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Aaron Clark
4.9 out of 5 (397)
Aaron Clark

Aaron Clark, MD, PHD

Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery at San Francisco Parnassus
400 Parnassus Ave., Eighth Floor,
San Francisco, CA 94143
+1 more location
(415) 353-2739
4.9 out of 5 (397)
Virtual visits available
4.9 out of 5 (397)
Virtual visits available
Neurosurgery at San Francisco Parnassus
400 Parnassus Ave., Eighth Floor,
San Francisco, CA 94143
+1 more location
(415) 353-2739

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.

  • Board Certifications

    American Board of Neurological Surgery, Neurological Surgery, 2020

  • Fellowships

    University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Spine Surgery, 2015

  • Residencies

    UCSF, Neurosurgery, 2014

  • Internship

    UCSF, General Surgery, 2009

  • Degree

    Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 2008

  • Languages

    Spanish

    English

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
    397 Ratings
    About our process
    Jun 26, 2025
    Dr. Clark has always taken the time to answer all of my questions and concerns.
    Jun 12, 2025
    Dr. Clark was very thorough in his explanation of the procedure that I am going to be receiving.
    Jun 07, 2025
    Dr. Aaron Clark is an excellent doctor who was extremely knowledgeable about my condition. He cares about his patients, is a great communicator and listener, personal, and is up to date with new surgical techniques.He certainly earned my trust! UCSF is extremely fortunate to have Dr. Clark on their staff.
    Jun 06, 2025
    Our visual conference was short and to the point.
    Jun 01, 2025
    Need more info from surgeon
    Jun 01, 2025
    I've rarely encountered a doctor who was better informed of my condition or listened more intently to my comments. Incredibly impressive yet very personable.
    May 19, 2025
    Dr Clark and his team are in my books the Best in there field. AMAZING
    May 17, 2025
    Dr. Clark is world-class.
    May 03, 2025
    Dr. Clark inspires confidence.
    May 02, 2025
    Overall all good no comments
    Apr 07, 2025
    First doctor I've ever seen who expressed real empathy. Very reassuring
    Apr 03, 2025
    Dr Clark is wonderful. Kind, skilled surgeon and excellent bedside rapport. I am so grateful for his care.
    Mar 20, 2025
    Dr. Clark is amazing: skilled (he's a rockstar in terms of his knowledge and abilities), empathetic, and an excellent communicator. I am very fortunate to be his patient.
    Mar 20, 2025
    I have already recommended Dr. Clark to numerous friends. I can't rave enough about him.
    Mar 15, 2025
    Dr Clark is a miracle worker. He's a wonderful doctor I can't say enough about this guy. Thank him and the professors who taught him.
    Mar 11, 2025
    Dr Clark is extraordinarily impressive. Though the first time we'd met in person, he listened very carefully and demonstrated a high degree of having prepared by a thorough understanding of my medical history and my particular back problems.
    Mar 10, 2025
    Dr. Clark was very knowledgeable and explained procedures and possible adverse reactions very comprehensively. An outstanding experience.
    Mar 06, 2025
    I've recommended Dr Clark to several people already.
    Feb 23, 2025
    Dr Clark is one of the best doctors you can find, with his kindness, compassion and courtesy given to everyone involved. Of course, with his astronomical knowledge. Dr Clark is an excellent, outstanding doctor!
    Feb 18, 2025
    Emily Rhoads, PA, Dr. Aaron Clark, and the scheduling coordinator, Diego Esquivel, were all very caring and professional! They answered all of my questions and made sure all of my options were clear for me to make crucial decisions about my care.
    Feb 13, 2025
    To state the obvious, Dr. Clarke is world class.
    Feb 08, 2025
    Dr. Clarke's closing comment "I'm always here for you."
    Dec 15, 2024
    Excellent experience with Dr. Clark.
    Dec 09, 2024
    Dr. Clark was very thorough and professional during our video visit.
    Dec 08, 2024
    Dr Clark has always taken as much time as I needed to explain everything to me and answer all of my questions and concerns. I never feel rushed.
    Dec 05, 2024
    OutstandingI am a physicianDr Clark was wonderful
    Dec 05, 2024
    Dr Clark is one of the best physicians I've ever had and I would recommend him very highly.
    Nov 24, 2024
    Dr. Clark is a world class neurosurgeon. So lucky to have him as my doctor.
    Nov 16, 2024
    Dr Clark is exceptional.
    Oct 27, 2024
    Dr Clark answered all my questions which I appreciated very much.
    Oct 06, 2024
    Very professional and friendly
    Oct 05, 2024
    Doctor Clark and his assistant were so kind and approachable. I had a very good experience. They explained with clarity about what is going on with my spine/back and offered different approach about How it can be address. Very good experience.
    Sep 21, 2024
    Dr. Clark was very engaged and attentive. He took care to explain all aspects in terms we could understand and made clear that he will be heading my care through the entire process which was extremely reassuring.
    Sep 16, 2024
    Love the care Dr. Clark and his team prove.
    Sep 14, 2024
    Dr. Clark is totally amazing. He Is patient, listens, and addressed every concern that I had.
    Aug 17, 2024
    All very very excellent
    Aug 04, 2024
    Dr. Clark has the best bedside manner of any surgeon I have ever known or consulted with. He is warm, caring and knowledgeable.
    Jul 31, 2024
    I was actually amazed at the care I received from Dr. Clark. I e had spinal surgeries in the past but he was the most thorough surgeon I've spoken with as far as wanting to get additional imaging and include an ENT physician in my surgery. Just wow.
    Jul 13, 2024
    Dr. Clark is a knowledgeable caring Doctor who takes the time to listen and answer questions.
    Jul 13, 2024
    Waiting on action plan from Dr Clark. Not much discussed at appt.
    Jul 06, 2024
    Excellent bedside manner
    Jul 06, 2024
    I was not disappointed. He met all my expectations, very professional, very kind. I have no doubts. The surgery will be successful.
    Jun 29, 2024
    It seems provider is very busy not enough time to discuss my case! When he left, l wanted to ask one more question about my mri report ,he do not have time to talk to me. The staff told me to wait for the call at home later!
    Jun 24, 2024
    Dr. Clark was totally focused on me, my questions, next steps, etc.--all a very BIG PLUS!
    Jun 23, 2024
    Dr Clark is the best
    Jun 15, 2024
    I love Dr. Clark. Not only is he skilled surgeon, but he is also kind, compassionate and empathetic. He Always gives me full explanations of everything that's happening, what my options are, and what he's going to do to follow up. I'm glad he's working with the residents because he provides them with a model of what a good surgeon should be.
    Jun 08, 2024
    Dr. Clark did a great job of helping me navigate through options to proceed to a better diagnosis for complex back problems.
    Jun 04, 2024
    Dr. Clark is the Best! He listened to all my concerns. I feel like a whole new life after Dr. Clark did my surgery.Very personable.
    Jun 02, 2024
    Dr Clark is amazing! The staff Is proud of him and his patients love him. He's just the best!
    Jun 01, 2024
    Dr. Clarke is world class
    May 28, 2024
    Impressed by Dr Clark. Very comfortable with him, answered questions I asked,
    May 16, 2024
    Dr Clark was exceptional in discussing issues and remedies. He had received previous MRI, Ct Scan and X-ray
    May 08, 2024
    As you can see quite satisfied
    May 07, 2024
    Have already recommended my Provider and Friend has already had surgery
    Apr 23, 2024
    This was first encounter with Dr Clark. Very good experience and impression!
    Apr 22, 2024
    Excellent care
    Apr 20, 2024
    Outstanding physician
    Apr 08, 2024
    Both daughters were with me and they were included in the visit discussion. I am so blessed to have Dr Clark
    Apr 05, 2024
    Appreciate the discussion of diagnosis, options, and that Dr. Clark and assistant had reviewed my scans, X-rays, previous treatments etc prior to the appointment. Made it very efficient. An approachable and informed practitioner.
    Mar 16, 2024
    Great care and communication
    Mar 09, 2024
    Dr Clarke is very approachable and friendly. Easy to talk with. Shows sincere care and concrete.
    Dec 21, 2023
    Very Satisfied
    Dec 16, 2023
    Probably the most wonderful practitioner I have seen in years. Great listener, empathetic and knowledgeable. Makes you feel valuable as a patient and person.
    Dec 11, 2023
    Dr. Clark was extremely patient, professional, and helpful.
    Dec 02, 2023
    My back surgery was a success From Dr Clark's amazing knowledge and precision hands. Thank you for helping me feel do much better..
    Nov 24, 2023
    Everyone exceeded my expectations, I highly recommend UCSF.
    Nov 09, 2023
    Aaron was excellent in every way - knowledge, communication, made me feel at ease, answered all questions. In general, an A+
    Oct 14, 2023
    My appointment with Dr. Aaron Clark was the best doctor's appointment I have ever had. This may sound like an exaggeration, but I have seen many doctor's for my current condition who told me wildly conflicting information. This has been a scary time for me, given the severity of my injury, but now that I have found Dr. Clark I know he will take great care of me. Dr. Clark presented my case to his colleagues, and I know I am in the best hands possible. I feel relieved and grateful to be receiving excellent care from Dr. Clark and his team. Thank you to Dr. Clark and the entire neurosurgery team!
    Sep 23, 2023
    At my age seeing lots of docs and having many surgeries, I would say I have had no finer of a doctor approach me then Dr Clark. He listened, I never felt rushed, he went out of his way to explain things in ways my wife and I could understand. The ultimate compassionate doctor I only wish all could follow in his footsteps
    Sep 21, 2023
    Dr Clark is a skilled professional surgeon. He also has a terrific personality and is very patient. I am very happy to have him on my team.
    Sep 11, 2023
    Dr. Clark is an excellent surgeon and a lovely man
    Sep 10, 2023
    Dr Clark listened to my concerns, addressed them clearly and came up with a plan to assess the problems with potential interventions.
    Sep 09, 2023
    Have zero complaints
    Sep 04, 2023
    Dr. Clark was kind, empathetic and professional. He explained my diagnosis in lay person terms and he presented treatment options objectively. Dr. Clark was approachable and he gave me time to ask questions. When I left the appointment, I felt calm and informed.
    Sep 04, 2023
    All very good
    Sep 02, 2023
    Dr. Clark is such a wonderful doctor.Aside from his exceptional skill as a surgeon, he is a kind and caring man. he takes the time to explain everything thoroughly and carefully. He listens and answers questions and thinks about me as a whole person, not just a spine!
    Aug 26, 2023
    I loved the care and treatment that I have received at UCSF Health. The professionalism is outstanding. I am forever grateful for Dr. Aaron Clark, his team and all other departments that were involved to see me through my illness.
    Aug 21, 2023
    Dr. Clark was thorough, kind, patient, and informative. He explained things clearly, listened attentively to my questions and concerns, and responded in a respectful and informative way. He did not appear to be hurried or impatient; instead, he asked several times if we had questions and answered each one knowledgeably. We very much appreciated his professional yet personable manner and his clear expertise. knowledge
    Aug 21, 2023
    Dr. Clark is the best of the best
    Aug 21, 2023
    It was an excellent experience
    Aug 19, 2023
    Dr. Clark gave me a very precise description of my (spinal) condition and the procedures needed to correct the problems. He has a friendly but concerned manner that inspires confidence in his abilities as well as honesty that surgery is necessary. I would certainly recommend Dr. Clark as a leading neurosurgeon and have done so to a good friend who may be in need of one. Dr. Clark is clearly one reason for UCSF's impressive top rating in the nation.
    Aug 17, 2023
    My cousin had him as a surgeon and very satisfied with results and follow up

    Selected research

    See all research
    Decorative Caduceus

    The Ailliance Post-Market Clinical Study

    Defined by amount of: 1) blood loss (mL) during surgery and/or 2) total operation time and/or 3) length of stay in the hospital (measured from surgery completion to discharge), and/or 4) investigator opinion on whether the device(...

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