Accepting new patients

Donald A. Ross, M.D.

Accepting new patients

  • Professor of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine

Specialty

  • Neurological Surgery

Clinical focus

  • Spinal Surgery

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

A fellowship-trained surgeon, Dr. Ross specializes in all aspects of general neurosurgery including minimally invasive spine surgery, neuro-oncology and brain tumors and Stereotactic radiosurgery.

Dr. Ross has adopted a minimally invasive approach, tailoring treatments to each patient individually rather than recommending a one size fits all approach. He uses careful neurologic examinations, diagnostic nerve blocks, careful analysis of imaging, and other modalities to offer the least invasive solutions for patients’ symptoms. He tries to avoid spinal fusion procedures if acceptable alternatives are available. He has performed over 2000 tubular access spinal surgeries, usually through incisions less than one inch long, allowing outpatient procedures in many cases and with rapid return to work or other activities for many patients.

Dr. Ross joined OHSU from private practice in Medford, Oregon in January 2011. He has previously worked as a professor of surgery, neurosurgery, and otolaryngology at the University of Michigan Medical Center.

In his spare time, he enjoys gardening, reading, playing in rock bands, and volunteering.

Languages spoken

  • English

Education and training

  • Degrees

    • M.D., 1983, Indiana University School of Medicine

  • Residency

    • Department of Neurological Surgery, University California at San Francisco, 1989

  • Fellowship

    • Cranial base surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 1990

  • Certifications

    • Diplomate, American Board of Neurological Surgery, 1992
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: 4.9 out of 5 (80 Ratings, 39 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 Press Ganey patient surveys.

  1. Excellent. Very thorough and caring. Excellent Examination. Excellent planning for next steps

  2. I felt very comfortable and I trusted everything would go well, as it did.

  3. Dr Ross is fabulous - he spends time with you - you never feel rushed and goes over everything. So pleased

  4. Dr. Ross is caring and thorough in all his interactions with me

  5. Very thorough when explaining options. Really seems to care about the patient. Very likeable.

  6. Dr Ross has always spent plenty of time with me and I feel like he truly cares. I feel very fortunate to have him as my doctor.

  7. Since it was a long time between when I saw Dr. Ross and his description of my surgery and when it actually happened, I don't remember him telling me much about what to expect in recovery. When I got to the hospital, he had good news for me. Previously he had told me he could only operate on cervical level at a time, and I would have to come back in the summer to have the second level addressed. Dr. Ross decided that he could address both C-2 and C-3. I am very happy I won't have to come back in this summer. I didn't see him after surgery as far as I can remember, but he called the next day. I was still euphoric, relieved, but also still under the influence of the drugs. Pain got worse after that. His team has been responsive to my concerns on MyChart regarding pain management.

  8. Great doctor

  9. He is very, very good. He's so knowledgeable and always has my best interest in mind.

  10. Dr Ross is an oddity in a fabulous way. I mean that in the amount of time he spends with you, his in-depth conversations, and again, his caring. He's obviously at the highest skill level yet he doesn't come across as a superior person who looks down at others. He's just great!

  11. Dr. Ross is an amazing doctor! He's very knowledgeable and familiar with my current medical condition

  12. Listens and asks questions. Previsit review of my medical records was very beneficial. Engaging

  13. Dr Ross always thoroughly explains procedure

  14. Very professional

  15. Informative encouraging

  16. Excellent

  17. Dr Ross was skilled and thorough in examination, including questions. I learned from our conversation. He was particularly focused. His write-up was the best I've seen. I'm grateful.

  18. Dr Ross is one of the best doctors I've ever worked with.. He listens and doesn't rush you. Very knowledgeable and personable.. I highly recommend him.

  19. I've been seeing Dr Ross for many years. I trust him and I like him.

  20. Listen thoroughly and aske questions that I had not thought of

  21. Everyone was great - easy

  22. The best at what he does.

  23. The appointment with the Dr was excellent

  24. Service was awesome and every person I met, they were very helpful

  25. I appreciated the call from Dr. Ross the day after my surgery because I was rather blitzed the day of and don't remember much. I am also grateful for the rapid response to my increased pain 6 days post top, and to my concerns about the fever following steroid initiation.

  26. Dr Ross took the time to review my case and answer my questions. I feel his honest concern for his patients.

  27. I have really appreciated the help, and advise I have received. The Care received has definitely improved my quality of life.

  28. Dr Ross was very thorough and compassionate. He is very willing to work with me to find cause and solution to my issues .

  29. Excellent

  30. Personable, kind and thorough.