Aaron Clark

MD PhD

Neurosurgeon
Minimally invasive spine surgeon and avid surfer

Dr. Aaron Clark is a neurosurgeon specializing in minimally invasive outpatient procedures for lumbar and cervical herniated discs and stenosis, as well as minimally invasive lumbar fusion surgery. These procedures are associated with shorter recovery times and less postoperative pain than standard surgeries, and almost all patients can return home the same day.

Clark earned his medical and postdoctoral degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University. He completed his neurosurgery residency at UCSF, where he developed his interest in spine surgery and began publishing research on spinal oncology, spine biomechanics, spinal deformities and neurophysiological monitoring during spine surgery. In 2014, he completed a fellowship in minimally invasive spine surgery at the Semmes Murphey Neurologic and Spine Institute in Memphis, Tennessee, under the mentorship of Dr. Kevin Foley, a pioneer of minimally invasive spine surgery.

  • Education

    Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 2008

  • Residencies

    UCSF Medical Center, Neurosurgery, 2014

  • Fellowships

    University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery , 2015

  • Board Certifications

    Neurological Surgery, American Board of Neurological Surgery

  • Academic Title

    Associate Professor

I am passionate about providing my patients with the most minimally invasive surgical solutions to treat their spinal disorders.

Where I see patients (2)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    424 Ratings
    About our process
    Mar 03, 2023
    I just felt that I didn't have enough information about the exact condition of my spine.
    Mar 01, 2023
    Dr. Clark was very patient and compassionate in answering all my questions. I am very thankful for the care I have received from him and his team.
    Feb 22, 2023
    Dr Clark was wonderful in all expected ways. Given that he will be treating my spinal issues it's very important to be with someone competent experienced and so knowledgable and I left feeling very good and well cared for just during my first visit.
    Feb 01, 2023
    Dr Clark rocks-from "soup to nuts"! (First minute he came in to the last)
    Jan 26, 2023
    Both Dr Aaron Clark and the PA were exceptional. I felt that they both were very interested in my issues and they both demonstrated a very professional and caring attitude.
    Jan 25, 2023
    I interacted with 4 care givers and they all were friendly competent and helpful.
    Jan 25, 2023
    Excellent doctor with a great team to help with patient interactions.
    Jan 25, 2023
    I am so lucky to have Dr. Clark on my Care Team
    Jan 18, 2023
    Dr Clark was kind considerate and patient. He listened to my questions and answered them thoughtfully. I was left feeling like I could trust him.
    Dec 29, 2022
    All good
    Dec 16, 2022
    Best Dr ever!!
    Dec 09, 2022
    Exceptional and outstanding are two words that describe my experience with Dr. Clark.
    Nov 18, 2022
    Dr Clark understood my problems and recognized the most important concern of mine. He also went back and re-looked at films to understand my concerns from the radiologist and found us as we were leaving to explain he reviewed and the problem is not as serious as made out to be. He is more concerned about another problem.
    Nov 18, 2022
    I like Dr. Aaron Clark and his team I feel that they cared for me very well. This give me confidence that I will heal and feel better again.
    Nov 16, 2022
    Dr Clark explained the whole process very well
    Nov 16, 2022
    I thought Dr. Clark was superb in every way. It was clear that he had carefully reviewed my manyi radiology studies and he had a logical analysis of what might be going on and how to find out more. He listened to me well was empathetic and I liked the detailed information he gave me and the logic of a step-by-step approach going forward. He was personable and attentive. First rate!
    Nov 11, 2022
    Surgery and the following up were handled brilliantly
    Nov 07, 2022
    Doctor was great. He acknowledged that he had read my mri and my chart the night before and that I was not ready for spine surgery and he referred me to a neurologist. If I started to experience pain I should return. He explained where I would be having pain if it were my spine issues and how he could help me. He answered my questions esp. About whether walking with my level of spine issues would be helpful or detrimental. He encouraged the walking which was a great relief. He was great!
    Nov 04, 2022
    Dr. Clark is AWESOME! He is the very reason that I'm starting to get my life back after 3 years of failed surgeries.
    Nov 02, 2022
    Dr Clark is amazing
    Oct 21, 2022
    Dr. Clark is a wonderful care provider. He was up to date on all the aspects of my after surgery treatment and was able to answer all the questions I had about my concerns. I am very happy with the care I have received from this provider.
    Oct 07, 2022
    Excellent treatment.
    Oct 06, 2022
    Dr. Clark is so nice! Answered all of our questions without us feeling rushed at all. Very professional.
    Oct 06, 2022
    Dr. Clark and the staff have been courteous knowledgeable and pleasant to work with.
    Oct 05, 2022
    If I could give a rating higher than "very good" I would. Dr. Clark was amazing - - so skilled and kind and such a good communicator. The whole team was wonderful.
    Sep 29, 2022
    Never once spoke about pros and cons of the surgery He recommended. Also nothing on recovery plan. Nothing!
    Sep 28, 2022
    Dr. Aaron Clark was very highly recommended to my son who is a Radiology resident at UCSF. With his reputation preceding him Dr. Clark exceeded all expectations. A truly remarkable group of people at this institution.
    Sep 23, 2022
    Dr Aaron Clark is excellent!!
    Sep 16, 2022
    DR.CLARK M.D . IS VERY KIND N CONCERNED W/MY HEALTH
    Sep 14, 2022
    Outstanding professional friendly competent.
    Sep 07, 2022
    Dr. CLARK is very easy to deal with - communicative and real. Much appreciated!
    Aug 31, 2022
    Dr Clark is wonderful!
    Aug 16, 2022
    Couldn't be better
    Aug 10, 2022
    Excellent bedside manner
    Aug 07, 2022
    Dr. Clark is an exceptional medical professional. He was able to evaluate all of my spinal issues answer my questions and concerns and develop a plan to address my pain management. I am so grateful to have Dr. Clark as my doctor.
    Jul 28, 2022
    Dr Clark was a breath of fresh air he was kind and concise. Took what ever time was needed to explain everything to us. We felt like he spent time really preparing and looking for the Best options.
    Jul 27, 2022
    I like that we agreed to the plan established for my care. This included my nephew Dr Clark and myself.
    Jul 22, 2022
    Dr was reassuring listened to me clear in his explanations. Seemed really interested in me.
    Jul 07, 2022
    Of course if an excellent service thanks
    Jul 06, 2022
    Highly will recommend to family and friends
    Jul 06, 2022
    Personable physician
    Jun 02, 2022
    This was just an initial assessment of my back issues. We've yet to discuss just exactly what to do. More diagnostic tests were ordered.
    May 19, 2022
    Superb experience with Dr Clark and his staff.
    May 19, 2022
    Dr Clark's communication skills and empathy are outstanding
    May 05, 2022
    Very good experience
    Apr 27, 2022
    Dr Aaron Clark is the man
    Apr 02, 2022
    Again my original provider did not even explain that I needed to see anyone about the fluid I thought this call was going to be about scheduling the epidural shot.
    Mar 23, 2022
    Good
    Mar 22, 2022
    I always feel grateful and well taken care of by anyone I have ever encountered at UCSF.
    Mar 11, 2022
    Great personality very caring and professional
    Feb 22, 2022
    Dr. Clark explained things well however my lack of basic anatomy and my spine made it hard for me to completely understand. I especially didn't understand that he would not be addressing my vertical foraminal stenosis and that he would not be doing a complete decompression of the right side. When I emailed Dr. Clark Tiffany answered my additional questions.
    Feb 17, 2022
    Dr. Clark was extremely thorough and explained the procedures clearly.
    Feb 09, 2022
    Very professional great
    Jan 29, 2022
    Great provider - gave excellent care.
    Jan 28, 2022
    Everything went well.
    Jan 21, 2022
    Dr. Clark discussed everything with me.
    Jan 19, 2022
    Outstanding interaction on all levels. Dr. Clark is a compassionate empathetic knowledgeable clinician.
    Jan 13, 2022
    There is NO BETTER Doctor / Surgeon on this EARTH Then Dr Aaron Clark -- NO BETTER !!!! He is the aBSOLUTE BEST OF THE BEST !!!!!
    Jan 13, 2022
    I was a nurse for 40 yrs and Dr. Clark isone of the best doctors I have been to. He is not only good but he makes his patients feel that what they have to say is important. He listens.
    Dec 06, 2021
    The Best
    Nov 11, 2021
    All very good.
    Oct 31, 2021
    Need more past test results.
    Oct 21, 2021
    The staff and Dr Clark had options for my surgery. I fell very confident in the out come
    Oct 14, 2021
    Dr. Clark and his team also provided me with written information regarding my Assessment Plan and instructions.
    Sep 22, 2021
    Explained the first procedure discussed how he would do it how long stay would be and approximate length of recovery. Didn't discuss these things about the second procedure he spoke about.
    Sep 19, 2021
    Dr. Clark had clearly taken the time to familiarize himself with my history and comorbidities and then ensured that I fully understood the proposed course of treatment; the likely post-operative recovery process and the potential risks and benefits of the surgery. He was empathetic and realistic in his explanations and ensured that I would be able to make a fully informed decision. I would certainly recommend Dr. Clark and the UCSF Neurosurgery Team to others.
    Sep 16, 2021
    Dr. Clark reviewed my CT & X-ray
    Sep 16, 2021
    I was told this doctor would take a wholistic approach to my health. He did not. That troubled me. He articulated that he was "focused on one area" and he did not seem to be very interested in the total impact on my whole health.
    Sep 14, 2021
    Provider is excellent. Staff is impossible.
    Sep 14, 2021
    Clear explanation of treatment options
    Aug 19, 2021
    Dr. Clark is by far my favorite doctor! He saved me from life in a wheelchair
    Aug 17, 2021
    Excellent world class. Thank you
    Jul 26, 2021
    Very pleased with all discussions
    Jul 21, 2021
    Dr. Clark is the type of doctor who appeals to me; has the appropriate care philosophy in my opinion
    Jul 14, 2021
    Dr Aaron Clark is beyond excellent is every respect
    Jul 07, 2021
    Dr Clark is wonderful truly special!!
    Jun 24, 2021
    Dr. Clark listens to his patients and is very respectful. He makes you feel that he cares about you. I didn't feel like I was just one of the herd.
    Jun 23, 2021
    Great experience with Dr. The interaction gave me great faith in Surgeons competence and empathy.
    Jun 03, 2021
    above expectations
    May 26, 2021
    He was so informative!!
    May 21, 2021
    I appreciate Dr. Clark's explanation of his role in my upcoming surgery as connection to the primary surgeon.
    Apr 28, 2021
    it was good because they listened and didn't just pigeon-hole me me as "old and achy". I was listened to as a person.
    Apr 28, 2021
    Good

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