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

  • 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
    474 Ratings
    About our process
    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.
    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
    Aug 12, 2023
    Was extremely pleased with the compassion shown by Dr Clark. He took time and answered my questions
    Aug 05, 2023
    Great experience. Very concerned about my issues and wanting to resolve them for me.
    Aug 03, 2023
    I am trying to schedule a surgery date since yesterday but have not gotten a response yet.
    Jul 22, 2023
    Impressive encounter with a caring physician
    Jul 20, 2023
    Dr. Clark was very kind and I was very thankful he had reviewed my previous medical tests. I have had a year of physicians dismissing my concerns and he was truly a gift! I am very happy he will be helping me. Thank you.
    Jul 05, 2023
    Dr. Clark is a wonderful Dr.. Great surgeon and listener.
    Jul 01, 2023
    I was very impressed with Dr. Clark. He makes you feel very comfortable. I've been to many doctors over the years and he was very clear and precise about the steps we would be taking to improve my back .
    Jul 01, 2023
    Dr. Clark and his team are very professional and show a great deal of concern for my well-being.
    Jun 29, 2023
    The discussion with Dr. Clark was excellent and very much appreciated. His diagnosis and description of the proposed surgery was very clear with an appropriate level of detail. He also has a great, friendly demeanor.
    Jun 28, 2023
    Dr Clark is a stellar Dr who has a great attitude and makes you feel warm safe and welcome and a very confident Surgeon. Made me feel so much better about scheduling my surgery
    Jun 09, 2023
    I could not ask for a better place to come to and get A-1 service.
    Jun 08, 2023
    Dr.Clark is amazing. I truly have the feeling he is completely concerned with getting me better.
    Jun 07, 2023
    Dr. Aaron Clark is extremely thorough and professional. So fortunate to have him as my doctor at UCSF.
    May 31, 2023
    Dr Aaron Clark is the best. Not only did he take care of the terrible nerve pain in my leg with his excellent surgical skills he also made sure I was comfortable with our decision about surgery. His fellow, another great guy but I forget his name was excellent as well
    May 26, 2023
    Still not walking so hard to be happy about any visit. Still not capable of living.
    May 25, 2023
    Dr Aaron Clark is a brilliant surgeon as well as a very nice guy.
    May 22, 2023
    Dr. Aaron Clark is an outstanding physician in all categories.
    May 04, 2023
    One of the very best doctors I've ever dealt with since my accident
    May 04, 2023
    Dr Clark was wonderful- very patient answering all my questions and reassuring me about my concerns.
    Apr 19, 2023
    It's just UCSF's fundamental disorganization that makes me hesitant to refer others. I have recommended Stanford to others due to this.
    Apr 11, 2023
    Excellent on all fronts!
    Apr 08, 2023
    Very good discussion.
    Apr 07, 2023
    Dr. Clark and his Team are accessible, compassionate, excellent and responsive. Thank you!
    Apr 06, 2023
    Exemplary knowledge, but also a clear empathy for my condition. I was impressed.
    Apr 05, 2023
    Just a great great experience from start to finish with Dr. Clark and his team
    Apr 03, 2023
    Doctor Clark and his team are awesome!
    Apr 03, 2023
    Dr. Clark listened and responded to all of my questions. He explained thoroughly my situation and his recommendations - which we are following.
    Mar 25, 2023
    Dr Clark is a very good doctor and is easy to see why he is rated well
    Mar 22, 2023
    I know that Dr. Clark has hundreds of patients and is a very busy caregiver. It's good that he has such a wonderful team.
    Mar 22, 2023
    Dr. Clark was wonderful. He really listened to my concerns, answered my questions, and gave me more information (and more helpful information) about my condition than any other doctor has.
    Mar 16, 2023
    Good
    Mar 15, 2023
    Very positive experience
    Mar 15, 2023
    Professional, Excellent listener, Laid out all options, not in a rush, Dr. Clarke took his time.
    Mar 15, 2023
    Dr. Clark is excellent in every way.
    Mar 14, 2023
    I felt Dr. Clark had studied my case very carefully and communicated his thoughts clearly.
    Mar 09, 2023
    I was 100% impressed with the visit.
    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 Aron 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
    I am so lucky to have Dr. Clark on my Care Team
    Jan 25, 2023
    Excellent doctor with a great team to help with patient interactions.
    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
    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 16, 2022
    Dr Clark explained the whole process very well
    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.

    Selected research

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    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(...

    Recruiting

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