Dr. Hargovind S. DeWal, an experienced orthopedic surgeon specializing in spine surgery, has been named a 2025 Castle Connolly Top Doctor, marking his ninth time receiving this prestigious recognition. Only approximately 7 percent of licensed physicians nationwide receive this honor annually. With board certification from the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and fellowship status in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dr. DeWal has established himself as a leader in spine surgical care. He provides comprehensive treatment for a wide range of neck and back conditions, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and spinal nerve issues.
Dr. DeWal's approach to patient care emphasizes a multidisciplinary strategy, focusing on thoroughly explaining treatment options and considering conservative, non-surgical therapies before recommending surgical intervention. His commitment to patient care is reflected in his impressive 4.9-star Google review rating, with patients praising his expertise and compassionate approach. Educated at the State University of New York Downstate College of Medicine, where he graduated magna cum laude, Dr. DeWal completed his orthopedic surgery residency and musculoskeletal research fellowship at New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases. He further enhanced his expertise through clinical fellowship training in spine surgery at Cleveland Clinic.
The Castle Connolly Top Doctor designation is determined through a rigorous selection process involving peer physician nominations and evaluation by a physician-led research team. The selection criteria include medical education, training, hospital appointments, and professional disciplinary histories. Dr. DeWal primarily performs surgical procedures at St. Charles Hospital in Port Charles, New York, utilizing advanced, often minimally invasive techniques such as vertebroplasty, disc replacement, and spinal fusion. This recognition matters because it validates the quality of specialized medical care available to patients with spinal conditions, particularly in an era where back and neck problems affect millions of Americans. The repeated acknowledgment of Dr. DeWal's work underscores the importance of experienced specialists who prioritize conservative treatment options before surgery, potentially reducing unnecessary medical procedures and improving patient outcomes.
The implications of this announcement extend to healthcare consumers seeking reliable information about medical professionals. The Castle Connolly recognition serves as an independent verification of physician excellence, helping patients make informed decisions about their care. For the medical community, Dr. DeWal's ninth recognition demonstrates sustained excellence over time rather than a single achievement, setting a standard for continuous professional development in orthopedic surgery. The emphasis on multidisciplinary approaches and conservative treatment options before surgical intervention reflects evolving best practices in spine care that prioritize patient wellbeing over procedural volume. This matters particularly as healthcare systems nationwide work to improve quality metrics and patient satisfaction while controlling costs associated with surgical interventions.
