Dr. Stefano Sinicropi, M.D.

All spine specialists have a wealth of knowledge about spinal conditions and treatment protocols, but knowledge alone doesn’t make a great spine specialist. The best of the best have some elusive traits that set their care apart from the rest. In today’s blog, we spotlight five traits to look for when you’re in need of a great spine specialist.

Traits Of Great Spine Professionals

Not all of these traits can be learned in the classroom during medical school. Here’s what can set a spine specialist apart from the rest.

1. Great Listener – It’s second nature for doctors to want to share their expert opinion and provide answers to a patient, but we always say that a spinal consultation needs to be a two-way conversation. A spine specialist needs to be able to listen closely to what the patient is saying and use that information to make informed decisions about their health. Doctors can’t just rely on medical imaging or first impressions during a physical exam, they need to ask the patient specific questions and be receptive to the information the patient provides in their answers in order to make the right care decisions.
2. Empathetic – The world would be a better place if we were all a little more empathetic, and that sentiment is especially true among doctors. Doctors sometimes have to share bad news or help ground a patient in reality, and that process is better for everyone involved if the doctor can take a minute to put themselves in the shoes of their patient and empathize with them for a second. A patient is more than numbers on a screen or readings from a test result, and the best spine care providers acknowledge that and show empathy to each patient they care for.
3. Ability To Adjust – Two patients who present to the clinic with the same symptoms may not be dealing with the same issue. Moreover, the most likely issue isn’t always an accurate representation of what’s going on in the body, and a great provider needs to be able to think on their feet and audible when the first care plan isn’t providing the expected results. Great spine specialists can adjust a care plan or rethink a diagnosis when treatment isn’t going as planned.
4. Collaboration – This next skill isn’t always obvious to the patient, as it’s something that typically happens behind the scenes, but you can still look for hints that your provider is receptive to input from others. A great spine specialist works well with others and is open to suggestions or advice from other experts or members of their care team. They aren’t threatened by different opinions or afraid to consult with other experts when dealing with a tricky case. Two minds are better than one, and you want a spine specialist who works well with others.
5. Evokes Confidence – The last trait you should look for in a provider is a feeling you get inside yourself during and after your meetings with them. Do you walk out of these visits feeling more confident, encouraged or hopeful about what lies ahead? A great doctor can draw out these emotions in a number of different ways during the course of their care, but they can also elicit different responses. If you walk out of a consultation feeling nervous, unsure or confused, you may want to look elsewhere for answers. Even if you’re dealing with a complex or serious issue, a great provider will be able to leave you feeling confident in your approach to managing it. If your provider isn’t evoking confidence, consider looking for another spine specialist.

We believe Dr. Sinicropi embodies all of these traits, and we want to prove it to you. Set up an appointment with Dr. Sinicropi and the team at Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today and let us provide you with an unmatched level of care. For more information, or to set up your first appointment, give our team a call today at (651) 430-3800.

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