Testimonials

...Dr. Taddonio helped me prepare for it and was very supportive. He answered all my questions and I felt so comfortable with him… I would recommend Dr. Taddonio to other teenagers who need scoliosis surgery because he’s a great doctor AND he’s great with kids. Plus, I was a runner before my surgery, and I think the surgery might have improved my running because it made me straighter.”
—Elizabeth Wilbur, 16, Yorktown Heights, NY, student

Before he performed my spinal fusions, I couldn’t walk. I even had trouble brushing my teeth. Six months after surgery, I’m back at work, and can go for a walk for 40 minutes without stopping. For me, he walks on water, and really is the best doctor I have ever met. When I was in the hospital, 8 a.m. Sunday morning, there’s Dr. Sharma. If I ever have a question, I call his office, and I know before sunset that Dr. Sharma will personally call me back. He always treats me like I am the only patient he has.”
— Wendy Van Vlack, 49, Hopewell Junction. NY, family dry cleaning business

...in high school and college. In 2008, I had to have spinal fusion surgery on eleven compressed vertebrae. While three or four other doctors wanted to do my spinal fusion through my back, front and ribs, Dr. Taddonio had a much better, less invasive approach to the surgery – just through the back. I was back at the gym after two months and I feel great now… What I liked about Dr. Taddonio is that he had a calm and professional demeanor; he came across as very experienced and understanding. The fact that he’d done this type of surgery thousands of times before set my mind at ease.”
— John C., 28, Huntington, NY, real estate property management

...was 95 percent dislocated. Before my surgery, although I could walk, I was having pain and tightness in my legs. Dr. Sharma fixed my back. I can walk perfectly now. From my first appointment, he talked to me in words I could understand. I knew exactly what he was going to do. Dr. Sharma is amazing. If every doctor were like him, it would be a wonderful world. He is caring, warm, and made everyone in my family feel comfortable.”
— Michael Puglia,  14, Orangeburg, NY, student

At that time I was so impressed with him. He followed me for a year and didn’t rush or push me; he gave me the time I needed before the surgery… He’s such a great doctor both in terms of his talent and his commitment to his patients. He works with and listens to his patients; it’s a process that you go through with him to get the best possible results.  I love the guy – he’s a gem!”
— Brad Wittels, 49, Warwick, NY, attorney

...makes you feel as if we are in this together, very important for a patient, since it gives you hope. Dr. Sharma brings a certain passion to his work. For him, it's just not a living. He loves to help people, and really loves his patients and the work he does. He is what a doctor should be about. Last July I picked up a heavy piece of luggage, injured my back, but thought my pain would go away in a few days. Two weeks later, my internist referred me to Dr. Sharma, and he had to perform a spinal fusion and laminectomy. He is a superb physician, a superb technician, and his bedside manner is extraordinary. I admire this man so very much. He is beyond his years in maturity and knowledge.”
— Steven Korn, Stamford, 66, medical publisher

...feeling some back pain, which quickly got to the point that I couldn’t walk for five minutes. Physical therapy, pain management and acupuncture didn’t work, and then I went to Dr. Taddonio. He looked at my MRI and told me I needed surgery on two deteriorated and unstable vertebrate.  After my operation, I was in the hospital for five days and he came to see me every single day, including Saturday and Sunday.  He was extremely professional and, on the other hand, very caring…Two years later I am 100 percent pain-free. I can walk for an hour and pick up my 18-pound grandson. I just shoveled snow a half hour ago.”
— Olga Taller, Yonkers, NY, investment banking

Before I had surgery, I could not stand for more than an hour. Today, I am standing for long periods. I feel fantastic. Dr. Sharma was always so positive, and explained everything to me in great detail and in words I could understand. It was like having a conversation with a friend. He even explained the instruments he would use during surgery and exactly what they would be inserting into my back – two titanium rods and twenty-two screws. Dr. Sharma is really wonderful, an amazing doctor and surgeon. It’s so obvious he cares so much about every patient.”
— Samantha Blake, 20, Newburgh, receptionist

My family started looking for doctors in New York City and then good friends in town recommended Dr. Taddonio.  We knew they were hard to please and he had pleased them, so we made an appointment.  Dr. Taddonio was more personal than the others; he could answer any question you had, and he was very realistic and honest.  He said it was going to be a tough surgery but I was going to get through it. I had the surgery about a year ago, and now I can do just about everything – baseball, golf, surfing and snowboarding.”
— Max Levi, 17, Franklin Lakes, NJ, student

Some days I couldn’t get out of bed. I was also very scared, and Dr. Sharma is the one who held my hands and told me he was going to take care of me. He removed a dislocated disc and performed a fusion, and the surgery was a miracle. Minutes after I woke up in the recovery room, I knew my pain was gone. In addition to being the best surgeon, Dr. Sharma is so very personable. He talked to me, not at me, and he would be the one to call me back to answer my questions. He is very hands-on, taking care of each of his patients. There are many great doctors, but not many doctors who are also people persons. He is both.”
–– Lillian Peralta, 41, Brewster, nursing assistant

...that I couldn’t walk or ride my bike because of the pain, and I couldn’t stand for a long period of time. I’d been everywhere to try to get relief and I’d tried everything. Then I was referred to Dr. Taddonio ... I [had spinal fusion surgery in 2004] and feel like he gave me back my life. I will be forever grateful to him.  He’s not only proficient at what he does, his manner makes you feel so comfortable. I trust him implicitly. Now that the weather’s warmer, I’m looking forward to riding my bike on Long Beach Island; it’s one of my favorite things to do!”
— Maureen Markantes, 61, Ossining, NY

...all the time, and used a walker. After my surgery, I can do anything, even bend. And all during the process –– before, during and after my surgery –– Dr. Sharma was always so nice, caring and patient, explaining everything in detail, not only to me, but also to my wife. She was so nervous about my surgery. Dr. Sharma even made the arrangements for her to stay with me in the hospital. For anyone living with pain, I would recommend they see and totally trust Dr. Sharma. I wouldn’t want anyone else operating on me.”
— Carly Borenkind, White Plains, 33, therapist

...orthopedic surgeon, had highly recommended him when my husband had surgery, so thought I should see him, too, for the pain in my lower back. When I went to Dr. Taddonio, he didn’t rush me into surgery; we tried an epidural, physical therapy, and pain medication.  When things got worse, he said we should operate to ease my pain  -- and it did! I had a discectomy in December 2009 and the results were fantastic. I would highly recommend Dr. Taddonio. He’s very capable, conscientious, and warm; his bedside manner is wonderful.”
— Gila Zelasny, 67, Stamford, CT

...charming gentleman you will ever meet. He is easy to talk to, speaks to you as a layman, makes you feel extremely comfortable, and treats everyone with respect. I had a herniated disc that was pressing on the sciatic nerve, and the pain was excruciating. After surgery, the pain was gone. Dr. Sharma is a wonderful surgeon, and it’s obvious that everyone at Stamford Hospital loves and respects him. I would highly recommend him as a surgeon.
— Diane Serra, Eastchester, NY