduction of a movement plan, I feel confident my pain will continue to go down over time. Dr. Shamie's medical staff and the entire surgery team at UCLA Orthopedic Surgery were absolutely fantastic--kind, responsive, caring, competent, and clear in their communication. I couldn't recommend him and his team enough! If you're experiencing chronic back or sciatic pain, I highly recommend scheduling an appoint meet with Dr. Shamie--not necessarily for surgery (he is clear about only recommending that to patients for whom it seems nothing else has worked), but to receive responsive and responsible care for your pain from a personable and competent doctor. read more

Dr. Shamie gave me my life back after I fell off my desk chair and cracked vertebrae that pinched my sciatic nerve. From my first appointment he was caring, compassionate, and from there I trusted him completely. My surgery was perfect and though the recovery took longer than I thought it would, I never had any sciatic pain afterwards. I cannot say enough to thank him for giving me a new life!! He's the best!! read more

Dr. AYRA SHAMIE in 2024 has treated both by Swiss wife IRMGARD RAWN (for a compression fracture) and also treated me (for Anterolisthesis). Dr SHAMIE is fast, friendly & professional yet more than exclusively an MD, he is an expert communicator, providing depth of interpretation(s) for each diagnosis. Most highly recommended indeed! ANDY RAWN read more

I had an appointment with Dr. Arya N. Shamie today. My appointment was at 1:45pm, but they told me to arrive 15 minutes early (however I did checked in and filled up the applications and etc. a day before with the UCLA app to save time), so after driving about 1hr, I got checked in (@ 1:25pm). I was waiting at the waiting room about 10-15 minutes, then they called me to go to the room. The nurse she got my blood pressure and asked me the reasons to see the doctor today. (I have back pain and nerve pain to my leg), after I explained, she left and said doctor will come to see you shortly. I was waiting for 20 minutes then another doctor or his assistant came (@ 2:05pm) and I explained my pain for her for 10 minutes and she typed everything and said doctor will come to see you and left (@ 2:15pm). Again I was waiting and waiting in a small cold room for 30 minutes (@ 2:45pm), just no one came to see if I'm ok or at least give me an update, anyway I opened the door and saw the same nurse and asked her for how long more I have to wait??!! She said ok let me check; after 4 minutes she came and said he is coming now! Then I was waiting and waiting ... (also my street parking meter was loaded for maximum 2 hrs but it was close to finish!) Now the time was (@3:25pm) then I got upset and left the room and told the receptionist I'm leaving and I could not see the doctor, so just don't charge me!!! Also I told them at least tell the patients the waiting time is 2-3hrs so people can schedule their time in advance!! I can't believe some doctors don't care or respect their patients' time and life! That's sad for UCLA for such a poor service! By the way when I left the building and I was driving a few minutes the receptionist called me and said doctor can you see you now, can you come back! I said no it's too late already, thanks! read more

Arya Nick Shamie, MD - Orthopedists Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Go the experts! An excellent medical team headed by Dr. Arya N. Shamie and anesthesiologist Dr. Christina Nguyen. I recently had Anterior Cervical Discectomy (Decompression) Fusion (ACDF) C5-C6-C7 in UCLA Santa Monica CA. I was extremely nervous before the surgery specially after hearing all the "horror" stories about ACDF post op from my ACDF support group. I prepared myself for the worst and just hope for the best. Most people said they had a hard time swallowing and were on liquid diet for quite some time and their throat is very swollen. They also cannot speak right away. They had severe pain of the throat and/or headache or shoulder pain or neck pain, etc. etc. Some had to undergo another surgery. To prepare, Dr. Shamie's team sent me all the necessary information about ACDF in video and in writing, including the aftercare. I would say they did not miss a beat to the point that it could make you change your mind or probably postpone the procedure. Having been in pain for quite some time, I convinced myself not to prolong my agony and face the adverse effects of ACDF surgery. My anesthesiologists kept me calm and assured me of a successful surgery. They wheeled me into the operating room and before I know it, it is OVER. My daughter woke me up along with the nurses. To my surprise, I can speak, swallow and no pain at all. I could hardly believe it myself because I was ready for the worst pain possible. I spoke to my daughter, "I can speak! I can swallow! I am not in pain! OMG! I was so thankful! I sincerely believe it is the medical expertise of Dr. Arya Shamie and his team that made it happen. I highly recommend anyone who is having spinal problems to go see Dr. Arya Shamie before making a serious decision. Do yourself a favor. Do your homework. Go to the expert and you will not regret it. read more

Arya Nick Shamie, MD - 14 days post op - Orthopedists Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

This doctor has no regard for the patient's time. Last two appointments I was on time but waited OVER TWO HOURS to be seen (for 5-7 minutes worth of conversation). After a wait that long, I don't want to listen to his small-talk w employees or anyone in the other room. read more

I saw Doctor Shamie in July of 2021 regarding back pain and excruciating pain in my left leg. The pain was mitigated with an epidural administered by Dr. Jung prior to my July visit with Dr. Shamie. Since I wasn't in pain when I saw Dr. Shamie he advised that I do physical therapy and work on my weight. I appreciated that he was not quick to recommend surgery. This gave me confidence in him as a doctor and surgeon. No sooner then leaving the doctors office, the pain returned. I immediately made a follow-up appointment which was in August. This appointment was not as pleasant as my first visit with Dr. Shamie. As other reviewers have mentioned, the wait to see the good doctor was well after the appointed time. While waiting in my consultation room I could hear Dr. Shamie visiting with other patients in the adjoining rooms. And once again I was impressed with his recommendations to defer surgery and try other pain remedies. When I finally did see Dr. Shamie he tapped me on the knee and said "we should do the surgery". I was so annoyed at this brief visit which resulted in a recommendation for surgery that I sought out a second opinion. Which I think is wise regardless of one's office visit experience or reservations in having a procedure. Hence, my visit with Dr. Elizabeth Lord. Dr. Lord concurred with Dr. Shamie. And suggested joining Dr. Shamie in the surgery. Which she did. Prior to the surgery it would take an hour or more every morning just to be able to walk normally. I'm 71 but felt 90. I couldn't wait for the surgery to take place. My only reservation was the recuperation time. I was told 3 months and I thought I cannot sit and do nothing for 3 months. The surgery took place in December and I'm told lasted 6 hours. I was discharged from hospital 2 days after surgery. The pain was minimal. I was told by friends that had had similar procedures that the pain was awful. Not in my case. Yes I had to use the prescribed hydro-cordone for the occasional throbbing pain. The long and short of the whole story is: waiting for the good doctor to show was worth the wait. Was it annoying? Yes. But being pain free was worth the inconvenience. Would I recommend Dr. Shamie to my friends, YES. I was walking the other day, pain free, and thought "I wonder if the doctors put me under for 6 hours, went to dinner, came back put an incision in my back so I'd have proof of having surgery and sent me on my way". That's how great I feel. Hope this review helps anyone considering Dr. Shamie for help with your back pain. read more

Dr. Shamie is an amazing surgeon. I went to him 11 years ago with a problem with my sacroiliac joint, upon the recommendation of my pain management doc in South OC. The diagnosis was an unstable SI joint, and the recommended surgery was a minimally invasive SI joint fusion. It went flawlessly. I saw Dr. Shamie last week, to check that all was well, and after a CT scan, the implants are in perfect condition and my joint is stable. He's very, very competent, and also a really nice guy to deal with. Highly recommended read more

I am a 87 years old retired surgeon and patient of Dr. Shami. I recently had a back surgery which before then, I had a debilitating pain which prevented me to do most activities. I was skeptical about the surgery and any positive result. However, 4 weeks after my surgery, the result is unbelievably satisfactory as I have started walking and doing my normal daily activities without "any" pain. I can't say enough positive comments about how professional and skillful is Dr. Shami in performing this surgery. I strongly advice Vertiflex Implant for Spinal Stenosis by Dr. Shami. M. Sajedi, MD read more

I have know Dr Shamie for a long time. In my position at UCLA had many opportunities to refer patients to him. Everyones comments were that he was an outstanding orthopedist/spine surgeon. He has great bedside manner and his staff is as terrific as he is. Like the commercial says "you are in good hands with Dr Shamie" Dolores Dyer UCLA Concierge Medicine (retired) read more

I recommend Dr Shamie to anyone who wants great care for their medical needs. I went to him and he took care of me in a professional manner and quickly took care of business with my insurance and my dialysis needs. His staff is professional and caring which reflects Dr Shamie's manner of taking care of his patients...very thoughtful and with respect read more

Dr. Shamie performed surgery on my cervical spine last May 2022. He replaced two disks and released a pinched nerve in my neck that was causing so much pain I could barely move and cried every day because of severe pain. The day of surgery, after he completed the procedures, I had no pain from the pinched nerve. I was so grateful. I have been following up with him since then, at which time he takes x-rays to make sure it's all healing properly, which it is! His bedside manner and office demeanor is kind and attentive. I'm not saying there were no hiccups in the entire process, but Dr. Shamie was consistently great to me. I would definitely recommend him for this type of procedure. He's been very kind, and I can't thank him and his staff enough. read more

this man is not a doctor he's a quack, he almost left me paralyzed after he profromed surgery on the wrong area of my lumbar and punchered my spinal cord never came to the hospital room to follow up, my knees buckled when physical therapist try to stand me up. had to spend three weeks in a rehabilitation where i had to learn to walk again. follow up visit with shamie he was dismissive, arrogant and a liar. i followed up with several surgeons following review of my x-rays, mri and ct scan be dismissed all reports as "nothing" my last visit i asked him what does faile back syndrome mean again it's "nothing" complaining to ucla does help all they allowed him to to is change his notes. read more

A wonderful life returned to me by Dr. Arya Nick Shamie and Dr. Murphy and the outstanding professional team at the UCLA Spine Center. Surgery done on 01/12/23 to remove protrusion between L4 and L5 vertebrae severely pressing nerve to right leg making walking and standing extremely painful. On 01/16/23 I went for breakfast to the Marriot on Ocean Ave in Santa Monica and then walked to the Santa Monica Pier and back (1.6 mile) without any pain or instability! An unbelievably good outcome. read more

I highly recommend Dr. Shamie if you find yourself in need to have back surgery. For many years I tried to find alternative treatments that would fix a disc in my lower back, and the only significant relief came from shots into my spine to reduce the inflammation. I finally decided to do surgery after realizing that my back had completely altered my way of life. I typically like to run and cycle, but walking more than a block became painful. I spoke with multiple doctors first and decided to have a laminectomy by Dr. Shamie. It's been 6 months and I am back to walking, stretching, and cycling without pain. Life changing! read more

Professional and caring physician. Unlike some other surgeons not eager to perform surgery If not absolutely necessary. I'm very satisfied with surgery results. read more

My 87 year old Mom had a very bad back pain and she couldn't walk. We took her to many doctors and they all said nothing can be done other than full surgery . I read about a procedure named Xstop which sounded pretty safe. Dr. Shamie did the surgery and the results were excellent. My Mom now is back to her normal life. Thank you Dr. Shamie . My Mom is in love with you. I highly recommend Dr Shamie to everyone. He is very patient, attentive, knowledgable , and understanding . read more

I had Superion device placement for two level spinal stenosis. My local orthopedic surgeons do not do the procedure. I wAs dramatically better on third post operative day. Surgeon is knowledgeable, communicates extremely well and is the head of spinal surgery at UCLA. He has my highest recommendation. read more

I suffered with sciatic pain due to a L5/S1 disc herniation for months. PT and epidural injections helped temporarily but the pain kept coming back, each time worse than before. Dr Shamie performed my lumbar microdiscectomy and I cannot recommend him highly enough. He was extremely clear explaining my options and took plenty of time to answer all my questions. The surgery went perfectly and I woke up to find myself pain free for the first time in months. All the staff at UCLA were amazing too, making this process easier than I ever though it could be. Thank you! read more

I was really optimistic, I had read many good things and experienced a good first consult. He asked for an MRI of my neck to fully diagnose me. When I came back, I saw one of his students/fellows first. I was obviously the last patient of the day. I went in for a laminectomy for my lumbar degenerative and bulging discs. When he walked in, I could tell he and his residents (maybe 4 of them) just wanted to leave. I asked him what was next, and he said no surgery was going to take place. That I should address my hips. He didn't even provide a diagnosis. I think he saw my neck MRI and basically thought nothing is wrong here, but forgot that the real reason I was there was for my lumbar/stenosis. It was difficult to keep him in the room. I'm disabled, and when I left there was no one at all visibly in the office or waiting room area. I suggest you never see this doctor at the end of his shift. I also don't like the way they have their residents handle the intake. My insurance isn't paying for a resident, they are paying for Dr. Shamie. I will call them to get a complete assessment and diagnosis. He has a chance to redeem himself, but until I see an effort on his end to make sure I am fully informed about my lumbar condition through his eyes, and what can be done about it, I am not impressed at all. read more

Most 5 star rating here is fake Visit him and u will know that it will be a waste of time Worst Doctor I ever saw Also, I felt probably he is not great with patient of color He has no time to listen or understand or review medical reports I waited for 1 month for appointment, during my visit, another doctor came and Spoke to me for 3-4 mins Then dr shaimi came to see me with he spent less than 2 mins He just does a quick determination based on facts provided to him by another doctors whether the patient needs a surgery If not, he doesn't care to talk He even said, hope we don't have see each other again :( http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-ucla-doctor-conflicts-20140423-story.html read more

It has now been about 8 years since my surgery, and I have had NO trouble. I trust this doctor more than any other doctor I have ever seen. The day of my surgery, the waiting room was packed. And there was Dr Shamie walking through the waiting room, speaking to his patients. The receptionist who was next to where I was sitting confided in me that Dr Shamie is the best, and the most liked by his patients, not just because he is nice and spends time visiting in the waiting room, but because his outcomes are so good. I do not know that it's possible to do better than Dr Shamie. A real genius, I think. read more

Dr. Shamie completely relieved me of the terrible pain of sciatica! I tried other procedures in hopes of avoiding surgery but it eventually became evident to my "pain doctor" that without surgical intervention I was in trouble. I searched for a surgeon "in all the right places." During my search I was most impressed with Dr. Shamie, and subsequently selected him to treat my sciatica.... because of his assessment of the problem and proposed intervention. In addition, he was warm and personable. My recovery after his surgery was flawless. I am so grateful . This surgeon is very very good. read more

Had complex lumbar decompression operation two weeks ago with amazingly good results. I am already up and feeling better than I have in years. Kudos Dr. Nick! You're my hero. read more

Very well organized office. I asked them to send me the forms in advance to speed up the process of checking in and they did. Dr. Shamie took no more than 10 mins after my appointment to see me. I saw him for a consultation of my herniated discs. He was SO thorough during my exam. Instead of pushing me to surgery, he encouraged to try physical therapy and to consult with a vascular specialist to rule out any possible issues with blood flow which is causing another issue in my body. Great bedside manners and I left his office feeling like he heard my concerns and was a partner in my rehabilitation. read more

Dr. Shamie has taken care of me for several years, and is brilliant, caring, and is very concerned about both outcomes and lifestyle. He is not someone who will recommend surgery without exploring everything else first. I have not felt rushed when i see him. He responds to my questions, and I feel cared about. read more

Was not too helpful. Just the same thing I've been hearing for years....Epidural or surgery. Nothing about any new procedures that might work and no Prescription for P.T. or referral to a pain DR. No help for why my muscles are excruciatingly tight, or an explanation. Disappointed read more

Dr.Shamie is one of the worst doctors I have encountered. We went to him recommended by his family & friends and despite all this he catastrophically screwed up my mother's surgery. He did not open the nerve canals as he was supposed to, put in place implants that were not needed and was completely irresponsible. Avoid surgery with this surgeon at all costs. You can look him and see that he receives money from medical companies to promote their devices--same device he put inside my mother's back. My mother was in extreme pain for one year, suffered, could not walk, her good leg became damaged. My mother eventually had to have a second surgery with another doctor to correct and take out the implants Dr.Shamie put in and do what he was supposed to do from day one: release pressure from the nerves. I am shocked this man practices at a prestigious institution such as UCLA and wonder if he has a trail of lawsuits behind him. read more

Dr. Nick Shamie looks good on paper, and he knows a lot about orthopedic surgery. After all, he's an L.A. media celebrity of sorts. The problem? He cares more about his career than about his suffering patients. I saw him twice, first in May 2010 and again in October 2011. He operated on my lower back in 2010, but it did nothing to relieve my pain. (I had a successful lower-back operation two months later at Cedars-Sinai.) Because of my HMO insurance restrictions, I visited Dr. Shamie again in October 2011, this time for neck pain. I vividly described all I've been doing for it: exercise, ice packs, TENS unit treatments, medications, rest, posture, and six weeks of physical therapy (the PT didn't work, however). But I don't have shooting pain down either of my arms, and I don't have any arm- or hand-movement problems, so the best Dr. Shamie could do for me was suggest physical therapy--which I told him had NOT worked. He didn't seem to care. read more