Accepting new patients

Clifford Lin, M.D., M.A.Sc, F.R.C.S.(C)

Accepting new patients

  • Associate Professor of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine

Specialty

  • Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Orthopaedics and rehabilitation

Clinical focus

  • Spinal Surgery
  • Spine

Locations and contact

I see patients at
Tall building with the ariel tram to its left
Center for Health & Healing, Building 1
503-494-8311
Read clinic details

About me

I’m an orthopedic surgeon specializing in spinal care, and I’m dedicated to helping patients with conditions that affect the neck, back and entire spine. 

I assist patients seeking help with: 

I work to understand your unique needs and guide you through treatment with clarity and compassion.

I can offer my patients advanced, minimally invasive surgical techniques whenever appropriate to reduce trauma and support faster recovery. I believe every patient deserves a thorough evaluation and a treatment plan that matches their goals and lifestyle, and I take time to explain your condition and options in plain language so you feel informed and confident about your care.

Outside of work, I enjoy exploring hobbies that keep me active and grounded, and I value the relationships I build with patients as we work together toward improved health and quality of life. I’m proud to be part of the team at OHSU Spine Center and to serve patients throughout the Portland area.

Read patient stories from some of Dr. Lin's patients.

Languages spoken

  • English

Education and training

  • Degrees

    • M.D., 2009, Queen’s University

  • Residency

    • Orthopaedics, University of Toronto, Canada, 2014

  • Fellowship

    • Spine surgery, University of Toronto (University Health Network – Toronto Western Hospital), 2015

  • Certifications

    • American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 2017

Memberships and associations:

  • AO Spine North America
Read faculty profile

Insurance

Before scheduling an appointment

  1. Check your network. If you have health insurance,  call your company to find out if the OHSU Health location or provider you plan to visit is part of your network.
  2. Ask what you will pay. Your insurance company can tell you what your costs are likely to be.

If you schedule an appointment and your health insurance does not include OHSU Health, you may have to pay more than if you go to a provider in your insurance network. 

Visit our billing and insurance page for more information.

Ratings and reviews

Overall: 4.8 out of 5 (76 Ratings, 20 Reviews)

The patient ratings score is an average of all responses to the question "How likely would you be to recommend this provider to your family and friends (on a scale of 0 to 10)" on our nationally-recognized NRC patient surveys.

  1. They explained everything that was going on and made me very comfortable The anesthesiologist positions assistant was particularly kind. We talked for about 15 minutes or so, and then he took me into the operating room, and everything was explained to me as I dozed off

  2. After at least 17 surgeries in my 72 years, I was not excited about adding another check in the surgeries I've had box. He understood and took a conservative approach. Surgery is pending but I was able to explore alternative medically approved approaches to conclude the knife was only option.

  3. Dr Lin was a pleasure to work with. He was always ready to answer questions in a way that I could understand what he was talking about and he made explaining the x-rays very easy so that I understood where the problems were and what he was going to do to prepare them. He has a great bedside man and I like definitely come back again if I needed to and I would definitely refer by any friends need services like this.

  4. Very pleasant, talked to me in terms I could understand. Went over x rays ect. Very easy to be around.

  5. I love this Doctors and his staff.

  6. He actually cared about my situation dealing with pain and raising my 2 grandsons.

  7. Very good.

  8. He is extremely thourough! I was very impressed with him.

  9. Seen Dr. Lin before and have always liked his approach - easy going but professional and inspires confidence. It is why we travel 3 hrs to seen him

  10. Always professional and informative.

  11. Dr. Lin took needed time to explain in understandable fashion what would be done in the course of the surgery and the likely outcomes. He did this with reference to the MRI image of my spine. I greatly appreciated his effort to help me understand.

  12. Excellent!

  13. Always excellent

  14. Quick and took care of all my needs

  15. Dr Lin was amazing!! I can't say enough good things about him. Dr Lin was friendly, easy to talk with, compassionate, and extremely knowledgeable. He addressed all my questions and concerns clearly and thoroughly. I never felt rushed. We decided not to proceed with surgery at this time but if surgery is needed in the future I definitely want Dr Lin to be my surgeon. Dr. Kat, the resident I talked to before Dr Lin came in, was excellent as well. And the assistant Nick was very congenial and helpful. My entire experience was stellar. I couldn't be happier with my experience with OHSU.

  16. Excellent in knowledge, clear explanation, kind demeanor

  17. Their concern for my health really shows. No condescending questions. Dr Lin is very knowledgeable and has good hands. You are lucky to have him on staff.

  18. Dr Lynn was a very likable guy from the first visit. He took the time to explain my situation to me and show me the x-rays and MRIS so I understood exactly what was going on. Is an excellent doctor.

  19. It was very straight forward due to my special needs.

  20. Dr. Lin did my surgery a year ago. He was wonderful then, and has continued to be so at each follow up visit.