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Department Center for Spine Health
Primary Location Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Type of Doctor Both Adults and Children & Adolescents
Languages English
Surgeon Yes
Locations
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Primary Location

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

Appointment:
216.636.5860
Desk:
216.445.9232
Fax:
216.445.4992
Specialties & Treatments

Treatment & Services

  • Cervical Deformity Surgery
  • Cervical Spine Surgery
  • Complex Spinal Surgery
  • Deformity Correction
  • Scoliosis Surgery
  • Spinal Deformity Surgery
  • Spine Reconstruction
  • Spine Stabilization Surgery
  • Spine Tumor Removal and Reconstruction
  • Spine Tumor Surgery
View all 10 Treatment & Services +

Specialty in Diseases & Conditions

  • Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Cervical Spine Disorders
  • Complex Cervical Deformities
  • Craniovertebral Junction Disorder
  • Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Lumbar Spine Disorders
  • Scheuermann's Kyphosis
  • Scoliosis
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Spinal Deformity
  • Spinal Disorders
  • Spinal Instability
  • Spinal Metastases
  • Spine Trauma
  • Spine Tumors
  • Thoracic Herniated Disc
  • Thoracic Spinal Stenosis
  • Thoracic Spine Disorders
  • Thoracic Tumors
View all 19 Specialties +
Insurance

Insurance

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Biography

About William Clifton, MD

Dr. Clifton is a dual-trained spine orthopedic and neurosurgeon who treats the full spectrum of spinal disorders including adult and adolescent patients with scoliosis, advanced spinal deformity, spinal tumors, pediatric and adult craniocervical pathology, and patients needing revision spine surgery. He is one of the few neurosurgeons who has completed formal training in the fields of both neurosurgery and orthopedic spine surgery. Dr. Clifton joined the Center for Spine Health in August 2022.

Education & Professional Highlights

Education & Professional Highlights

Appointed
2022

Education & Fellowships

Fellowship - Columbia Irvine Medical Center
Orthopedic Spine Surgery
New York, NY USA
2022

Residency - Mayo Clinic Florida
Neurosurgery
Jacksonville, FL USA
2021

Medical Education - University of South Florida College of Medicine

2014

Undergraduate - University of Central Florida
FL USA
2010

Professional Highlights

  • Dr. Clifton was one of the first students selected into early medical school enrollment at the University of South Florida based on his academic achievements. He then trained in neurosurgery at the Mayo Clinic campuses in Jacksonville, Florida and Rochester, Minnesota. He then completed the Orthopedic Surgery Adult and Pediatric Complex Spine and Deformity Fellowship training at Columbia University in New York under Dr. Larry Lenke for advanced thoracolumbar deformity surgery, as well as at Cornell University under Dr. K. Daniel Riew in advanced cervical spine and deformity surgery.

Certifications

  • Neurosurgery

Innovations & Patents

  • Dr. Clifton is actively engaged in spine research and currently has over 70 peer reviewed publications and has patents issued and pending based on his research in 3D printing during residency.

Research & Publications

Research & Publications

See publications for William Clifton, 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

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 12/26/2023, Dr. Clifton has reported no financial relationship with industry that is applicable to this listing. 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.

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.

Patient Satisfaction Reviews

363 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
4.8 out of 5
Explains 4.8
Listens 4.7
Courtesy, Respect & Concern 4.9
Patient Rating of Doctor 4.8

71 Patient Comments

Reviewed on Apr 2, 2024

Dr. Clifton always takes his time with me and explains everything in detail about my upcoming surgery.

Reviewed on Apr 2, 2024

It was a great experience, so easy to get in to see the doctor.

Reviewed on Apr 2, 2024

Great doctor, I have already recommended him to family members.

Reviewed on Feb 27, 2024

Dr. Clifton is an excellent provider and a surgeon. I would highly recommend him

Reviewed on Feb 13, 2024

I haven't yet had surgery but have the utmost confidence in Dr Clifton

Reviewed on Feb 13, 2024

Dr. Clifton and his office staff have always treated me and my wife with the upmost of respect. I would recommend Dr. Clifton to anyone.

Reviewed on Feb 13, 2024

I have recommend Dr. Clifton to others and he has promptly seen them. I would recommend Dr. Clifton to anyone needing treatment for a condition of the spine.

Reviewed on Feb 8, 2024

He was by far the best doctor experience that I've had dealing with my issues. Very personable, and listened to my questions and concerns.

Reviewed on Feb 8, 2024

Dr Clifton is very compassionate and genuine. He shows heartfelt concern at every visit I had with him.

Reviewed on Jan 30, 2024

Doctor Clifton makes sure you understand everything and he actually listens and cares. He is genuine in it. Which is rare these days to see in a doctor!

Reviewed on Jan 29, 2024

I very highly recommend Dr. Clifton for his expertise and care. I trust him a great deal. He's a good listener and explains things very well. He always answers all my questions and relieves my worries.

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2024

Very good experience. Dr. Clifton allowed us to explain our problems completely and understood everything. He represents how medical providers should act to everyone, especially seniors.

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2024

While I was not wanting another surgery, Dr. Clifton presented his results of his evaluation in the way that I understood completely and decided that his plan was the way I needed to proceed and he is the right person to do it.

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2024

Dr. Clifton took time to roll me in a wheelchair to the lobby of his practice. No other medical provider has ever done that.

Reviewed on Jan 10, 2024

Dr. Clifton is gifted and presents with kindness and humility. He is a treasure.

Reviewed on Jan 9, 2024

Dr. W. Clifton is the best!!

Reviewed on Jan 5, 2024

It is incredibly difficult to find providers who understand Ehlers-Danlos and hypermobility and how these conditions alter treatment. Dr. Clifton does and unlike others, there isn't a year+ long waiting list. He is compassionate and kind and I have recommended him already.

Reviewed on Jan 2, 2024

Dr. Clifton was very knowledgeable, caring, and informative about my condition and treatment options.

Reviewed on Jan 2, 2024

I absolutely love Dr. Clifton!

Reviewed on Dec 29, 2023

Dr. Clifton is excellent in all the care he provides. His entire team was wonderful!

Reviewed on Dec 26, 2023

Dr. Clifton is a wonderful surgeon who displays courtesy, empathy and care each and every visit.

Reviewed on Dec 12, 2023

I think very highly of my doctor and appreciate all he has done for me. I have recommended him to a couple of people.

Reviewed on Dec 8, 2023

Dr. Clifton is the best!

Reviewed on Dec 8, 2023

Dr. Clifton took his time and explained everything

Reviewed on Dec 4, 2023

This was my post-op appointment. Dr Clifton could not have nicer or more positive. He is truly amazing. I experienced no significant problems with this very involved surgery.

Reviewed on Dec 4, 2023

We traveled from Nashville,TN for my surgery because we were so pleased with Cleveland Clinic and Dr Clifton.

Reviewed on Nov 28, 2023

Dr. Clifton is amazing! Personable, caring, knowledgeable. I recommend him to all my friends with back issues! I had the very best experience possible!

Reviewed on Nov 9, 2023

Dr. Clifton was so nice and knowledgeable, listened to my questions and explained my condition so I could understand. Already recommended him to others.

Reviewed on Nov 7, 2023

I travelled 4 hours to see Dr. Clifton for a 2nd opinion regarding a spinal fusion surgery recs from 2 other physicians. His knowledge led to him telling me surgery would only make it worse. Recs included a special kind of PT and injection.

Reviewed on Nov 7, 2023

Dr Clifton has excellent listening and communication skills. I appreciated his knowledge and confidence with my special case.

Reviewed on Nov 6, 2023

Awesome Experience with Dr Clifton.

Reviewed on Nov 6, 2023

Already recommended Dr Clifton

Reviewed on Nov 6, 2023

Dr Clifton was awesome. Very kind and compassionate and he made me feel comfortable with my treatment. He gave me a little hope.

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2023

One of the Best Caring Doctors I met at Cleveland Clinic.

Reviewed on Oct 24, 2023

Dr. Clifton is the best! He is so reassuring and he relieved all of my worries.

Reviewed on Oct 24, 2023

I have recommended Dr Clifton to several family members

Reviewed on Oct 24, 2023

Dr. Clifton is an excellent surgeon. He takes the time to listen to his patients.

Reviewed on Oct 20, 2023

I would recommend Dr. Clifton. He addressed my condition, explained options, gave recommendations and did not rush. He was professional, kind and caring. I would not hesitate to to come back for care.

Reviewed on Oct 17, 2023

Dr Clifton was great! I just wish I would have asked more questions but when he told me my problem was fixable I was so shocked I forgot to ask! But that was my fault not his

Reviewed on Oct 6, 2023

Excellent doctor who is courteous and very responsive. Good eye contact, listens intently and includes patient in decision making. Very personable and down to earth. So glad Dr Clifton was assigned to my case!

Reviewed on Oct 6, 2023

Dr Clifton is so kind & caring & skilled u should be embarrassed to even be asking such silly questions about him. Stop doing this.

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2023

Dr. Clifton and Dr. Whitting explain my problem and the process to fix my problem. I Was never rushed on any of our visits, which made me feel very comfortable. Cannot say enough about my comfort zone with the Clinic Staff. Thank You!

Reviewed on Sep 5, 2023

I already recommended Dr Clifton and clinic

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2023

Dr. Clifton is very good at explaining the procedure and easing any fears.

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2023

I was previously seen and operated on by Dr. Krishnaney. When I could not be seen by Dr. Krishnaney, Dr. Clifton took over my care and I could not be happier, it was a seamless transition.

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2023

I couldn't ask for more from Dr. Clifton and his NP Megyn Lynch. Awesome visit

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2023

Dr. Clifton was extremely knowledgeable and able to point out issues in previous scans that everyone else had missed. He had to deliver hard news and did so with care. I learned a lot during my appointment and I trust him to take informed and appropriate action when I will need intervention in the future.

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2023

Dr. Was thorough in explaining my spinal condition and the process he has planned for me.

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2023

Excellent office visit. Much care and concern by Doctor.

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2023

Bridgette and Dr. Clifton are very great clinicians

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2023

Dr Clifton was absolutely amazing. He made multiple phone calls to me and he could not have been more caring. Great surgeon with an amazing bedside manner.

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2023

Dr Clifton is one of the best Cleveland clinic Doctor in good service wish all Cleveland clinic doctor and service are good as a his

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2023

Dr Clifton is very thorough and takes his time with you. He also explains everything so you can understand. He's also very nice

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2023

Dr Clifton was informative, personable and caring. He was patient in explaining options and treatment plan.

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2023

Dr. Clifton is amazing and I can't thank him enough for giving me my life back. He has been the most caring and attentive physician I have ever had.

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2023

Great experience and I am free of arm pain. Thanks Dr. Clifton

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2023

I referred my husband to Dr. Clifton wouldn't put him in better hands.

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2023

Excellent staff and doctor. I've not had any issues with getting Info to or from this doctor or his staff. He's very straight forward and I appreciate that more than anything!

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2023

I already have recommended *Dr. Clifton & Hillcrest to a family member.

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2023

*Dr. Clifton (*William) was very caring, good listening, respectful of my needs. Excellent dr.

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2023

Great doctor! Explains everything and answers questions. Has patient involved in process. Very down to earth.

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2023

My experience with the spine center continues to be awesome. Dr. Clifton and his staff are amazing with the speed of returning messages and the clarity they provide.

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2023

Dr Clifton is awesome. He listened to what I had to say, answered all my questions and dove into details when I asked for more. He put myself and my wife at ease.

Reviewed on Jun 9, 2023

This is a real doctor/surgeon. I find it insulting that u would ask me about him in a survey. He is so good I do not have words.

Reviewed on Jun 6, 2023

Dr. Clifton is a good listener and eased my anxiety about my upcoming surgery.

Reviewed on Jun 6, 2023

We were very impressed with Dr Clifton. He was informative and caring.

Reviewed on Jun 5, 2023

Worked with 2 other neuro surgeons before *Dr. Clifton. Neither one made me comfortable about this surgery _____ was great!

Reviewed on Jun 5, 2023

Exceptional! Dr. Clifton is personable. Takes time to listen and address any questions and concerns. He is direct and honest in his approach which solidifies our confidence in making the right decision regarding treatment.

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2023

Dr. Clifton is the best he's kind friendly manner shows really cares about his patience. We really appreciated The surgery he performed very skillfully. I don't think we could've found a better surgeon anywhere else than Dr. Clifton.

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2023

I have recommended Dr. Clifton to one of my neighbors based on my experience with him.

Reviewed on May 12, 2023

Dr. Clifton consistently makes me feel seen and believed. He found the issue with my sound immediately which other doctors missed. He gave his basement of it and did further testing which confirmed his suspicions. He is also familiar with and aware of my genetic connective tissue disease and considers it with every step of the process

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