About Me
As an orthopedic surgeon at Ohio State, I specialize in the treatment of spinal disease and disorders. Some of my clinical interests include spinal stenosis, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease and degenerative scoliosis.
I take the time to develop relationships with my patients and choose treatment options based on what is in their best interest. I work to improve their quality of life by exhausting all treatment options before considering surgery. When surgery is needed to treat a patient, my team and I are here to provide the best possible surgical care.
Working at Ohio State is great because of the friendly and compassionate environment. My job also allows me to work with amazing and talented physicians.
View my video on herniated discs: https://youtu.be/SEbUzHGWVGE
Highlights
- Recipient of Benjamin R. and Helen Slack Wiltberger Endowed Chair in Orthopaedic Spine Surgery (effective November 2023)
- Chief of the Division of Spine in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (effective August 2023)
- Rated in top 10 percent of physicians in the nation for patient satisfaction, 2016
- Published peer-reviewed papers, book chapters and presented research locally, nationally and internationally
- Invited membership to national committees advancing spine surgery research
- Elected Member of American Orthopedic Association, Cervical Spine Research Society, and Lumbar Spine Research Society
- Elected Member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
- Fellowship Director, OSU Orthopedic Spine Fellowship program
- Director of OSU Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Service
- Named to Castle Connolly's Regional Top Doctors list (2019-2023)
Procedures and Conditions I Treat
- Osteoarthritis, Spine
- Sprains and Strains
- Fracture Fixation
- Diskectomy
- Spinal Fractures
- Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
- Spinal Stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Lumbar Vertebrae
- Intervertebral Disc Displacement
- Spinal Curvatures
- Kyphosis
- Spinal Cord Compression
- Spinal Diseases
- Spinal Fusion
- Spinal Injuries
- Fractures, Bone
- Orthopedics
- Back Pain
- Spinal Cancers
- Scoliosis
Locations Where I Practice
6100 North Hamilton Road
Westerville, OH 43081
614-814-8100
543 Taylor Ave.
Columbus, OH 43203
614-688-6400
300 W. 10th Ave.
Columbus, OH 43210
614-366-7744
in Outpatient Care East
543 Taylor Ave.
Suite 1034
Columbus, OH 43203
614-293-2225
in Outpatient Care New Albany
6100 North Hamilton Road
1st Floor, Suite 1B
Westerville, OH 43081
614-293-2663
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
Education and Training
Education History
Medical School
St. Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
11/1/2002 - 5/20/2006
Residency
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
7/1/2006 - 7/1/2011
Fellowship
Stanford Hospital and Clinics, Stanford, CA
8/1/2011 - 7/31/2012
Board Certification
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
7/24/2014
Academic Information
My Department
Orthopaedics
My Division
Orthopaedics
Reviews
The overall patient satisfaction rating is an average of all patient responses to the six doctor communication related questions shown below from the Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey. For additional information about the patient satisfaction survey, please visit our Patient Satisfaction Survey page.
The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their view and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.
254 Patient Satisfaction Reviews
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Overall
4.6 out of 5
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Explains Things Carefully
4.6 out of 5
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Listens Carefully
4.6 out of 5
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Gives Understandable Instructions
4.6 out of 5
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Knows My Medical History
4.5 out of 5
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Shows Respect
4.7 out of 5
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Time Spent Together
4.6 out of 5
Consulting and Related Relationships
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 09/29/2023, Dr. Yu has reported no relationships with companies or entities.
Dr. Listened to me and was helpful
Dr, Yu while seeming very knowledgeable seemed rather rushed, and unwilling to even discuss the possibilities of what might be in my future until further studies were done. I understand, as I am a physician myself that she could not give absolutely absolutes, but not being willing to discuss any thoughts or possibilities to me was disconcerting. It's understandable that she was rushed because I did not get to see her until 4:20 PM approximately when my appointment was at 2:30. So running that far behind I'm sure added to the problems. But nonetheless as someone who is in a lot of pain every minute with this current issue and knowing that I can't get any information from her for at least three more weeks was very disappointing.
She also was very courteous, clear with her explaining of the back pain I may be having, and very efficient
Interested in my problem
Friendly
Dr Yu was very good as always. Always asking if I understand or have questions. Very pleased with her care
Dr Yu has demonstrated kindness and concern towards me and has listened to my personal situation and has made special arrangements to accommodate me.
She told me about my surgery and answered my questions and what I needed to do to get ready for it.
She listened to my concerns about a recent fall and was reassuring and her surgical care was very good.
Everyone in Dr Yu's office are professional, caring. It is one of the best teams I have ever experienced. I'm very fortunate to be a patient.
All good
She said she was running behind because she was finishing up a surgery. She sent some of her assistants to begin the fact finding about my problems to start the exam process. She is very business like and has an excellent reputation. She had all the information about all my tests and explained what everything meant. She ordered more MRI's for this week because she wanted to see my whole spine before we decided what route to take in surgery. She is very conservative and I like that. If you don't need a big surgery, she tells you. You work with her to determine the plan for making the patient whole again.
Very good
Very pleased
Pleasant and professional.
Always straightforward & helpful - always willing to explain situation.
Attentive, understanding, concrete and to the point. Good listener. Professional.
Nice, listens, explains everything, caring
As this was a one-time visit as a second opinion, I was looking for insight into what could be causing me so much back pain. I appreciate Dr. Yu as she asked some pertinent questions. Ultimately, I was told she wished she knew how to stop my pain from being so problematic. So from the emotional standpoint, I felt deflated in that there appeared to be no solution to my problem.
Excellent resident took history and shared with provider. Provider did not know my history and did not listen to my descriptions during the appointment, seemed impatient with questions, asked for decision about treatment plan from me without providing clear options or guidance, did not answer questions about meds, seemed in a rush
She was running over an hour behind my appointment time. She pointed to a vertebrae on the x-ray and said see this one area looks a little bit different than the other. Don't know whether that is just the way my bone is or if there was something there. Nothing more was said about that. Ask if she had seen the MRI previously given to Dr. Kearns. She said it was poor quality and not very clear. There is also a written report that she could have read. She did not talk about the area of my spine, where there is more concern. in question on whether or not she had referred to the previous MRI I asked her about bulging disc. She said she did not doubt that I did not have some. Where if she would have read the MRI written report it would show that I do have three. Therefore I am not sure if she had looked at the previous MRI or read the report from it. She did say she would order another MRI, which she did and also set up for me to have some more physical therapy. I was curious with this follow up visit from over a year ago to see if my condition had Changed in anyway. I'm still not sure of that.
Very good. Pain free surgery. Explained everything. Answered questions. Responded frequently to questions in the portal. I appreciated that. Dr. Yu Even called me to answer a question I asked in the portal. I felt very comfortable with her
I love Dr Yu. I wouldn't go to anyone else for my back surgery.
I saw another provider before seeing Dr Yu who did some physical ( strength, balance) tests. He was very good and had a very good "bedside" manner.
I did not feel I was being listened to - she left the office before answering all my questions.
I felt like I was a bother.
Dr. Yu actually called me herself when I messaged her assistant about a concern I had because the assistant was out of the office. Dr. Yu called me and spoke to my in depth about my concerns and I just have been so impressed with her and her staff. I thought it was great that my actual doctor called me because the assistant was out.
Emily was amazung
This was my first visit to Dr Yu as I was transferred from Dr Karnes. She was very nice and concerned but, as she had never treated me before, I had to begin again from square one. I wished repeat hip injection previously authorized by Dr Karnes, but she insisted I must see several specialists first. Understandable but frustrating. I am sure she is a good doctor but I hated having to go back as if I had never been seen in that office.
Dr. Yu has provided us with excellent care. She is concerned, listens, explains things and answers all questions and concerns. She is what all care providers should be -caring, knowledgeable, great bedside manners and a fantastic surgeon.
Very informative and caring
My care provider is very knowledgeable about what I needed. She was professional and showed compassion. She was very patient with me and she was not in a hurry to go to her next visit.
After waiting more than 1/2 hour for provider, she did go over x-rays and watched my walking but didn't touch the location of my discomfort.
Dr. Yu is a professional, knowledgeable and kind spine surgeon who gave me all the information I needed to make a decision for surgery to repair my degenerative lumbar spine.
She always listens even when it is regarding something else
Fantastic care and surgery ability way exceeded my expectations.
Absolutely one of the best medical professionals I have ever encountered. Empathetic but total professional. Too additional x-rays & gave a diagnosis explaining the condition (ibo-tebral band syndrome ++ trochanteric bursitis) and hopeful prognosis. Gave me her undivided attention. her orthopedic exam was complete & efficient.
Listened, described what to expect if I have surgery answered questions. Discussed options.
Always ready to help
Excellent
Professional, courteous. Very fast - went straight to surgical recommendations without exploring other possible options. Was very fast - appt. felt very rushed. Didn't seem to show concern for me.
Miraculous recovery from crushed nerves in spine. Incredible surgeon!! The best!
Absolutely excellent!
Dr. Yu is going to let me decide if and when to have back surgery. I will continue w/PT. She advised me to stop using back brace & to stop using prednisone.
Very concerned about my well-being & very happy to hear I was doing so well. She is very thorough & professional & a pleasure to see. My experience having her as my surgeon has been wonderful!
Dr. Yu is an excellent surgeon and seems very nice, but is hurrying a lot.
Excellent would recommend highly
Dr. Yu has done a neck fusion on me, has been care provider for 6+ years. She has become VERY personable in our recent history. She is a very good surgeon, a perfectionist! She is the best surgeon at OSU, along w/Dr. David Renton & Dr. Michael Meara. Dr. Yu is someone I have raved about A LOT this year!
Dr. Yu treated my husband several years ago. She is wonderful to work with. I am pleased I will be able to work with her my illness.
Listened to me and let me make the decisions
Very happy with all aspects of visit
Professional, knowledgable, thorough, caring
Knowledgeable, informed about my case, attentive to my questions. Good suggestions regarding my medical condition.
Very knowledgeable, very friendly.
Dr. Yu was very punctual and helpful. Good visit! (Dr. Yu's resident was also very good!).
I went through 3 sessions of physical therapy and 4 epidural procedure at another hospital system. No one in that system would listen to my concerns. Dr. Yu was the only physician who took time time to listen to my concerns. She then gave me a plan to resolve my spin condition, after I lowered my A1C. She explained to me her plan of attack. She skillfully executed it as she described. Thank to her concern for my health, I am able to do things that I was unable to do prior to surgery. I am pain free!!!
GOOD.
She was truly wonderful.
All good
Very good.
Dr. Yu is one of the most experienced practitioner I have met with concerning my back & spine problems. She listens to my issues & questions carefully and explains her answers in a clear, understandable manner. I will always try to consult with her if & when I have additional back problems. I would highly recommend her to my family & friends.
Clear understanding of problem. Had exray and mri of problem and discussed thoroughly
Dr. Yu is very good at explaining my test results - as I am a retired OSU educated Family Physician, Dr. Yu talked with me in medical terms she knew I understood. She clearly laid out my options and risks associated with my needed treatment. She is a true professional - well educated, well prepared for my visit and very compassionate toward me and my wife. Everything I want in a spine surgeon.
Dr. Yu and her MD resident were extremely professional- there were very knowledgeable and compassionate. I am a retired OSU educated family physician and she meant my highest evaluation. Thank you to them both for their comprehensive care.
Very good
Listens well, able to move up appointment as it was acute issue
She is the best doctor and surgeon I ever had. I truly trust OSU with my health.
Focused on her spinal care . Never mentioned other conditions that I have that might have been affected during coming procedure. Never mentioned nutrition that might help my condition.
All was good
My friend thinks everything good of her so I do to trusting in her and the Lord. Thank you.
I have an excellent dr.!
Dr. Yu and Dr. Wagner was great. They explained everything in simple terms I felt very comfortable with them.
No bad, excellent treatment
Went to this provider hoping to find the condition my back is in. No explanation of numerous X-rays taken other than nothing could be done. Seemed to judge as to whether surgery could be done. No explanation as to what X-rays showed. Very disappointed in no explaining of condition of my back. Felt if surgery was possibility she would have been more helpful.
Wonderful and excellent. The best doctor. Thank you Doc Yu.
Extremely thorough, spent some time getting to know me and my health issues.
Listened carefully and gave reference for an MRI.
I was well taken care of by the entire team.
Dr. Yu is premo. There is a warm comfortable feeling from the first you meet her. I feel safe in her skill and decisions with my health care. She has an excellent bedside manner and I would be proud to recommend her to anyone (and I have) she sets a shining example for all healthcare workers. I'm blessed to have crossed paths with her.
Always knowledgeable about my health care needs, pleasant and courteous, compassionate and easy to talk to.
Good listener, patient & professional.
Dr. Yu was very professional but explained things that I could understand. Went over my x-rays and was pleasant all the way around!
Good.
Very knowledgeable - polite - my only concern is she is hurried - very quick appointment - I think a little more discussion about my condition would make me feel better.
She was very patient and listened to all of my concerns. I think she will work with me to resolve my spine issues.
Doctor was very good but seemed to have to keep on a schedule
Dr. Elizabeth Yu - Is the best - she take time to shown you, what is going on in your spine she has done a hell good job - I would recommend Dr. Yu - to anyone for the best treatment can you can get.
Dr. Yu was very knowledgeable, very good listener and a very caring attitude. Gave detailed explanation and recommendations for my care.
She was nice.
Great experience... Once I get into see the doctor... Schedule was backed up..
Good doctor good visit