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Dr. Shane Burch is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in treating spinal disorders. With expertise in all regions of the spine, he uses computer-assisted and robotic surgery techniques to perform both highly complex and minimally invasive procedures.

Burch's research focuses on spinal surgery outcomes, including how to improve postsurgical quality of life. A champion of using digital technology to elevate patient care, he established a motion analysis system to assess how patients move before and after surgery.

Burch earned his medical degree and completed a residency in orthopedics at the University of Toronto. He completed a spine fellowship at UCSF and joined the faculty in 2005.

Burch serves in many leadership roles at UCSF, including research director for the spine division. He also directs the spine fellowship program and has helped train more than 40 surgeons in complex spinal disorder surgeries and minimally invasive techniques over the last 15 years. He mentors undergraduate students, medical students, orthopedic residents and clinical fellows through career counseling and as an adviser on research projects. He works closely with the UCSF Spine Center's directors to improve the center's efficiency in collaborating with the UCSF combined orthopedic and neurosurgery spine services. He also participates in campus-wide committees on risk management and patient safety.

In his spare time, Burch enjoys spending time with family, running ultramarathons and cycling in the Marin Headlands.

  • Education

    University of Toronto School of Medicine, 1998

  • Residencies

    University of Toronto Medical Center, 2004

  • Academic Title

    Professor

  • Languages

    French

Where I see patients (1)

    My reviews

    4.8

    Overall Experience
    451 Ratings
    About our process
    Aug 08, 2024
    Dr. Shane Burch is a caring professional. I always leave visits with him feeling reassured and at ease
    Aug 01, 2024
    Very much appreciate the prompt response to my questions that I forgot to ask the doctor. Also appreciate the explanation of the upcoming procedure. Options for treatment and post operative expectations.
    Jun 28, 2024
    Dr. Shane Burch is tops In our opinion. We have and will continue to refer friends and family to him. Excellent surgeon!
    May 15, 2024
    I have had 4 surgeries with Dr. Burch. My Spine is now fused from C-2 thru the pelvic. Dr Burch Is a highly skilled surgeon who cares about the whole you. From my first visit I knew I was in the care of not only the best surgeon, but also a doctor who genuinely cares for you. I am so grateful and blessed to have him as my doctor
    May 12, 2024
    Very knowledgeable and professional.
    May 11, 2024
    I am very fortunate to have the team I have working with me.
    May 11, 2024
    I feel confident that Dr Burch has ordered the correct tests and has studied my specific medical situation to know how he will perform the procedures. His years of experience makes me feel hopeful for a good outcome to a difficult surgery.
    May 08, 2024
    Excellent visit. Very informative. Had anxieties going in; left visit with a much better understanding, and relaxed about actual surgery.
    May 07, 2024
    Dr Burch is exceptional. He and his staff have already brought considerable relief to my chronic back pain. I am excited about my spine surgery, going forward.
    Apr 27, 2024
    Dr. Burch took a lot of time to listen to all my questions, review my imaging studies with me and my wife, and discuss recommended courses of treatment.
    Apr 26, 2024
    Dr. Burch, his PA Ariana and the intake technician were all very thorough and helpful the entire experience could not have been better.
    Apr 18, 2024
    Both Dr Burch and his Resident listened about my problem and made me feel that I explained it well and that they thought my experience/opinions were valid, and my questions about the upcoming procedure/surgery were important. I felt heard and left feeling hopeful and confident that Dr Burch could help me.
    Apr 11, 2024
    Dr. Burch is upfront yet kind at the same time. Very intelligent, too, always makes a point to shake my hand which tells me he sees me as a patient and not a number. The best care on th planet I always boast to family & friends!
    Mar 13, 2024
    Dr. Burch was, as always, attentive, thorough and encouraging.
    Dec 23, 2023
    Very attentive and kind
    Dec 20, 2023
    This officebis so well run and everyone is so friendly, knowledgeable patient listening to me.
    Dec 13, 2023
    Dr. Burch is an exceptional physician. He listens carefully and always fully answers my questions.
    Dec 06, 2023
    Dr. BURCH IS JUST AN AWESOME DOCTOR. HE GIVES YOU HIS FULL ATTENTION. I ALWAYS LEAVE MY APPOINTMENTS FEELING I HAVE THE BEST OF CARE.
    Nov 22, 2023
    They were great
    Nov 22, 2023
    Dr Burch and the staff are perfect . They're kind, knowledgeable and courteous.
    Nov 15, 2023
    For the whole team they deserve 5 stars
    Nov 12, 2023
    Awaiting further testing results to determine course of action. Dr.Burch is extremely thorough.
    Nov 02, 2023
    I have recommended Dr Burch to others
    Oct 27, 2023
    Very happy with entire procedure
    Oct 26, 2023
    I appreciated not feeling rushed through my visit. Dr. Burch answered all my questions and I left with a positive experience.
    Oct 20, 2023
    I recommended Dr. Shane Burch to a friend with a severe back problem already.
    Oct 11, 2023
    I can't say enough about Dr Burch and his staff. He is wonderful, explained everything about my surgery and results. The other Dr's I have gone to rush you thru the appointment, leaving me confused as to what they said,n not Dr Burch, he takes his time with his patients.
    Oct 04, 2023
    At no time during my visit with the care provider did I feel anxious or nervous. While I understand that there are risks involved with almost any type of surgery, I feel certain that I'll be in good hands.
    Oct 01, 2023
    Very pleasant, and knowledgeable
    Sep 27, 2023
    Dr. Burch makes sure to listen and explain everything during visit. Never feel rushed or like he doesn't care.
    Sep 22, 2023
    Dr Burch is the best!
    Sep 13, 2023
    Dr. Burch and his staffers very professional and easy to talk to. Thank you
    Sep 06, 2023
    Dr Burch appeared overworked and tired.
    Sep 06, 2023
    Dr Burch is the best
    Sep 04, 2023
    I feel the back surgery Dr Burch performed gave me my life back to where I could walk again.
    Sep 01, 2023
    The 15 minutes of substantive conversation with Dr. Burch was very informative.
    Aug 29, 2023
    Very good is not high enough.Dr Burch is always excellent.
    Aug 28, 2023
    Dr. Burch is easy to communicate with and very informative.
    Aug 23, 2023
    Dr. Burch is an outstanding physician. He has a friendly and calm manner, and he's very easy to talk to. He explained my current status and what I can expect over the next 6-12 months. He also gave me salient advice precautions and recommendations on exercising with kettle bells. He's one of the most competent and approachable physicians I've ever been cared for. 10 s.
    Aug 10, 2023
    Dr. Burch is an excellent care provider. His bedside manner is thorough and very thorough. He treated me with a personable manner.
    Aug 09, 2023
    I am so fortunate to have Dr Burch treating me
    Aug 09, 2023
    Dr Burch is an expert in his field and I had already heard very good things about him from other patients
    Aug 03, 2023
    Dr Burch is an outstanding surgeon
    Jul 21, 2023
    Dr Burch is excellent!
    Jul 19, 2023
    Dr Burch is a phenomenal doctor and surgeon. He is a trusted member of our family as far as we are concerned. We are eternally grateful for his compassion and expertise In the treatment of Douglas. God Bless this wonderful man!
    Jul 14, 2023
    Very much appreciate the time Dr Burch took to listen to and answer questions and concerns
    Jul 12, 2023
    Dr. Burch is the best! I've been completely happy with all aspects of his care.
    Jun 16, 2023
    Excellent!
    Jun 14, 2023
    Good care offered to me
    Jun 07, 2023
    Dr Butch is excellent. He asks questions the reveal he knows you and remembers you. He listens carefully and responds thoughtfully.
    Jun 07, 2023
    Dr Burch is outstanding! Obviously extremely good as a surgeon but he is also engaging, clear and very informative
    May 31, 2023
    Dr Burch still the best
    May 12, 2023
    He was honest with me
    May 03, 2023
    Dr Burch is an outstanding Doctor and human being
    May 03, 2023
    My appointment is to discuss imaging results and treatment plan options however the provider is unable to download imaging due to system issue
    Apr 01, 2023
    Dr Shane Burch is an incredibly great Doctor!
    Mar 29, 2023
    Dr. Burch is amazing. Very thoughtful and thorough in his care. Explanations were clarified so that I can make informed decisions
    Mar 29, 2023
    Dr. Burch is an exceptional surgeon.
    Mar 24, 2023
    Each time I've met with Dr. Burch he's been terrific in every regard. He explains the proposed surgery very carefully and takes the time to answer all of my questions.
    Mar 23, 2023
    The MRI results were not reviewed. I worry that the MRI will never be reviewed.
    Mar 22, 2023
    I know he's an accomplished surgeon, but office visits are not one of his strengths, especially If all doesn't go as planned.
    Mar 19, 2023
    Dr Burch is excellent, caring, focused, confident, competent, exudes confidence in his ability.
    Mar 15, 2023
    I'm in good hands
    Mar 12, 2023
    I have indeed recommended Dr. Burch to several people, two of which I know have contacted him. Dr. Burch has always listened and made me feel at ease. So many people are afraid to have spine surgery, because of the nightmares they have heard about. However, after my first visit, I knew my surgery was the right thing to do. I had such a positive, although expectedly long, experience. Having seen Dr. Burch this last visit, my first-year anniversary, I am so pleased with the results. I would do the surgery again In a heart beat. Thank you, Dr. Burch, for your listening ear and caring heart.
    Mar 09, 2023
    Dr. Burch was very nice & I felt very comfortable w/him. He explained things about my procedure very well.
    Mar 08, 2023
    Just wish I could get in sooner for sugary!!
    Feb 08, 2023
    I really liked Dr. Burch. He was very nice & explained the surgery I need very well. He answered all my questions well too.
    Feb 04, 2023
    He's the best!
    Feb 03, 2023
    DR. Burch took ample time to discuss the results if the X-rays and to evaluate my physical condition. He presented a plan for moving ahead with additional testing so a surgical plan could be put into place.
    Jan 27, 2023
    The resident I saw before Dr. Burch was thorough and very detailed in explaining my MRI and going over the problems I am having and suggesting a few options for Treatment. Then I met with Dr. Burch and he came up with a course of action that best suits my personal needs and desire to put off surgery for as long as possible.
    Jan 18, 2023
    Dr. Burch took a great amount of time explaining the surgery and aftercare. He was very realistic about the strategies he recommended for the timing and procedure.
    Jan 11, 2023
    Thank you
    Jan 09, 2023
    Dr Burch is the best!
    Dec 11, 2022
    Dr But h is always excellent in his listening caring and solutions to help with my problems and pain.
    Dec 10, 2022
    Dr. Burch is a very attentive surgeon. He treated me as a provider should care for a patient. He was attentive , answered all of my questions and is very patient and open.
    Nov 30, 2022
    Dr Shane Burch is great
    Nov 30, 2022
    Great
    Nov 30, 2022
    The nurse practitioner was excellent and took time to listen to issues I was facing
    Nov 28, 2022
    Very good doesn't describe Dr. Burch. Beyond excellent would be better. You don't get better than Dr. BURCH
    Nov 23, 2022
    Dr. Shane Burch is an excellent surgeon, can't say enough good things about him. He's a very special surgery.
    Nov 22, 2022
    A superb surgeon
    Nov 16, 2022
    Every single person I came in contact with was friendly and engaging and polite.
    Nov 16, 2022
    Great
    Nov 12, 2022
    UCSF is one of the best hospitals in the nation.
    Nov 12, 2022
    Doctor Burch is excellent, really knowledgeable and professional. I can tell he REALLY CARES about me!!! It makes a huge difference.
    Nov 07, 2022
    He didn't listen all my questions but it is ok with me.
    Nov 04, 2022
    The physician's assistant was excellent in providing explanation of my condition and answering questions also.
    Nov 02, 2022
    Dr Burch always kind and attentive
    Oct 27, 2022
    I have already recommended Dr. Burch to a friend.
    Oct 27, 2022
    Dr Burch is excellent. Extremely knowledgeable, understanding and kind.
    Oct 24, 2022
    Staff was friendly, considerate and professional

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