Emergency icon Important Updates
Department General Surgery
Primary Location Hillcrest Hospital
Type of Doctor Adults Only
Languages English
Surgeon Yes
Locations
Hillcrest Hospital
Primary Location

Hillcrest Hospital

Appointment:
440.449.1101
Fax:
440.449.7715

Additional Locations

General Surgery

Mentor Hospital

8300 Norton Parkway
Mentor, OH 44060
Directions

Appointment:
440.578.3100
Desk:
440.578.3100
Fax:
440.578.3035
Specialties & Treatments

Treatment & Services

  • Abdominal Perineal Resection
  • Abdominal Surgery
  • Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
  • Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery
  • Appendectomy
  • Bile Duct Stone Removal
  • Biliary Surgery
  • Breast Biopsy
  • Breast Cancer Surgery
  • Breast Conservation Surgery
  • Breast Diagnostics
  • Breast Surgical Oncology
  • Breast Ultrasound
  • Cancer Center
  • Colectomy
  • Colon Surgery
  • Colonoscopy
  • Complex Abdominal Hernia Repair
  • Diagnostic Laparoscopy
  • Endocrine Surgery
  • Endoscopy
  • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
  • Gastrectomy
  • Gastrointestinal Exams
  • Gastrointestinal Surgery
  • Hernia Open Repair Surgery
  • Hernia Surgery
  • Intestinal Surgery
  • Laparoscopic Abdominal Perineal Resection
  • Laparoscopic Anti-Reflux Surgery
  • Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
  • Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery
  • Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair
  • Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair
  • Laparoscopic Lymph Node Biopsy
  • Laparoscopic Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Placement
  • Laparoscopic Solid Organ Surgery
  • Laparoscopic Splenectomy
  • Laparoscopic Surgery
  • Laparoscopic Surgery for Digestive Diseases
  • Laparoscopic Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Placement
  • Liver Biopsy
  • Minimally Invasive Breast Surgery
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery
  • Mohs Surgery
  • Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy
  • Nissen Fundoplication
  • Open Inguinal and Abdominal Hernia Repair
  • Pancreas Resection
  • Pancreatic Surgery
  • Parathyroid Surgery
  • Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection
  • Second Opinion Breast Cancer
  • Sentinel Lymph Node Procedures
  • Sentinel Node Biopsy
  • Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery
  • Single-Port Surgery
  • Skin-Sparing Mastectomy
  • Splenectomy
  • Stereotactic Brain Biopsy
  • Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
  • Surgery for Diseases of the Breast
  • Surgical Drains
  • Surgical Endoscopy
  • Thyroid Surgery
  • Thyroidectomy
  • Tracheostomy
  • Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy
View all 68 Treatment & Services +

Specialty in Diseases & Conditions

  • Abdominal Abscess
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Achalasia
  • Anal Abscesses
  • Anal Cancer
  • Anal Fissures
  • Appendicitis
  • Barrett's Esophagus
  • Benign Breast Disease
  • Bile Duct Diseases
  • Bile Duct Obstruction
  • Bile Duct Stones
  • Biliary Tract Disease
  • Breast Abscess
  • Breast Cancer
  • Breast Cancer - High Risk
  • Breast Disease
  • Breast Infections
  • Breast Lump
  • Breast Pain
  • Cancer
  • Carcinoid Syndrome
  • Collagenous Colitis
  • Colon Diseases
  • Colon Polyps
  • Colorectal Cancer
  • Crohn's Disease
  • Diverticulosis
  • Ductal Carcinoma in situ
  • Duodenal Atresia
  • Duodenal Polyps
  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis
  • Esophageal Cancer
  • Esophagitis
  • Extrahepatic Bile Duct Cancer
  • Fistulas
  • Gallbladder Disease
  • Gallstones
  • Gas (Digestive)
  • Gastritis
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) Bleeding
  • Goiter
  • Gynecomastia
  • Helicobacter Pylori
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Hepatobiliary Disease
  • Hernias
  • Hiatal Hernia
  • Hypercalcemia
  • Hyperparathyroidism
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
  • Inguinal Hernia
  • Intestinal Carcinoid Tumors
  • Intra-Abdominal Cancer/Tumor
  • Intraductal Papilloma
  • Intussusception
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Large Intestine Cancer
  • Male Breast Cancer
  • Melanoma
  • Nipple Discharge
  • Pancreatitis
  • Parathyroid Cancer
  • Parathyroid Disease
  • Pediatric Breast Anomalies
  • Pediatric Hydrocele Hernia
  • Recurrent Breast Cancer
  • Sarcoma
  • Sebaceous Cysts
  • Sepsis
  • Skin Cancer
  • Small Intestine Cancer
  • Soft Tissue Sarcoma
  • Stomach Cancer
  • Temporal Arteritis
  • Thyroid Cancer
  • Thyroid Disease
  • Thyroid Nodule
  • Ulcerative Colitis
View all 82 Specialties +
Insurance

Insurance

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Education & Professional Highlights

Education & Professional Highlights

Appointed
1990

Education & Fellowships

Residency - Mount Sinai Medical Center (Closed)
General Surgery
Cleveland, OH USA
1990

Medical Education - Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI USA
1985

Undergraduate - University of Wisconsin
Madison, WI USA
1981

Internship - Mount Sinai Medical Center of Cleveland
General Surgery
Cleveland, OH USA

Certifications

  • Surgery - General Surgery

Specialty Interests

biliary surgery, biliary system and splenectomy, breast, breast and endocrine, breast cancer, breast diagnostics, breast diseases, breast surgery, colon surgery, endocrine surgery - thyroid and parathyroid diseases and surgery, endocrine surgery (thyroid and parathyroid), general surgery, hernia and thyroid glands, hernia repair, hernia repairs, hernia surgery, Hiatal Hernia, surgical treatment of diseases of the breast

Research & Publications

Research & Publications

See publications for William O'Brien, 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 2/1/2024, Dr. O'Brien 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

209 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
4.7 out of 5
Explains 4.7
Listens 4.4
Courtesy, Respect & Concern 4.8
Patient Rating of Doctor 4.8

32 Patient Comments

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2024

Dr O'Brien was phenomenal!! He explained everything very well and clearly to us, even drawing pictures so we understood it clearly. He made sure we understood everything he explained and then went on to order a few more tests to make sure that his dx was correct. Really wonderful appointment with him!!

Reviewed on Feb 21, 2024

My Doctor was professional yet personable, very understanding, answered my questions

Reviewed on Feb 14, 2024

I have a great appointment using a video visit with Dr O'Brien. We we both were able to communicate our concerns and a plan of action was agreed upon

Reviewed on Feb 7, 2024

I was pleased that I was able to schedule an appointment with Dr. O'Brien so quickly.

Reviewed on Jan 30, 2024

I had a great experience with Dr. O'Brien. He made me feel comfortable and answered all of my questions and concerns. I appreciated how he took his time with me during his busy schedule and didn't make me feel like he was rushing through the appointment.

Reviewed on Jan 17, 2024

My husband, my granddaughter who is a CNP, and I were very favourably impressed with Dr O'Brien. Even though he was running behind That day, he didn't try to rush us. He explained everything about my condition and how the surgery would be done. I had questions jotted down, and he answered most of them before I even asked them. He was very kind and approachable, as well as very knowledgeable regarding my condition.

Reviewed on Dec 1, 2023

Dr. O'Brien disregarded when I told him the amount of pain I was having, and in result, I had to get a second opinion.

Reviewed on Nov 22, 2023

Dr O'Brian was very kind and very informative. He answered every question with courtesy and respect. He was very professional.

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2023

Very nice doctors.

Reviewed on Oct 13, 2023

Dr O'Brian was very personable.

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2023

Dr. O'Brien was very nice, very friendly & caring, made me feel very comfortable, like I was in good hands with his care. Thank You!!

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2023

I needed to schedule a follow up with a gastro doctor. I did twice and each time it was cancelled. The third time I called to schedule for a gastro follow up, I got scheduled with a general surgeon.

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2023

Dr. O'Brien is outstanding. He was kind, professional, polite and explained things in a way I could understand. I trust him.

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2023

Surprisingly, it was easy to get an appointment with Dr. O'Brien, but in general one must wait several months to see a specialist at the Cleveland Clinic.

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2023

The Dr. Is certainly an expert in his field and his manner was great to work with.

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2023

Dr. O'Brien is one of the best practitioners I've ever dealt with at the clinic. He is kind, genuine and efficient.

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2023

Dr. Obrian was on time, courteous and respectful.

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2023

My appointment with Dr. O'Brian was scheduled by the pathologist reporting the biopsy report. She was very kind. So was the Nurse in Dr. O'Brian's Office collecting history info.

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2023

Dr O'Brien was very reassuring, answered all my questions, discussed my prognosis, and gained my confidence. Great experience and great doctor.

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2023

I highly respect my Doctor, Dr. O'Brien. My Trust, 100%, A+.

Reviewed on Jun 12, 2023

I didn't have any problem in seeing Dr.O'Brien on time. Dr.O'Brien was friendly and professional as well as his staff. I would recommend family and friends to see Dr. O'Brien for a parathyroid problems.

Reviewed on May 10, 2023

Dr O'Briens and his staff are always A1

Reviewed on May 10, 2023

I recommend Dr O'Brien to anyone in need of his medical services.

Reviewed on May 10, 2023

Dr. O'Brien is the best!!

Reviewed on May 10, 2023

Dr OBrien was warm, friendly, caring, thorough and made me feel at ease. I felt heard and he explained things well. I had no questions when I left.

Reviewed on May 10, 2023

The doctor was excellant in explaining my problem and treatment options - and also very re-assuring.

Reviewed on Apr 26, 2023

Dr. O'Brien and His Team Are Outstanding!! Thank You Very Much!!

Reviewed on Apr 26, 2023

Dr. O'Brien Was Outstanding! Thank You!

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2023

Best, most professional Doctor I have seen in years. I can't compliment him enough.

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2023

Dr. O'Brien and his staff are Absolutely the Best!!!

Reviewed on Apr 10, 2023

Dr. O'Brien was great. Took as much time to discuss his diagnosis as I needed. Told me the options for surgery. I will be back to him to schedule surgery

Reviewed on Apr 5, 2023

Dr O'Brien is a great physician. He listened and answered all of my questions. I did not feel rushed. His staff was very kind and professional as well.

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