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Robert C Decker, MD

Associate Professor
Residency Program Director

Division: Spine
Clinic Appointments: (352) 273-7001 Academic Office: (352) 273-7016 eAppointment
Business Email: deckerc@ortho.ufl.edu Overall Satisfaction:

About Robert Decker

Robert C. Decker, M.D., earned his medical degree at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine of New York in 2003 before going on to complete his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at Emory University and his fellowship in Orthopaedic Spine Surgery at the University of California, San Diego.

He came to UF in 2009 to work in the Department of Orthopaedics and is currently the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Director.

Dr. Decker's list of clinical interests include Cervical disk herniation, Lumbar disk herniation, Radiculopathy, Myelopathy, Spinal stenosis, Neurogenic claudication, Degenerative spondylolisthesis, Isthmic spondylolisthesis, Pseudoarthrosis, Nonunion after spine surgery, Spondylolysis, Adult scoliosis, and Degenerative scoliosis.

Ratings & Reviews

In order to promote transparency and drive patient engagement, the comments below reflect honest, unedited reviews from actual patients.

Rating (366 ratings)

4.32

     

Provider explained things clearly
4.44

     

Provider showed concern
4.38

     

Provider included you in decisions
4.50

     

Likelihood of recommending this provider
4.35

     

Provider discussed treatment options

Comments (105 received)

April 10, 2025
Dr. Robert Decker EXCEEDS ALL EXPECTATIONS!


April 2, 2025
Dr was very honest with me


March 28, 2025
Excellent service


March 21, 2025
Very impressed with the physician and staff. The Dr. Was very attentive and answered all my questions


March 20, 2025
Good experience


March 6, 2025
Nothing but good things to say about everything


February 26, 2025
Extremely informative with compassion


February 24, 2025
Bet positive, caring visit


February 23, 2025
Doctor: Dr Robert Decker has been awesome through this whole process.


February 21, 2025
Great Experience


February 14, 2025
The doctor himself was fantastic and I would highly recommend!!


February 14, 2025
Dr Decker is the best!


February 13, 2025
Dr Decker is one of the best surgeons I have ever had, & I have had 20 surgeries !!!He always makes sure you understand


February 2, 2025
Dr. Decker is awesome. He always listens, helps the patient understand any and all procedures that he recommends. I can not say enough great things about Dr. Decker


January 31, 2025
Dr. Decker examined me after listening thoroughly and described a treatment plan for me and sent me home with information concerning my treatment.


January 29, 2025
Totally satisfied with the visit.


January 22, 2025
Dr. Decker was very thorough in his assessment. He reviewed the records I brought. He also showed me my X-rays.


January 19, 2025
Encouraged me to use a walker. I began using a cane and it's kept me from falling


January 12, 2025
Great job


January 12, 2025
Good


January 12, 2025
I appreciated having someone who knew what he was doing to tell me what I could do.


September 29, 2024
Excellent


September 25, 2024
Great


September 24, 2024
Very thorough exam and explanation of problem.


September 19, 2024
I was very impressed. And the doctors were highly recommended to me.


August 29, 2024
Dr Decker, Dr Parrish and staff are the best. Can't say enough about them


August 21, 2024
Dr.Decker was very informative and very compassionate. He listened carefully and asked many questions


August 16, 2024
Gave me options and did not sugar coat it.


August 1, 2024
Dr. Decker and his staff are amazing. I've never had a bad experience when I come to see them in clinic.


July 19, 2024
Dr. Decker and his new team of residents are unsurpassed; their care and competence are impeccable; they are THE BEST!


July 17, 2024
He took all the time needed to find out what my problem was and never rushed. His focus was always on helping me


July 10, 2024
Dr. Decker was wonderful! He is kind and professional


July 4, 2024
Excellent doctor


June 28, 2024
Dr Decker is simply amazing. If I ever have to have anymore spine work, I promise, no one but him will ever work on me. I absolutely love Dr Decker and his team. You guys have a treasure having him on your staff. Hands down, the absolute best. I've had 4 back surgeries before he did my cervical fusion, and I only wish I'd known about him before.


June 26, 2024
Very pleased with everything


June 21, 2024
Dr. Decker answered all of my questions and addressed my concerns in a knowledgeable, polite and caring manner.


June 19, 2024
Dr Decker is a great doctor.


June 19, 2024
Dr Decker is an extremely kind and caring provider. I feel blessed that he has been my Dr.


June 2, 2024
The Dr was very nice and very helpful, he explained into detail for me to understand how my new complain is. And to observe it closely.


June 1, 2024
I appreciate all Dr. Decker does for me. I am hoping to find pain management assistance through UF and would welcome assistance.


May 24, 2024
Best visit I ever had.


May 10, 2024
I received valuable information, and I was grateful for the explanations


May 3, 2024
Referring doctor gave Dr decker good review


May 3, 2024
The doctor let me make the final decision on what treatment I wanted.We discussed all treatments available before I made a final decision.


May 1, 2024
Dr. Decker showed me images of my scans to identify the cause of my pain and discussed a treatment plan. He listened to me, examined me, and answered my questions with patience. He explained next steps and follow up instructions and gave me space for any questions.


April 24, 2024
Dr. Decker is very good


January 31, 2024
Best physician visit I've had since injury two years ago. Great listener and really took time to show me images and explain everything. Felt like he gave me options, then worked with me to make my decisions about moving forward. Solid, conservative, consultative care. Feeling positive for the first time through all this.


January 30, 2024
Dr. Decker is highly skilled, compassionate and relates well to me as a patient whether it's about my treatment or commiserating about finding good pizza In FL :).


January 14, 2024
Dr Decker is great about listening and answering questions.


January 12, 2024
Excellent


January 12, 2024
Dr. Decker is awesome


January 10, 2024
Very good and explanation was done very throughly


January 8, 2024
The PA I saw was wonderful! Warm, compassionate, knowledgeable, gave great educational info and very positive!


December 15, 2023
Both resident and Dr. Decker were amazing!


December 15, 2023
Very caring doctor. Describe everything in detail.


December 10, 2023
Excellent care provided


December 6, 2023
I was referred to P.T. If that helps me or leads me to back pain relief I'll recommend Dr Decker Very Good. Until I go to P.T. I have cannot answer this question, other than Shands is a great facility and runs like clockwork.


December 6, 2023
As usual always professionally welcoming. He explained the options I have to me for my condition.


November 27, 2023
Dr. And intern were incredible and professional


November 22, 2023
Great Doc


November 9, 2023
Doctor was excellent


November 9, 2023
Dr. Decker and his staff are the best


November 9, 2023
All good experience


November 4, 2023
Was an excellent experience and a good visit all around


November 3, 2023
She was extremely professional and educated as to my symptoms. Very calming


November 3, 2023
Dr. Decker was outstanding as usual, and his new resident, Dr. Jackie (MD) was fantastic!


November 3, 2023
Very good experience


November 3, 2023
Very professional and cared about my needs as a patient


June 3, 2023
You have changed my opinion of your hospitals.


June 2, 2023
I'm hoping he is as good a surgeon as I believe him to be.


May 19, 2023
Dr Decker, his PA, and nurse were all excellent


May 19, 2023
I understand that I am in the later stages of my life and that my scoliosis is complex. This is the very reason I came to see Dr Decker.


April 14, 2023
Dr Decker is the best!


April 12, 2023
Dr. Decker is kind and thorough. He explained everything clearly. H didn't recommend anything more than necessary. I trust him.


April 12, 2023
Good


April 7, 2023
Dr Decker was truly helpful and informative.


April 5, 2023
Great staff everyone I encountered was superb and were eager to help


April 1, 2023
The doctor listened and provided helpful advice


March 31, 2023
My wife is a RN and is very pleased with the doctor. He showed MRI and described everything about my issues and pribabilities of sucess of different procedures.


March 24, 2023
As an RN , it was refreshing to meet a knowledgeable physician also with a caring personality who actually took time to listen.


March 24, 2023
Dr. Decker is absolutely unsurpassed in excellence, kindness, expertise, efficiency, and effectiveness!! Clearly, he is Stunning in all aspects of patient care!


March 17, 2023
Dr Decker is extremely professional.


March 17, 2023
Dr. Decker is great!


March 15, 2023
Round trip drive is 6 hours to see this doctor at this practice time well spent


March 13, 2023
Did a good job in all areas you asked about.


March 9, 2023
Dr. Decker is at the top of the field, and came highly recommended by another back surgeon 3 years ago, because my problem was more complex than he could handle. He phrased it that if he needed my type of surgery, he would seek Dr. Robert Decker. (Referring Dr, was NOT a UF doctor.)


March 9, 2023
Good


May 18, 2022
Everyone in attendance was cordial, making me feel at home.


May 14, 2022
Doctor Decker is a great doctor. He listens. He makes eye contact When he talks to you instead of having his face in the computer. I was very impressed with him and would highly recommend him to any person.


May 13, 2022
All very good


May 2, 2022
Very professional. Thanks to everyone.


April 22, 2022
I'm extremely pleased


April 22, 2022
Dr. Robert Decker is absolutely The Best!! He is kind, patient, and he is a fantastic and effective listener! He has the highest expertise in the field!! His overall excellence is unsurpassed!


April 15, 2022
Dr. Decker is very compassionate, very personable, very caring, didn't feel rushed at all. Besides he's a dog lover that says it all!


April 15, 2022
Dr. McDonald was awesome. He was kind, honest, direct and thorough. (resident) Dr. Decker came in
and presented his conclusions. He was straightforward, direct and honest. I felt heard, respected and considered.


April 6, 2022
Good


March 30, 2022
I would recommend this facility and Doctors to others.


March 18, 2022
Dr Decker was great. Really listened.


March 16, 2022
Very good


March 13, 2022
Very caring


March 10, 2022
Doctor Decker was a great choice on my end and I will highly recommend him!


March 9, 2022
Dr. Robert Decker is an outstanding physician that truly cares about his patients. I am so thankful for him.


March 4, 2022
Dr. Decker is probably one of the finest back surgeons in the country, and one of the most personable, compassionate doctors. No further comments necessary


February 27, 2022
All went well


February 18, 2022
All good

Clinical Profile

Specialties


  • Orthopaedic Surgery

 

Areas of Interest


  • Cervical Herniated Disk
  • Cervical spondylosis
  • Lumbar Herniated Disk
  • Scoliosis
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Spondylolisthesis

Research Profile

Areas of Interest


  • Adult scoliosis
  • Degenerative scoliosis
  • Degenerative spondylolisthesis
  • Isthmic spondylolisthesis
  • Myelopathy
  • Neurogenic claudication
  • Nonunion after spine surgery
  • Pseudoarthrosis
  • Radiculopathy
  • Spinal Stenosis

Publications

  • 2018
    Association Between Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Proteins and Postoperative Opioid Use in Lumbar Fusion Procedure Patients: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.
    World neurosurgery. 120:e42-e52. [DOI] 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.07.125. [PMID] 30170146.
    1 citation  | PubMed  | Publisher's Site
  • 2017
    Effect of investigator observation on gait parameters in individuals with and without chronic low back pain.
    Gait & posture. 53:35-40. [DOI] 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2017.01.002. [PMID] 28073085.
    12 citations  | PubMed  | Publisher's Site
  • 2012
    Total joint arthroplasty for persons with osteoarthritis.
    PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation. 4(5 Suppl):S97-103. [DOI] 10.1016/j.pmrj.2012.02.018. [PMID] 22632709.
    37 citations  | PubMed  | Publisher's Site
  • 2011
    Surgical treatment and outcomes of cervical radiculopathy.
    Physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics of North America. 22(1):179-91. [DOI] 10.1016/j.pmr.2010.12.001. [PMID] 21292153.
    6 citations  | PubMed  | Publisher's Site
  • 2011
    Surgical treatment and outcomes of lumbar radiculopathy.
    Physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics of North America. 22(1):161-77. [DOI] 10.1016/j.pmr.2010.10.002. [PMID] 21292152.
    13 citations  | PubMed  | Publisher's Site 

Grants

  • October 2022
    JBJS Robert Bucholz Resident Journal Club Grant Program 2022-23
    Role: Other
    Funding: THE JOURNAL OF BONE AND JOINT SURGERY
  • September 2021 - June 2022
    JBJS Robert Bucholz Resident Journal Club Grant Program
    Role: Other
    Funding: THE JOURNAL OF BONE AND JOINT SURGERY
  • March 2016 - February 2019
    MISCELLANEOUS DONORS
    Role: Principal Investigator
    Funding: MISCELLANEOUS DONORS

Education

  • Fellowship - Orthopaedic Surgery
    2009 - University of California at San Diego
  • Residency - Orthopaedic Surgery
    2008 - Emory University
  • Medical Degree
    2003 - Mount Sinai School of Medicine

Contact Details

Phones:
Clinic Appointments:
Academic Office:
Emails: