I first met Dr. McDonnell when my mother was suffering with lower back pain. I was impressed by his friendly and cheerful demeanor. He has the talent to make people feel comfortable rather than feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of medical explanations. I became more and more impressed with Dr. McDonnell with each successive visit.
Then it was my turn.
I developed Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. I live in New Jersey, but was in the habit of going to Manhattan for my healthcare. I believed that the best specialists practiced there. Instead, I chose to be treated by Dr. McDonnell based upon my previous experiences with him when treating my mother. He suggested that we monitor the progress of the stenosis and avoid surgery if possible.
I was ready to move to North Carolina. However, I decided that if I were to need surgery, I would travel back to New Jersey and have Dr. McDonnell perform the surgery.
-Scott
From the outset, Dr Verma had a high level of communication regarding my diagnosis (multiple herniated discs in neck), the treatment plan, and what to expect along the way. We had several non-invasive treatment steps before ultimately getting to surgery. Once surgery became the next treatment step, Dr Verma still very much weighed the pros and cons of the procedure and encouraged me to make an informed decision, without any unnecessary pressure. Dr Verma set very detailed expectations for both the procedure and post-op with regard to timing, potential discomfort, and how to manage the first few days following the surgery. Surgery was a big success with my long bout with neck, nerve and accompanying arm pain subsiding immediately following surgery. Thus far recovery has exceeded expectations set (always a good thing), and I’m back to regular activity thanks to the procedure and care given by Dr Verma and his supporting nurses and staff.
-ER
Dr. Verma is a doctor’s doctor. Our experience was that he is a true professional. He possesses great personal and technical skills. We thank him for his knowledge and expertise.
-Joann & William Freehold
Dr. Verma and the entire staff are fantastic!! Alexis, my physical therapist, is pushing me along, and I am feeling better and better! With this crew, anything is possible!
In April of 2023, I made an appointment with Dr. Verma who specializes in back and neck. He suggested lower lumbar fusion. He took the time to explain what needed to be done, and what to expect as my physician. I felt like he was talking to me as a friend, not as a doctor. I could not feel more comfortable with the decision to go through with the surgery. I was laid up for 3 1/2 months within that time to get me back up and going. He suggested Michael Phelan for physical therapy. Michael knew I was in construction and knew exactly what needed to be done and got me back on my feet. Let’s not forget Tara and Donna at the Morganville office; all the people that I mentioned felt like family, not just a regular doctor’s office. I could not speak any more highly of the professionalism at the Morganville office.
I wish I could have Dr. McDonnell for all my medical needs. I have never met a doctor with his kindness. He has the best bedside manners, explains everything, and took away my Sciatic pain that I have suffered with for 20 years. I was on Opiates, which was the only way I could function, and he explained to me how these would make my intense spinal surgery harder to recover from because of my brain receptors. I had been on Permanent Disability since 2005. I’m 69 and had no quality of life. Knowing he was going to help me, I went home and started detoxing from pain medication I had been taking for 20 yrs. Unfortunately, there are doctors who just keep filling your scripts without trying to help you. It wasn’t easy but with my family’s help, I did it! So on the day of surgery, I felt good, and I thanked Dr. McDonnell for this. He was a God-sent. Although the surgery was rough, I no longer have L5/S1 pain, and at 69, I see a light at the end of my tunnel. Thank you so much Dr. McDonnell for fixing me and helping me become drug-free. You are a one-of-a-kind doctor. I wish I found you sooner. Your staff at RWJ, including PAs, nurses, aids, and PTs, treated me with empathy and kindness. They were so accommodating and never made me feel uncomfortable. He can be proud of his staff at the office, and hospital.
-Lois Tarter
Best surgeon ever. Very professional, honest and cares about his patients. Dr. Verma gave me confidence in having surgery. I’m very thankful and grateful for having him as my doctor. I will always recommend him to others.
– Terrance Briscoe