Bobby K-B Tay

MD

Vice Chair, Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic surgeon

Dr. Bobby K-B Tay is an orthopedic surgeon at the UCSF Spine Center, where specialists from many disciplines collaborate to provide optimal treatment of spinal conditions. These include spinal degenerative disorders, trauma, tumors and infections. Tay is particularly interested in caring for patients with degenerative diseases of the cervical and lumbar spine, as well as those with spinal tumors or fractures. He has significant expertise in minimally invasive surgical techniques for the spine.

After receiving his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley, Tay earned his medical degree at the UCSF School of Medicine. He completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at UCSF and then completed a fellowship in spinal surgery at the University of Miami Health System.

  • Education

    UCSF School of Medicine, 1993

  • Residencies

    UCSF Medical Center, Orthopaedic Surgery, 1994

  • Fellowships

    University of Miami School of Medicine, Spine Surgery, 1999

    University of Miami School of Medicine, Spine Surgery, 2000

  • Board Certifications

    Orthopaedic Surgery, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

  • Academic Title

    Professor

Conditions I specialize in

Treatments I provide

Where I see patients (2)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    408 Ratings
    About our process
    Sep 30, 2024
    Doctor Tay was incredible!
    Sep 30, 2024
    Dr. Tay is fabulous - on point, crystal clear, spare in speech, a good listener, and kind.
    Sep 18, 2024
    Brother in law. Is having back surgery. I sent him.
    Sep 17, 2024
    He is great but tend to run late for appointment
    Aug 22, 2024
    Dr Tay was awesome. Very attentive.
    Aug 13, 2024
    Dr. Tay is an outstanding surgeon and my entire experience with his staff was excellent. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing back surgery.
    Aug 10, 2024
    Dr Bobby Tay is a rockstar and treated me very well through out my visit!
    Aug 06, 2024
    Dr Tay could not have been better!He is clearly the best of the best!!!
    Aug 05, 2024
    DR. Tay, is a superlative M.D., and I've known him for many years. I can safely state, that he is the finest Dr. I have ever known. As both a Pt. And A Retired FNP, He has helped me, and over time- approx. 64 pts that I referred to Dr. Tay...All of them had good outcomes, and better quality of life, secondary to his care.
    Jun 25, 2024
    UCSF consistently offers excellent service!!
    Jun 22, 2024
    Dr. Tay was very kind and patient. He allowed me to continue asking questions as long as I wanted.
    Jun 21, 2024
    Dr Tay is one of the most caring, understanding and compassionate doctors I have ever dealt with.
    Jun 17, 2024
    Dr. Tay Exceptional at Listening to the Patient!
    Jun 15, 2024
    Good job
    May 14, 2024
    I really cannot say enough good things about Dr. Tay - a great surgeon but also empathetic and helpful to his patients.
    May 13, 2024
    Dr. Tay was most knowledgeable about my 3 level stenosis ailment and his recommended course of treatment. He was one of the finest physicians I have ever spoken in the many medical contacts I have had in my many years. He was kind, understanding, patient, answered all of my questions and added much information that was pertinent to my treatment.
    May 04, 2024
    Dr. Tay in the 2 times I have seen him is amazing. I initially saw 2 other doctors before I found him. He closely listened to my concerns and paid attention to where I am in life to come up with a care plan that was considerate, thoughtful and right! I felt like an individual person not just another one coming thru the door. I will definitely stay with him and recommend him.
    May 04, 2024
    I have told anyone who will listen that your Spine Center is the very best because of the individual care, the concern for the patient and the outcome of their care.
    Apr 28, 2024
    Excellent, very professional, user friendly
    Apr 12, 2024
    Dr. Tay is a fine surgeon and communicator.
    Mar 15, 2024
    Dr. Tay: Thank You!!!!
    Mar 11, 2024
    Dr. Tay was terrific in every way, did wonderful job before, during, and after surgery (this visit)
    Mar 09, 2024
    Great facility and services
    Mar 08, 2024
    Dr. Tay devoted a great deal of the last session describing in great detail how the proposed surgery would be done and the risks involved.
    Mar 07, 2024
    Provider was very informative
    Dec 31, 2023
    Dr Tay was thorough in assessing my x-rays & MRI and explained the issues with my neck vertebrae and tradeoffs in what to resolve and how much to resolve before instability would be introduced to the joint and neck system.
    Dec 09, 2023
    Dr.Tay is an extraordinary communicator.
    Dec 07, 2023
    Meeting the Dr was very reassuring.
    Nov 02, 2023
    Dr, Tay was very therough with his explanations and recommendations.
    Oct 29, 2023
    I feel like I got gold standard care with Dr Tay and his team
    Oct 14, 2023
    I love dr tay!hes trying hard to get me well
    Oct 07, 2023
    Doctor Tay was just the best.
    Oct 01, 2023
    Dr. Tay is an exceptional man and surgeon. I've already referred several people to him and he performed surgery on a close friend, with perfect results!
    Sep 30, 2023
    Excellent patient experience. I felt DrTay cared about me.
    Sep 29, 2023
    Dr Tay and the PA. Were both awesome. They were helpful informative and listened tonall our questions and concerns with care.
    Sep 21, 2023
    care provider and team provided superior care
    Sep 21, 2023
    It is wonderful when a medical care provider, is clearly listening and asking clarifying questions. It is equally wonderful when that gentle and loving response exists at all levels of the care providers.
    Sep 20, 2023
    Dr. Tay is an exceptional person and physician. He is very attuned to the patients needs and person and extremely knowledgeable and skilled as a diagnostician and surgeon.
    Sep 14, 2023
    Care provider explained things in a way I understood.
    Sep 02, 2023
    Tay and staff are consistently helpful and informative.
    Aug 25, 2023
    My ortho Dr has been so accurate on the phases of what to expect during my recovery period.
    Aug 24, 2023
    Dr Tay was wonderful
    Jul 26, 2023
    He is a fine surgeon. I wish he gave clearer expectations.
    Jul 15, 2023
    Dr Tay & team are top notch. I've received nothing but genuine care from everyone. I know Dr Tay is extraordinarily busy, yet he sat down with me to talk through my post-op details, answering all of my questions & setting me up for continued progress in my healing. It's so obvious he loves his work. It shows up in his team & his patient interactions. I'm very appreciative!
    Jul 06, 2023
    Dr. Tay is the best physician in the SF Bay Area!
    Jul 06, 2023
    My care provider is amazing in all categories, a true model of medical professionalism.
    Jun 29, 2023
    Dr. Tay is absolutely fabulous! He listens, he explains everything very well and he has a great personality. He makes you feel very safe and positive!!
    Jun 29, 2023
    Bobby Tay is awesome
    Jun 27, 2023
    Dr. Tay always listens carefully and hears what I am trying to say. He always includes me and explains exactly what needs to happen, the pros and cons and why he chose that treatment plan
    Jun 25, 2023
    I have recommended UCSF and my heath care provider, will continue to gladly do so!
    Jun 08, 2023
    Bobby Tay is the best!
    Jun 03, 2023
    Only wishing this facility was closer to home, One of the best places to seek help,
    May 29, 2023
    Dr. Tay is a "Rock Star" and he and his team have given me the best of care and we are approaching 1.5 years post-surgery. I am still healing but everything appears on schedule and there are few surprises.
    May 28, 2023
    I may seem like I always give positive feedback, but I am truly brutally honest. I have NEVER in my life had such good, conscientious, thorough, efficient and caring care in my life. This team is a group of ROCK STARS. I have felt confidence since first meeting the team 7-8 months ago. Bravo team TAY!
    May 26, 2023
    He Listened, And Took Everything That Said Into Account That If I Did Understand, He Made Sure Before I Left That I Did Understand. And That Was Very Comforting Too Me.
    May 26, 2023
    Dr Bobby Tay is simply outstanding and my surgical results exceeded my expectations.
    May 24, 2023
    So thankful to have the benefit of Dr Tay's expertise
    May 18, 2023
    Dr.Tay was very patient and informative showing every aspect of my care and what to expect.
    Apr 10, 2023
    The best doctor I ever had
    Apr 04, 2023
    Dr. Tay was very attentive, clear in explanations of problem diagnosis & surgery options & risks, & patient answering all my questions I really appreciated.
    Apr 03, 2023
    I am blessed to be able to have such wonderful people helping me with my health issues outstanding
    Mar 25, 2023
    Dr. Tay is a star -- even by UCSF standards
    Mar 22, 2023
    Dr. Tay is among the best doctors I have encountered as far as his expertise and bedside manners. Unfortunately, I have had a lot of doctors over the years.
    Mar 16, 2023
    Dr. Tay is the best he listens to me and he explains thing so that I understand the medical terminology.
    Feb 18, 2023
    Expert, prepared, honest
    Feb 18, 2023
    Dr. Tay earned my respect years ago, when he got a team together to discuss my complex back issue. Years later, my old back needs the best neurosurgeon I can find, and I've already asked him to decide what to do it and do it. His diagnostic approach is impressive - careful, step-by-step, aimed at doing the most good with the least risk - for the best longterm results.
    Feb 09, 2023
    Dr. Tay was wonderful! He was kind, caring, and sensitive to my issues. He was patient and listened. His assistant in the room was, very sweet and kind. Dr. Tay is really at the top of my long list of Drs. I wish he was able to help me, but he took the time to explain why he can't and he is so knowledgeable about my conditions!
    Feb 09, 2023
    Dr. Tay listens to any concerns and offer's possible interventions in a detailed manner. He is empathetic and kind. I am lucky to have such a skilled and good natured surgeon.
    Feb 07, 2023
    Great Doctor!
    Feb 07, 2023
    What can I say!! Dr Bobby Tay is a ROCKSTAR!Excellent surgeon, fabulous sense of humor andGreat personality
    Jan 12, 2023
    Dr. Tay and his staff, nurses and x-ray personnel were professional, friendly, comforting, kind... Absolutely a cut above.
    Dec 24, 2022
    Everybody and everything was great
    Dec 22, 2022
    Thank you
    Nov 18, 2022
    Dr. Tay was outstanding in every way! He really listened to me, provided excellent insights, was caring, brilliant, and professional!

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