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Sigurd H. Berven

MD

Orthopedic surgeon

Dr. Sigurd H. Berven has a strong interest in the care of children and adults with spinal disorders. He has expertise in pediatric and adult deformities, degenerative conditions of the spine, spinal tumors and spinal trauma.

In research, Berven is interested in the assessment of outcomes for patients who have orthopedic surgery. He also studies minimally invasive techniques in spinal surgery, and he is exploring cellular and molecular techniques to biologically regenerate components of the spine, including the intervertebral disc.

Berven studied human biology as an undergraduate at Stanford University. He was a graduate student in philosophy, politics and economics at the University of Oxford. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and then completed his residency in the Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program, which provides training at four major city hospitals. Next, he advanced his training in spine surgery as a clinical fellow at UCSF and in pediatric orthopedic surgery as chief resident at Boston Children's Hospital.

Often invited to speak at national and international conferences, Berven has lectured on topics including measurement of outcomes in spine surgery, evaluation and management of spinal disorders, and advanced techniques in spinal surgery.

  • Education

    Harvard Medical School, 1993

  • Residencies

    UCSF, Orthopedic Surgery

  • Fellowships

    UCSF, Surgery

  • Academic Title

    Professor

Where I see patients (1)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    279 Ratings
    About our process
    Aug 20, 2024
    Dr. Berven really didn't address the reason I had been referred. It was my lower back and he focused on my neck. He yawned through out the entire visit and I don't feel he listened to me.
    Aug 15, 2024
    Awesome
    Aug 13, 2024
    I cannot be more impressed with Dr. Berven, Ashley Sauter, and Arthur. They are world-class
    Aug 04, 2024
    Dr. Berven has been a wonderful, caring doctor. He has as worked to repair the surgery another doctor did. My recovery under his care has been outstanding.
    Jun 05, 2024
    I felt like the Dr. Was wondering why I was there. I was looking for help with my bad back pain.
    Jun 04, 2024
    Excellent Provider
    May 21, 2024
    Patient, attentive, thorough
    May 13, 2024
    The care team went way and above. Felt comfortable and listened to.
    May 07, 2024
    Dr Bervin is taking good care of me
    Apr 23, 2024
    Love Dr Berven!!
    Apr 21, 2024
    Dr. Berven is a good doctor. I like him as a person. I have great confidence that he can fix my problem.
    Apr 09, 2024
    I love Dr. Berven. He's kind and thoughtful. He's responsible for saving my life in 2021!
    Apr 07, 2024
    I have recommended Dr. Berven to many people and will continue to do so! He provides the best care imaginable! Splendid man and physician!
    Apr 06, 2024
    Dr Berven is superb in every way. Personally and professionally.
    Apr 02, 2024
    I am so very grateful for Dr. Berven's expertise, patience and compassionate understanding.
    Mar 12, 2024
    Recommend above all other physicians
    Mar 06, 2024
    Good
    Mar 06, 2024
    Dr. Bervan Is always very thorough Professional and caring
    Dec 16, 2023
    I had undergone 3 procedures, one of them was a major procedure. The doctor thoroughly reviewed all the test results we me. I had many questions about them and he patiently responded to them in a way that was easy to understand. He encouraged me to continue to contact him with new problems that I might have in the future. All of this took more than a half hour to complete. He also confirmed the usefulness of the exercises I had undertaken on my own. His examination was thorough, patient and compassionate.
    Dec 12, 2023
    I have already recommended Dr. Berven andUCSF spine institute to several people.
    Nov 28, 2023
    EXCEPTIONAL AND EXCELLENT CARE AND TIME SPENT WITH ME IS APPRECIATED
    Nov 14, 2023
    Very good
    Oct 31, 2023
    The resident also spent a good amount of time with me explaining. I thought the two worked well together, making sure I had enough time overall for my visit but at the same time allowing Dr. Berven to step out to check in with another patient, making efficient use of his time and keeping appointments on schedule.In the three years I have been seeing Dr. Berven this was probably the most smoothly things have gone from a time management point of view.
    Oct 19, 2023
    I leave the office with all of my questions answered and next steps for my future care/appointments.
    Sep 30, 2023
    The doctor patiently considered my concerns and ordered procedures that would provide him with needed data to determine the best treatment for me.
    Sep 07, 2023
    The doctor spent a great deal of time in collecting information from me, reviewing my MRI trying to determine the cause of my back pain and leg pain. Extremely professional and thorough. I appreciate his thoroughness.
    Aug 31, 2023
    Dr. Berven was very thorough, kind, really walked us through his thought process. I appreciated his conservative "measure twice, cut once" approach.
    Aug 21, 2023
    My issue seems to be very complex with no easy answer
    Aug 12, 2023
    Dr. Berven has been my doctor for over 17 years. He has had nothing but the best advice and has given me the best care. All his references to build my team of doctors have been excellent and trust is so important and what he has established.
    Aug 01, 2023
    PA and Dr. Ask questions, listen and explain things thoroughly.
    Aug 01, 2023
    Dr. Berven is simply the BEST at what he does!
    Jul 24, 2023
    Good
    Jul 21, 2023
    My experiences with UCSF have been amazing
    Jul 12, 2023
    Dr. Berven has showed concern and empathy regarding my care from pre surgery to post surgery. Post surgical conditions were explained over the phone with greater understanding.
    Jun 27, 2023
    UCSF staff and Dr. Berven were extremely professional, courteous and accommodating. I truly appreciate Dr. Bervens willingness to help me. I've been struggling with back pain for 5 years and he is the first I feel that is giving me the right direction and the first that wants to help me.
    Jun 24, 2023
    I would let them know that they have to be persistent in trying to contact health provider's office
    Jun 08, 2023
    Dr. Berven is an outstanding physician I am privileged to have! His surgical expertise saved me from paralysis, and I am forever grateful
    Jun 07, 2023
    Dr. Berven became emotional and defensive to the point that we felt browbeaten. He stated that other surgeon recommend unnecessary surgeries. He dismissed the radiologist's evaluation of the cervical CT and MRI and said that he treats symptoms. However, he did not address ALL of my symptoms, leaving me with no place to turn to concerning disturbing symptoms. He did make an important recommendation about physical therapy, which I am following. I explicitly stated several times that I understood and agreed with his explanations and recommendations. Despite my reassurances that I agreed with him, he vehemently restated his opinions over and over again. He seemed overwrought and he left us alone in the exam room for several minutes. When he returned, he was less agitated, more composed, and he continued the visit. We came away from this experience feeling disrespected.
    Jun 06, 2023
    I'd like to give Dr. Berven a higher rating than you provide!
    May 18, 2023
    Excellent and consistent
    May 18, 2023
    Dr. Bergen and staff A+
    May 17, 2023
    Dr. Berven, is a professional In every sense of the word.
    Apr 09, 2023
    Excellent surgeon and staff. Dr. Berven is superb and the most caring physician I have ever had or known. I would highly recommend him!
    Apr 07, 2023
    Dr. Bervin is always very informative, professional, and empathetic. I would highly recommend him to others.
    Apr 04, 2023
    Dr. Bergen was outstanding in patient concern, care and consideration. He explained the procedure very well and answered all questions. Showed a great deal of respect for me as his patient.
    Mar 20, 2023
    Good
    Mar 18, 2023
    I am still concerned about one of my symptoms & I will follow up via My Chart messaging on Monday.
    Feb 28, 2023
    Dr berven deals with serious issues, but after discovering my cyst had not come back, he still prescribed physical therapy for my pain and maybe an injection if pt does not work. No surgery!!
    Feb 25, 2023
    Dr. Talked to me but never answered me about what the MRI's or scan showed. Frustrating.
    Feb 18, 2023
    Great experience
    Feb 11, 2023
    Beyond exceptional, listened to all my concerns and brought up items I didn't even consider. Very detailed and informative, discussed everything in depth and detail.
    Feb 07, 2023
    Dr.Berven also will be addressing the Lipoma during his plan if care thanks for listening
    Dec 16, 2022
    I always recommend Dr. Berven
    Dec 08, 2022
    Dr Berven is the best!!
    Please check with your health insurance plan regarding coverage for this type of care. Not all providers at UCSF are covered by every insurance plan.
    This provider is employed by a medical group affiliated with UCSF.

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