UM St. Joseph Spine Institute

Reviews

• KB

  Kasia B.

  Aug 11, 2026
  1.0
  I’m very disappointed that Dr. P. Justin Tortolani’s office would not see me after I had emergency spine surgery in Mexico. I’m doing okay and simply wanted a doctor back home to review my situation, provide guidance, and help coordinate physical therapy. Unfortunately, I was told that Dr. Tortolani would not see me because I had been treated by another doctor within the past year. As a teacher, I believe in caring for every child who needs help, regardless of where they came from or who cared for them previously. I had hoped for that same compassion and willingness to help from a medical professional during my recovery. Sadly, I left feeling disappointed and unsupported.
• AB

  Ashley B

  Nov 20, 2025
  2.0
  After giving Dr. Dabbah several "maybe he's having a bad day" chances, I'm switching providers. There is the potential that he does well in the surgical room and those patients are who really need to find him, but for those with chronic, degenerative, or overlapping conditions, you may not get the most compassionate or holistic approach with him. However, if you want a really efficient provider - he's the guy for you! He can tell you if you have something or don't have something with a visual assessment alone. A simple walk across the exam room tells him all he needs to know. Be careful trying to squeak by his ego though. He can look at MRI imaging and tell you your symptoms should be better, even if you just told him they aren't. Are you a woman? No worries - just bring your designated male partner in so you have a chance! Bonus points if he's a short king. Don't want to be physically examined? No problem. In eight appointments - he didn't touch me once. Maybe he saw my cooties? Want to know more about your conditions and how they could progress? Here's where you can really save time! A shrug and a "follow up with pain management" could be your answer! I will reiterate that if you have a hypermobility, connective tissue, or Ehlers-Danlos type disease - DO NOT choose this provider. Good God, buddy, even if your ego is earned, have some humility.
• LS

  Luke Schultz

  May 29, 2025
  5.0
  Dr. Selverian is the best. Is very patient and answers all questions honestly and transparently. Takes the time to make sure you understand. Highly recommend
• JT

  Jen Tucker

  Apr 13, 2024
  5.0
  Hi this is Jeff Tucker. I recently went to St. Joseph’s Spine Institute and saw Physician Assistant Katie Cikatz for my back. She was very nice, extremely knowledgeable and explained everything about my back on my level using a model of the lower back. She answered all of my questions/ concerns with thorough explanations. She laid out a conservative approach including all of the steps we will take before resorting to surgery. Thanks so much Katie!
• JC

  jacob cirincione

  Aug 11, 2023
  1.0
  Consistently had my portal messages and voicemails ignored for weeks after leaving multiple messages on both platforms. By the time someone reached out to me I had already found a different doctor because I was in a lot of pain and couldn't wait to be treated by a provider that truly didn't care. I recommend Susquehanna Spine & Rehab in Belair, MD. You will receive far better treatment there and feel like someone actually cares about the pain you're experiencing.

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