Iain Kalfas, MD
Primary Location
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
- Appointment:
- 216.636.5860
- Desk:
- 216.444.0228
- Fax:
- 216.636.3174
Treatment & Services
- Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery
- Cervical Deformity Surgery
- Cervical Spine Surgery
- Complex Spinal Instrumentation
- Complex Spinal Reconstruction
- Complex Spinal Surgery
- Deformity Correction
- Image-Guided Spinal Navigation
- Lumbar Fusion
- Lumbar Spine Surgery
- Microsurgical and Minimally Invasive Techniques
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Neck Surgery
- Revision Cervical Spine Surgery
- Spinal Fusion
- Spinal Surgery
- Spine Decompression
- Spine Reconstruction
- Spine Tumor Removal And Reconstruction
- Thoracic Spine Surgery
Specialty in Diseases & Conditions
- Aging Spine
- Back Disorders
- Cervical and Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease
- Cervical Myelopathy
- Cervical Tumors
- Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Disorders
- Complex Cervical Deformities
- Complex Spinal Disorders
- Degenerative Spine Disease
- Herniated Disc
- Kyphosis
- Lumbar Radiculopathy
- Neck and Shoulder Pain
- Neck Pain
- Radiculopathy
- Schwannoma
- Sciatica
- Spinal Cancer
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Spinal Deformity
- Spinal Disorders
- Spinal Fractures
- Spinal Metastases
- Spinal Neoplasms
- Spine Pain
- Spine Tumors
- Spondylitis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spondylolysis
- Spondylosis
- Stenosis - Spinal
Insurance
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View All PlansEducation & Professional Highlights
Appointed
1989
Education & Fellowships
Fellowship - Barrow Neurological Institute
Phoenix,
AZ USA
1989
Residency - Cleveland Clinic
Neurological Surgery
Cleveland,
OH USA
1988
Fellowship - Allegheny General Hospital
Neurotrauma
Pittsburgh,
PA USA
1986
Internship - Cleveland Clinic
Neurological Surgery
Cleveland,
OH USA
1983
Medical Education - Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine
M.D.
Rootstown,
OH USA
1982
Additional Training
- Cleveland Clinic Practice Management Course
- Minimally Invasive Anterior Approaches to the Thoracic Spine
- Practical Course on Spinal Instrumentation
- Prestige Anterior Cervical Disc Replacement Training Course
- Coflex Interspinous Posterior Interspinous Device
Certifications
- Neurological Surgery
Specialty Interests
complex spinal surgery and reconstruction, image-guide spinal navigation, including instrumentation and fusion, Minimally Invasive Surgery, neck and back disorders
Awards & Honors
- EDI Innovation Award, Surgical Navigation Device, 1998
- Top Doctors in Northeast Ohio, 2003-2011
- Best Doctors in America, 2005-2011
Innovations & Patents
- Surgical navigation device
Research & Publications
See publications for Iain Kalfas, MD.
(Disclaimer: This search is powered by PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. PubMed is a third-party website with no affiliation with Cleveland Clinic.)
Industry Relationships
Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists may collaborate with the pharmaceutical or medical device industries to help develop medical breakthroughs or provide medical expertise or education. Cleveland Clinic strives to make scientific advances that will benefit patient care and support outside relationships that promise public benefit. In order for the discoveries of Cleveland Clinic physicians' and scientists' laboratories and investigations to benefit the public, these discoveries must be commercialized in partnership with industry. As experts in their fields, Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists are often sought after by industry to consult, provide expertise and education.
To assure professional and commercial integrity in such matters, Cleveland Clinic maintains a program that reviews these collaborations and, when appropriate, puts measures in place to minimize bias that may result from ties to industry. Cleveland Clinic publicly discloses the names of companies when (i) its physicians/scientists receive $5,000 or more per year (or, in rare cases, equity or stock options) for speaking and consulting, (ii) its physicians/scientists serve as a fiduciary, (iii) its physicians/scientists receive or have the right to receive royalties or (iv) its physicians/ scientists hold any equity interest for the physician's/scientist's role as inventor, discoverer, developer, founder or consultant.* In publicly disclosing this information, Cleveland Clinic tries to provide information as accurately as possible about its physicians' and scientists' connections with industry.
As of 8/20/2019, Dr. Kalfas has reported the financial relationships with the companies listed below. In general, patients should feel free to contact their doctor about any of the relationships and how the relationships are overseen by Cleveland Clinic. To learn more about Cleveland Clinic's policies on collaborations with industry and innovation management, go to our Integrity in Innovation page.
Royalty Payments. Dr. Kalfas receives or has the right to receive royalty payments for inventions or discoveries commercialized through the companies shown below:
- Mako Surgical Corp.
Public Health Service-Reportable Financial Conflicts of Interest. Cleveland Clinic scientists and physicians engage in basic, translational and clinical research activities, working to solve health problems, enhance patient care and improve quality of life for patients. Interactions with industry are essential to bringing the researchers' discoveries to the public, but can present the potential for conflicts of interest related to their research activities. Click here to view a listing of instances where Cleveland Clinic has identified a Public Health Service (PHS)-Reportable Financial Conflict of Interest and has put measures in place to ensure that, to the extent possible, the design, conduct and reporting of the research is free from bias.
* Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists subscribe to the guidance presented in the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals and the AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals. As such, gifts of substantial value are generally prohibited.
256 Patient Satisfaction Reviews
The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their views and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cleveland Clinic.
| Overall | Star Ratings | |
|---|---|---|
| Explains | 4.8 | |
| Listens | 4.7 | |
| Courtesy, Respect & Concern | 4.8 | |
| Patient Rating of Doctor | 4.8 |
46 Patient Comments
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Reviewed on Feb 19, 2020
I have never experienced such good service from a Doctor or his staff as I experienced with Dr. Kalfas and his staff!
Reviewed on Feb 14, 2020
It has been a pleasure with Doctor Kaulfus office.
Reviewed on Feb 13, 2020
dr Kalfus excellent
Reviewed on Feb 11, 2020
the resident doctor was very knowledgeable cordial and respectful. doctor Kalfas an incredible doctor it gave me confidence and peace of mind and his knowledge and experience is unbelievable. I choose him as my surgeon without a doubt.
Reviewed on Feb 11, 2020
Dr. Kalfus is a very nice person.
Reviewed on Jan 30, 2020
Dr. Kalfas communicated very clearly and answered my questions thoroughly. He impressed me as a man of integrity in patient care by postponing a scheduled procedure until my condition worsens. I fully trust his judgement.
Reviewed on Jan 28, 2020
This doctor is very easy to discuss concerns . Also his explanation of necessary surgery was understood.
Reviewed on Jan 14, 2020
very much appreciated my dr., very informative with my problems!! I
Reviewed on Jan 14, 2020
I am a first time patient so it took more than 3 months to see Dr. Kalfas but he told me that since I am his patient now, it will be much easier to schedule an appointment.
Reviewed on Jan 14, 2020
Dr. Kalfas listened to all my questions very carefully and replied very logically. Dr. Kalfas did not make me feel like he was in a rush and explained all my options and risks.
Reviewed on Dec 30, 2019
Dr. Kalfus was very helpful, & concerned. He answered all my questions and I feel very confident in his skill level.
Reviewed on Dec 9, 2019
*Dr. Kalfus and his team are the BEST!
Reviewed on Oct 10, 2019
Dr Kalfas is the best. I travel a good long way to see him.
Reviewed on Oct 8, 2019
I was very disappointed that Dr. Kalfas could not me with my worsening back pain..
Reviewed on Sep 24, 2019
Dr. Kalfas is a staunch professional and i trust his recommendations completely.
Reviewed on Sep 24, 2019
Excellent i will continue to recommend CCF, Dr.Kalfas et al!!!
Reviewed on Sep 24, 2019
dr kalfas is very professional and explained my options thoroughly I'm now awaiting contact from the surgery pool to have a small procedure done before pursuing another major surgery. dr kalfas has helped me retain the use of my legs I feel the best he can and I wouldn't want anyone but him making those major decisions for my life.
Reviewed on Sep 10, 2019
Dr. Kalfas included me in the review of my medical records. He explained my x-rays, which was greatly appreciated.
Reviewed on Sep 3, 2019
Dr Kalfus was down to earth, easy to talk to and he took the time to show my MRI and X-rays explaining what we were seeing on the screen. I was impressed that even though he is a surgeon he gave other options first.
Reviewed on Aug 22, 2019
Dr. Kalfas went over MRI and explained what had and what was happening to my spine and why he thought surgery was necessary. His nurse Marybeth was wonderful and very compassionate.
Reviewed on Aug 22, 2019
Excellent , Entire staff and Dr Calfis
Reviewed on Aug 19, 2019
All doctors were wonderful!
Reviewed on Jul 30, 2019
Good experience. patient. very informative. Love my doctor. trust
Reviewed on Jul 25, 2019
probably good at his skills. Has no respect for time of patient versus his own time. Makes no apologies for being late. Did not address any on my concerns discussed with his resident before he saw me. My surgery caused me to have mild chronic pain in areas that were never a problem before surgery. This pain is doable but Dr. Kalfas would not even begin to acknowledge that the surgery caused these symptoms even though it is obvious that such is in fact the case
Reviewed on Jul 25, 2019
I'm a fan of Dr Kalfas and the staff
Reviewed on Jul 25, 2019
I always recommend this doctor and staff
Reviewed on Jul 22, 2019
Outstanding job by physician. Beyond expectations.
Reviewed on Jul 11, 2019
Dr. Kalfas is friendly, professional, extremely knowledgable, and reassuring.
Reviewed on Jul 11, 2019
great doctor
Reviewed on Jul 11, 2019
My experience in working with Dr. Kalfas and his staff particularly Mary Beth through pre-surgery,surgery, and post surgery was excellent and speaks well to why he is a top rated back surgeon His approach and care for patients should serve as a standard for what you are striving to achieve at the Clinic
Reviewed on Jul 9, 2019
Dr. Kalfas is one of the best examples of how the "bedside manner" of a doctor should be. He was very attentive, professional and answered completely all manner of questions that I had. I found him to be incredibly informed and thorough in all aspects of the visit.
Reviewed on Jul 9, 2019
Dr. Kalfas was very honest . I appreciate that.
Reviewed on Jun 6, 2019
very pleased with doctor and his recommendations
Reviewed on May 30, 2019
Dr. Kalfus staff has always been professional and efficient.
Reviewed on May 30, 2019
Dr. Kalfus did a very difficult surgery on my lumbar area. He did a brilliant surgery! I do not think I would be walking, or been able to handle the nerve pain with out Dr. Kalfus surgery. My quality of life was improved substantially. Thank you!
Reviewed on May 30, 2019
We are about 8 1/2 hours away, and we tell everyone, Dr. Kalfus is an excellent neurosurgeon (THE BEST). The Cleveland Clinic is our favorite medical facility!
Reviewed on May 23, 2019
When I started the process to become a patient of Cleveland Clinic, my pain level was a daily 8 out of ten. I had to wait a very long time to get an appointment. Then it was changed. My surgery was scheduled, and the it was hanged. Having said that Dr. Kalfes was one of the best doctors I have had contact with in my lifetime. He is kind and through and makes e feel like I am his only patient he has to think about while he is doing a consult. His assistant, Mary Beth, is kind and knowledgeable, and very professional at the same time.
Reviewed on May 14, 2019
Dr Kaflas was very solid and to whom I got along with easily during my visit. I believe he astutely understood my situation and his recommendation (muscle relaxants) was an extraordinary insight into my situation, in many ways. I felt very much he was caring about my back situation. Very glad I met with him.
Reviewed on May 7, 2019
I was in Canada in December and broke my back. After being taking to a clinic there, I was given the option of being admitted there or given medication to fly home and receive treatment here - I chose the later. I never imagined that I wouldn't be able to schedule an appointment with my general practitioner or a specialist for 5 to 6 weeks!!! A BROKEN BACK!!! Thank God for Dr. Kalfas!
Reviewed on May 7, 2019
Dr. Kalfas listened to all my concerns and answered my questions very clearly. He was informative with relaxed personal style that put me at ease. It's easy to see why he has such a outstanding reputation.
Reviewed on Apr 30, 2019
The doctor was great! very confident in his care which is a plus!
Reviewed on Apr 30, 2019
Dr. Kalfas is an excellent surgeon and his staff is very professional. No phone calls made.
Reviewed on Apr 23, 2019
I have seen a few doctor before I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Kalfas. He actually listened to me and shared his concerns. Dr. Kalfas actually cared about how I felt and my concerns.
Reviewed on Apr 22, 2019
dr. kalfas and marybeth trimble are phenomenal.
Reviewed on Apr 2, 2019
Dr Kalfas was very informative and caring about my condition. He explained the pros and cons of surgery very well.
Reviewed on Apr 2, 2019
wonderful doctor I will be coming back to him again