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Matthew Smuck, MD
Spine physiatrist, Physiatrist
Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Stanford University Medical Center
Bio:
Dr. Matthew Smuck is the Chief of PM&R and Associate Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Stanford University. He is also the Medical Director of Rehabilitation Services for Stanford Healthcare where he specializes in the comprehensive conservative management of spine disorders. He is a physician leader currently sitting on the Board of Directors for the North American Spine Society, the Spine Intervention Society, and the Foundation for PM&R. He is a Deputy Editor of The Spine Journal, Co-Editor of the Orthopedics Knowledge Update in Spine (4th ed.), and is on the Assistant Editorial Board of the European Spine Journal. Dr. Smuck is also an award-winning researcher who pioneered the new field of physical performance monitoring. He directs the Wearable Health Lab at Stanford, investigating medical applications of mobile technology to improve musculoskeletal and neurologic disease detection, treatment and prevention. His work has received numerous research society awards and publication awards, including The Spine Journal’s 2013 Outstanding Paper Award, the American Academy of PM&R’s 2014 President’s Citation Award, the PM&R Journal and Foundation for PM&R’s 2015 Best Original Research Award, and the 2016 ISSLS Prize. He regularly lectures on his research at Universities and medical conferences in the US and abroad.
- 450 Broadway Street
- Redwood City, CA 94063
- Phone: 650-723-5643
- 450 Broadway Street
- Redwood City, CA 94063
- Phone: 650-725-5905
Practice Areas
Professional Education
- Residency: Stanford University School of Medicine (2001) CA
- Board Certification: Physical Medicine and Rehab, American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehab (2002)
- Board Certification: Pain Medicine, American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehab (2003)
- Fellowship: Stanford University Hospital - Interventional Spine (2002) CA
- Internship: Oakwood Healthcare System (1998) MI
- Medical Education: Indiana University School of Medicine (1997) IN
- Fellow, Stanford University, Interventional Spine Medicine (2002)
- Resident, Stanford University, PM&R (2001)
- M.D., Indiana University, School of Medicine (1997)
- B.S., Milligan College, Biology, Humanities, French (1993)
Honors & Awards
- Most Outstanding Biomedical Research Paper, Indiana University School of Medicine (1997)
- Faculty Mentor, 1st Place Theodore M. Cole Resident Research Award, University of Michigan (2009, 2007, 2004)
- Young Investigator Award, US Bone and Joint Decade (2006)
- Jose C. Montero MD Teaching Award, Stanford University, PM&R residency program (2010)
- Best Basic Science Research Award, International Spine Intervention Society (2011)
- Best Musculoskeletal Research Award, American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (2011)
- Best Clinical Research Award, International Spine Intervention Society (2012, 2013, 2014)
- Medtronic Best Poster Award, International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine (2012)
- Best Pain and Spine Abstracts, American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (2013, 2014)
- Best Papers, North American Spine Society (NASS) Annual Meeting (2013, 2009)
- Instructor, International Spine Intervention Society (2013)
- Outstanding Paper Award: Medical and Interventional Science, The Spine Journal (2013)
- President's Citation Award, AAPM&R (2014)
- Best Original Research Award, Foundation for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the PM&R Journal (2015)
- The ISSLS Prize for Lumbar Spine Research, ISSLS (2016)
Administrative Appointments
- Director, University of Michigan PM&R Interventional Spine Fellowship (2007 - 2008)
- Interim Director, The University of Michigan Spine Program (2008 - 2008)
- Director, Stanford PM&R Spine Fellowship (2009 - 2014)
- Medical Director of Rehabilitation Services, Stanford University Hospital & Clinics (2011 - Present)
- Chief, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Stanford University (2011 - Present)
- Director and Founder, Wearable Health Lab (2014 - Present)
Publications
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[18F]FDG PET/MRI of patients with chronic pain alters management: early experience.
Biswal, S., Behera, D., Yoon, D. H., Holley, D., Ith, M. Am., & Hargreaves, B. (2015). [18F]FDG PET/MRI of patients with chronic pain alters management: early experience. EJNMMI physics, 2, A84-?. -
Morphologic changes in the lumbar spine after lumbar medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy: a quantitative radiological study
Smuck, M., Crisostomo, R. A., Demirjian, R., Fitch, D. S., Kennedy, D. J., & Geisser, M. E. (2015). Morphologic changes in the lumbar spine after lumbar medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy: a quantitative radiological study. SPINE JOURNAL, 15(6), 1415-1421. -
The Use of Moderate Sedation for the Secondary Prevention of Adverse Vasovagal Reactions
Kennedy, D. J., Schneider, B., Smuck, M., & Plastaras, C. T. (2015). The Use of Moderate Sedation for the Secondary Prevention of Adverse Vasovagal Reactions. PAIN MEDICINE, 16(4), 673-679. -
A proposed set of metrics for standardized outcome reporting in the management of low back pain
Clement, R. C., Welander, A., Stowell, C., Cha, T. D., Chen, J. L., & Fritzell, P. (2015). A proposed set of metrics for standardized outcome reporting in the management of low back pain. ACTA ORTHOPAEDICA, 86(5), 523-533.
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Determinants of Physical Activity in America: A First Characterization of Physical Activity Profile Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
Kao, M.-C. J., Jarosz, R., Goldin, M., Patel, A., & Smuck, M. (2014). Determinants of Physical Activity in America: A First Characterization of Physical Activity Profile Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). PM&R, 6(10), 882-892.
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A quantitative study of intervertebral disc morphologic changes following plasma-mediated percutaneous discectomy.
Smuck, M., Levin, J., Zemper, E., Ali, A., & Kennedy, D. J. (2014). A quantitative study of intervertebral disc morphologic changes following plasma-mediated percutaneous discectomy. Pain medicine , 15(10), 1695-1703.
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Trainee Involvement in Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections Associated With Increased Incidence of Vasovagal Reactions
Schneider, B., Kennedy, D. J., Casey, E., Smuck, M., & Conrad, B. (2014). Trainee Involvement in Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections Associated With Increased Incidence of Vasovagal Reactions. PM&R, 6(10), 914-919.
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A Quantitative Study of Intervertebral Disc Morphologic Changes Following Plasma-Mediated Percutaneous Discectomy
Smuck, M., Levin, J., Zemper, E., Ali, A., & Kennedy, D. J. (2014). A Quantitative Study of Intervertebral Disc Morphologic Changes Following Plasma-Mediated Percutaneous Discectomy. PAIN MEDICINE, 15(10), 1695-1703.
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Determinants of physical activity in America: a first characterization of physical activity profile using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
Kao, M.-C. J., Jarosz, R., Goldin, M., Patel, A., & Smuck, M. (2014). Determinants of physical activity in America: a first characterization of physical activity profile using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation, 6(10), 882-892.
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A Randomized Trial of Epidural Glucocorticoid Injections for Spinal Stenosis
Friedly, J. L., Comstock, B. A., Turner, J. A., Heagerty, P. J., Deyo, R. A., & Jarvik, J. G. (2014). A Randomized Trial of Epidural Glucocorticoid Injections for Spinal Stenosis. NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE, 371(1), 11-21.
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Trends in Ambulatory Physician Opioid Prescription in the United States, 1997-2009
Kao, M.-C. J., Minh, L. C., Huang, G. Y., Mitra, R., & Smuck, M. (2014). Trends in Ambulatory Physician Opioid Prescription in the United States, 1997-2009. PM&R, 6(7), 575-582.
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Reply to letter to the editor "Morphologic changes in the lumbar spine following lumbar medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy: a quantitative radiologic study".
Smuck, M., Crisostomo, R. A., Demirjian, R., Fitch, D. S., Kennedy, D. J., & Geisser, M. E. (2014). Reply to letter to the editor "Morphologic changes in the lumbar spine following lumbar medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy: a quantitative radiologic study". spine journal , 14(6), 1089-1090.
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Assessment and management of back pain.
Kao, M.-C., Zheng, P., & Smuck, M. (2014). Assessment and management of back pain. JAMA internal medicine, 174(3), 479-?.
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Does physical activity influence the relationship between low back pain and obesity?
Smuck, M., Kao, M.-C. J., Brar, N., Martinez-Ith, A., Choi, J., & Tomkins-Lane, C. C. (2014). Does physical activity influence the relationship between low back pain and obesity?. SPINE JOURNAL, 14(2), 209-216.
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Vasovagal Rates in Flouroscopically Guided Interventional Procedures: A Study of Over 8,000 Injections
Kennedy, D. J., Schneider, B., Casey, E., Rittenberg, J., Conrad, B., & Plastaras, C. T. (2013). Vasovagal Rates in Flouroscopically Guided Interventional Procedures: A Study of Over 8,000 Injections. PAIN MEDICINE, 14(12), 1854-1859.
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Duration of Fluoroscopic-Guided Spine Interventions and Radiation Exposure Is Increased in Overweight Patients
Smuck, M., Zheng, P., Chong, T., Kao, M.-C., & Geisser, M. E. (2013). Duration of Fluoroscopic-Guided Spine Interventions and Radiation Exposure Is Increased in Overweight Patients. PM&R, 5(4), 291-296.
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Correlation of Paraspinal Atrophy and Denervation in Back Pain and Spinal Stenosis Relative to Asymptomatic Controls
Yarjanian, J. A., Fetzer, A., Yamakawa, K. S., Tong, H. C., Smuck, M., & Haig, A. (2013). Correlation of Paraspinal Atrophy and Denervation in Back Pain and Spinal Stenosis Relative to Asymptomatic Controls. PM&R, 5(1), 39-44.
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Cervical Foraminal Versus Interlaminar Epidurals: Risks, Benefits, and Alternatives.
Smuck, M., Demirjian, R., & Kennedy, D. J. (2013). Cervical Foraminal Versus Interlaminar Epidurals: Risks, Benefits, and Alternatives. . Curr Phys Med Rehabil Rep. 2013 June;1(2), 1(2).
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Commentary: More or less satisfied?
Smuck, M. (2012). Commentary: More or less satisfied?. SPINE JOURNAL, 12(12), 1140-1141.
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Functional assessment of the acute local and distal transplantation of human neural stem cells after spinal cord injury
Cheng, I., Mayle, R. E., Cox, C. A., Park, D. Y., Smith, R. L., & Carragee, E. J. (2012). Functional assessment of the acute local and distal transplantation of human neural stem cells after spinal cord injury. SPINE JOURNAL, 12(11), 1040-1044.
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Success of Initial and Repeated Medial Branch Neurotomy for Zygapophysial Joint Pain: A Systematic Review
Smuck, M., Crisostomo, R. A., Trivedi, K., & Agrawal, D. (2012). Success of Initial and Repeated Medial Branch Neurotomy for Zygapophysial Joint Pain: A Systematic Review. PM&R, 4(9), 686-692.
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Evaluation of the Athlete With Buttock Pain
Vasudevan, J. M., Smuck, M., & Fredericson, M. (2012). Evaluation of the Athlete With Buttock Pain. CURRENT SPORTS MEDICINE REPORTS, 11(1), 35-42.
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Sacral Stress Fractures in Athletes
Watanabe LM, Smuck M, & Fredericson M. (2012). Sacral Stress Fractures in Athletes. SpineLine May/June, 13(3).
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Orthopaedic Knowledge Update: Spine 4
Rao RD, S. M. (2012). Orthopaedic Knowledge Update: Spine 4. American Academy of Orthpaedic Surgeons.
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Preseason Training for Golfers with Low Back Pain
Roh EY, G. Mc. S. M. (2012). Preseason Training for Golfers with Low Back Pain. SpineLine, 13(1).
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Commentary: One small step
Smuck, M., & Carragee, E. J. (2011). Commentary: One small step. SPINE JOURNAL, 11(9), 824-825.
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Inadvertent Injection of a Cervical Radicular Artery Using an Atraumatic Pencil-Point Needle
Smuck, M., & Leung, D. (2011). Inadvertent Injection of a Cervical Radicular Artery Using an Atraumatic Pencil-Point Needle. SPINE, 36(3), E220-E223.
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Vascular causes of radiculopathy: a literature review
Benny, B. V., Nagpal, A. S., Singh, P., & Smuck, M. (2011). Vascular causes of radiculopathy: a literature review. SPINE JOURNAL, 11(1), 73-85.
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Diagnostic Imaging of Painful Lumbar Facet Joints
Smuck M, & Agrawal D. (2011). Diagnostic Imaging of Painful Lumbar Facet Joints. Ispine: Evidence-Based Interventional Spine Care. Demos, 1st ed.
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Utility of the anesthetic test dose to avoid catastrophic injury during cervical transforaminal epidural injections
Smuck, M., Maxwell, M. D., Kennedy, D., Rittenberg, J. D., Lansberg, M. G., & Plastaras, C. T. (2010). Utility of the anesthetic test dose to avoid catastrophic injury during cervical transforaminal epidural injections. SPINE JOURNAL, 10(10), 857-864.
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Basic Appearance of Ultrasound Structures and Pitfalls
McDonald, S., Fredericson, M., Roh, E. Y., & Smuck, M. (2010). Basic Appearance of Ultrasound Structures and Pitfalls. PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA, 21(3), 461-?.
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Considering value
Smuck, M. (2010). Considering value. SPINE JOURNAL, 10(6), 505-506.
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Influence of needle type on the incidence of intravascular injection during transforaminal epidural injections: a comparison of short-bevel and long-bevel needles
Smuck, M., Yu, A. J., Tang, C.-T., & Zemper, E. (2010). Influence of needle type on the incidence of intravascular injection during transforaminal epidural injections: a comparison of short-bevel and long-bevel needles. SPINE JOURNAL, 10(5), 367-371.
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Plasma disc decompression compared with fluoroscopy-guided transforaminal epidural steroid injections for symptomatic contained lumbar disc herniation: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial Clinical article
Gerszten, P. C., Smuck, M., Rathmell, J. P., Simopoulos, T. T., Bhagia, S. M., & Bloch, D. A. (2010). Plasma disc decompression compared with fluoroscopy-guided transforaminal epidural steroid injections for symptomatic contained lumbar disc herniation: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial Clinical article. JOURNAL OF NEUROSURGERY-SPINE, 12(4), 357-371.
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Adhesive capsulitis: a new management protocol to improve passive range of motion.
Mitra, R., Harris, A., Umphrey, C., Smuck, M., & Fredericson, M. (2009). Adhesive capsulitis: a new management protocol to improve passive range of motion. PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation, 1(12), 1064-1068.
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Incidence of simultaneous epidural and vascular injection during cervical transforaminal epidural injections.
Smuck, M., Tang, C.-T., & Fuller, B. J. (2009). Incidence of simultaneous epidural and vascular injection during cervical transforaminal epidural injections. Spine, 34(21), E751-5.
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Evidence-Based Conviction
Levin, J. H., & Smuck, M. (2009). Evidence-Based Conviction. PM&R, 1(9), 891-892.
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Blind Man's Bluff
Smuck, M. (2009). Blind Man's Bluff. SPINE JOURNAL, 9(6), 518-519.
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Re: Manchikanti L, Singh V, Falco FJ, et al. Cervical medial branch blocks for chronic cervical facet joint pain: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial with one-year follow-up. Spine 2008;33:1813-20.
Smuck, M., & Levin, J. H. (2009). Re: Manchikanti L, Singh V, Falco FJ, et al. Cervical medial branch blocks for chronic cervical facet joint pain: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial with one-year follow-up. Spine 2008;33:1813-20. SPINE, 34(10), 1116-1116.
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Considering Industry-Sponsored Research
Segal, N. A., Smuck, M., Sowa, G., & Basford, J. (2009). Considering Industry-Sponsored Research. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION, 88(4), 342-348.
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The use of epidural corticosteroids for cervical radiculopathy: an interlaminar versus transforaminal approach.
Smuck, M., Rosenberg, J. M., & Akuthota, V. (2009). The use of epidural corticosteroids for cervical radiculopathy: an interlaminar versus transforaminal approach. PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation, 1(2), 178-184.
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Cervical Injections: Is the Risk Worth the Benefit?
Fish D, Behr J, & Smuck M. (2009). Cervical Injections: Is the Risk Worth the Benefit?. SpineLine, 10(1).
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Tissue injury and healing
Christensen-Holz S, & Smuck M. (2009). Tissue injury and healing. Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation: A Sport-Specific Approach, 2nd ed..
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Mountain Biking Injuries
Smuck M. (2009). Mountain Biking Injuries. Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation: A Sport-Specific Approach, 2nd ed..
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Interpretation of Contrast Dispersal Patterns by Experienced and Inexperienced Interventionalists
Smuck, M., Abbott, Z., & Zemper, E. (2009). Interpretation of Contrast Dispersal Patterns by Experienced and Inexperienced Interventionalists. PM&R, 1(1), 55-59.
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Intravascular Injection of Contrast During Lumbar Discography: A Previously Unreported Complication
Smuck, M., Yoon, T., & Colwell, M. (2008). Intravascular Injection of Contrast During Lumbar Discography: A Previously Unreported Complication. PAIN MEDICINE, 9(8), 1030-1034.
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Nociception before and after exercise in rats bred for high and low aerobic capacity
Geisser, M. E., Wang, W., Smuck, M., Koch, L. G., Britton, S. L., & Lydic, R. (2008). Nociception before and after exercise in rats bred for high and low aerobic capacity. NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS, 443(1), 37-40.
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Accuracy of intermittent fluoroscopy to detect intravascular injection during transforaminal epidural injections
Smuck, M., Fuller, B. J., Chiodo, A., Benny, B., Singaracharlu, B., & Ho, S. (2008). Accuracy of intermittent fluoroscopy to detect intravascular injection during transforaminal epidural injections. SPINE, 33(7), E205-E210.
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Literature Review: New From the Journals
Smuck M, Levin J, & Arnold P. (2008). Literature Review: New From the Journals. SpineLine, 9(6).
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Sacroiliac joint pain in athletes: A biomechanical treatment approach
Christensen-Holz S, Wiggert B, & Smuck M. (2008). Sacroiliac joint pain in athletes: A biomechanical treatment approach. SpineLine, 9(6).
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An unusual cause of S1 radicular pain presenting as early phantom pain in a transfemoral amputee: A case report
Smuck, M., Christensen, S., Lee, S. S., & Sagher, O. (2008). An unusual cause of S1 radicular pain presenting as early phantom pain in a transfemoral amputee: A case report. ARCHIVES OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION, 89(1), 146-149.
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Re: Scanlon GC, Moeller-Bertram T, Romanowsky SM, et al. Cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections: more dangerous than we think? Spine 2007;32:1249-56.
Smuck, M. W., & Levin, J. H. (2007). Re: Scanlon GC, Moeller-Bertram T, Romanowsky SM, et al. Cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections: more dangerous than we think? Spine 2007;32:1249-56. Spine, 32(23), 2638-?.
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Author reply to "Letter to the editor" by Manchikanti and Singh (Spine J. 2007(5)) regarding "Incidence of simultaneous epidural and vascular injection during lumbosacral transforaminal epidural injections"
Smuck, M., & Fuller, B. J. (2007). Author reply to "Letter to the editor" by Manchikanti and Singh (Spine J. 2007(5)) regarding "Incidence of simultaneous epidural and vascular injection during lumbosacral transforaminal epidural injections". SPINE JOURNAL, 7(6), 749-749.
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Irreversible spinal nerve injury from dorsal ramus radiofrequency neurotomy: A case report
Abbott, Z., Smuck, M., Haig, A., & Sagher, O. (2007). Irreversible spinal nerve injury from dorsal ramus radiofrequency neurotomy: A case report. ARCHIVES OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION, 88(10), 1350-1352.
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Epidural fibrosis following percutaneous disc decompression with coblation technology.
Smuck, M., Benny, B., Han, A., & Levin, J. (2007). Epidural fibrosis following percutaneous disc decompression with coblation technology. Pain physician, 10(5), 691-696.
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Incidence of simultaneous epidural and vascular injection during lumbosacral transforaminal epidural injections
Smuck, M., Fuller, B. J., Yoder, B., & Huerta, J. (2007). Incidence of simultaneous epidural and vascular injection during lumbosacral transforaminal epidural injections. SPINE JOURNAL, 7(1), 79-82.
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Radiculopathy from herniation of the nucleus pulposus: 1. Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and natural history
Levin J, & Smuck M. (2007). Radiculopathy from herniation of the nucleus pulposus: 1. Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and natural history. J. Back Musculoskeletal Rehabil, 20(2,3).
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Radiculopathy from herniation of the nucleus pulposus: 2. The role of corticosteroids
Levin J, & Smuck M. (2007). Radiculopathy from herniation of the nucleus pulposus: 2. The role of corticosteroids. J. Back Musculoskeletal Rehabil, 20(2,3).
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Therapies for subacute back pain: A glossary approach, Section III Surgery and Injection treatments
Haig AJ, & Smuck. (2005). Therapies for subacute back pain: A glossary approach, Section III Surgery and Injection treatments. Back Pain: A Guide for the Primary Care Physician..
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Sacroiliac joint pain syndrome in active patients: A look behind the pain
Chen Y, Fredericson M, & Smuck M. (2002). Sacroiliac joint pain syndrome in active patients: A look behind the pain. Physician and Sportsmedicine, 30(11).
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Tissue injury and healing, outcomes with the sports medicine approach.
Smuck M, & Buschbacker R. (2002). Tissue injury and healing, outcomes with the sports medicine approach. Practical Guide to Musculoskeletal Disorders: Diagnosis & Rehabilitation., 1st ed..
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Patient Comments
Patients comments are gathered from our Patient Satisfaction Survey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
SHC Patient, Mar 2016
Dr. Smuck took the time to explain all options fully & carefully. Really appreciated his knowledge & truly feels he's trying to get me better.
SHC Patient, Feb 2016
Specific concerns about my physical therapy program weren't not discussed in enough detail and therefore not adequately addressed.
SHC Patient, Nov 2015
Dr. Smuck should pull up scans or X-rays and go over the results and explain what the results mean w/visuals. It would help build confidence w/his recommendations.
SHC Patient, Nov 2015
I am very pleased that Dr. Matthew Smuck is available to see me every 6 months. Previously (3 years ago) he served as a consultant for my care and. then returned my care to my private (non-Stanford) physicians.
SHC Patient, Oct 2015
It is always a pleasure to see Dr. Smuck. He is very informative and always has the right answers for my questions.
SHC Patient, Sep 2015
Needs more compassion.
SHC Patient, Sep 2015
I felt my health was important to each person in the room. Very responsive to my needs.
SHC Patient, Jul 2015
dr smuck is the greatest!!!
SHC Patient, Jul 2015
I would have appreciated more information about alternative therapies for the pain associated with a herniated disc. The doctor and nurse just continued to support standard physical therapy. Even if they do not view alternative therapies (acupuncture, chiropractic) as effective I would have appreciated more information about them and an explanation of why they were not recommended in my case.
SHC Patient, Jun 2015
He had full understanding with my health problem & explain it to me.
SHC Patient, Jun 2015
He is going to help me I no I believe in him it's his work-ward God is with us. #1. I like him.
SHC Patient, May 2015
I wish he would have gone over the Spine xrays and MRI of the lumbar spine I just had had the day before to explain the findings with me. He didn't seem very interested in my case. Referred me to another doctor for follow-up following my EMG.
SHC Patient, Mar 2015
I saw first a resident and then Dr. Smuck. I quite like and support teaching facilities, and my experience here was very good. The resident was excellent, and so was Dr. Smuck.
SHC Patient, Mar 2015
Provider was competent but was not very empathetic or communicative - I felt my input was not received well.
SHC Patient, Mar 2015
I didn't have enough visits or care from this doctor. I only saw him one time so I would have a hard time fully recommending him. But I did enjoy the first visit and felt he was very good.
SHC Patient, Jan 2015
Smuck and his PA were great each time.
SHC Patient, Jan 2015
Mister Smuck and his assistant were a great tandem to talk with.
SHC Patient, Jan 2015
Dr. Smuck was exceptional. As usual.
SHC Patient, Dec 2014
Dr. & PA were helpful in determining my next course of treatment & referral to specialist.
SHC Patient, Nov 2014
It is too difficult to get an urgent appt.
SHC Patient, Nov 2014
Good experience!
SHC Patient, Oct 2014
Excellent services.
SHC Patient, May 2014
Great!
SHC Patient, Mar 2016
Dr. Smuck took the time to explain all options fully & carefully. Really appreciated his knowledge & truly feels he's trying to get me better.
SHC Patient, Feb 2016
Specific concerns about my physical therapy program weren't not discussed in enough detail and therefore not adequately addressed.
SHC Patient, Nov 2015
Dr. Smuck should pull up scans or X-rays and go over the results and explain what the results mean w/visuals. It would help build confidence w/his recommendations.
SHC Patient, Nov 2015
I am very pleased that Dr. Matthew Smuck is available to see me every 6 months. Previously (3 years ago) he served as a consultant for my care and. then returned my care to my private (non-Stanford) physicians.
SHC Patient, Oct 2015
It is always a pleasure to see Dr. Smuck. He is very informative and always has the right answers for my questions.
SHC Patient, Sep 2015
Needs more compassion.
SHC Patient, Sep 2015
I felt my health was important to each person in the room. Very responsive to my needs.
SHC Patient, Jul 2015
dr smuck is the greatest!!!
SHC Patient, Jul 2015
I would have appreciated more information about alternative therapies for the pain associated with a herniated disc. The doctor and nurse just continued to support standard physical therapy. Even if they do not view alternative therapies (acupuncture, chiropractic) as effective I would have appreciated more information about them and an explanation of why they were not recommended in my case.
SHC Patient, Jun 2015
He had full understanding with my health problem & explain it to me.
SHC Patient, Jun 2015
He is going to help me I no I believe in him it's his work-ward God is with us. #1. I like him.
SHC Patient, May 2015
I wish he would have gone over the Spine xrays and MRI of the lumbar spine I just had had the day before to explain the findings with me. He didn't seem very interested in my case. Referred me to another doctor for follow-up following my EMG.
View All 23 Patient Comments »