About Me
I’m a neurosurgeon specializing in the treatment of adult spinal deformity and complex reconstructive spine surgery. I also serve as an assistant professor of neurosurgery at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. I received my medical degree from the University of Nebraska. In addition, I completed an internship and a neurosurgical residency at the University of Iowa and a fellowship in adult spinal deformity from Northwestern University.
My research focuses on spinal biomechanics, clinical outcomes research and device development, and I have three U.S. patents. I’m also a member of The Ohio State Neurological Society and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.
What I enjoy most about The Ohio State University is the academic setting. I can be involved in resident education and research while providing my patients with quality care. The resources and medical experts on staff at The Ohio State University allow me to conduct meaningful research and provide better treatment options to my patients.
Highlights
- Published in more than 28 peer-reviewed journals
Procedures and Conditions I Treat
- Intervertebral Disc Displacement
- Spinal Curvatures
- Kyphosis
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
- Sprains and Strains
- Intervertebral Disc
- Discitis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Spinal Fractures
- Spinal Injuries
- Scoliosis
- Spinal Cord Compression
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
- Back Pain
- Low Back Pain
- Lumbar Vertebrae
- Spinal Stenosis
- Spinal Diseases
Locations Where I Practice
300 W. 10th Ave.
Columbus, OH 43210
543 Taylor Ave.
Columbus, OH 43203
543 Taylor Ave.
1st Floor Columbus, OH 43203
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
Education and Training
Education History
Medical School
University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE
MD
8/22/2005 - 5/1/2009
Internship
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA
7/1/2009 - 6/30/2010
Residency
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA
7/1/2010 - 6/30/2015
Research Fellowship
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA
7/1/2015 - 6/30/2016
Fellowship
Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL
1/1/2016 - 6/30/2016
Board Certification
American Board of Neurological Surgery
10/30/2020
Academic Information
My Department
Neurological Surgery
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.
195 Patient Satisfaction Reviews
-
Overall
4.1 out of 5
-
Explains Things Carefully
4.2 out of 5
-
Listens Carefully
4.1 out of 5
-
Gives Understandable Instructions
4.1 out of 5
-
Knows My Medical History
3.9 out of 5
-
Shows Respect
4.2 out of 5
-
Time Spent Together
4.1 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 10/25/2021, Dr. Viljoen has reported no relationships with companies or entities.
Rude, no regard to patients feelings, all the answers was no! Without any acknowledgement, no time spent with me, rushed in and out of the room like I was bothering him and taking up his time
Knowledgeable, choices well explained.
Made to fell like I should not have been there! I was referred there by my physician did not come on my own! Nothing was explained - Just told he could not help me. We waited over an hour once put in the exam room - Dr. spent less than 10 min.
The doctor was 1+ hours late for the appointment time. He didn't seem to really listen to me regarding my issue with pain. It felt like he'd already made up his mind about me before he even saw me.
The doctor was the worst we have ever experienced. He came into the room and did not even introduce himself or say hello. His first question to us was "what is your problem today?" He didn't look up the medical records, because he said the system had changed and couldn't find it. He said that the people reading the images often don't know how to read images correctly. He offered no solutions, advice or anything of importance. It was the most negative situation for such a popular place to receive healthcare.
Took time to review all my xray and MRI results. Explained my care options with pros and cons. Professional and courteous.
He was cold and seemed disinterested in my well-being.
Very professional, courteous, extremely knowledgeable, explained things so I could understand what he was talking about, explained my xrays as we looked at them, gave me advice, very kind and respectful
Dr. V did not have to see me for this visit, but he responded to his nurse's message that I wanted to see him. Dr. V spent time with me examining an image of my neck and we discussed the procedure that was done. I very much appreciated Dr. V's willingness to spend time with me. I must admit that I wish I had better understanding of the components of the neck image and what was done at each point, but this is not due to neglect on the part of Dr. V. Much more time would have been required and I did not want to put that strain on the system. I will continue to research on my own and pursue better understanding .
He is very good at his job an explaining things an showing you the test he runs
Little to no information and was to quick to leave. Ask a question about a pain I didn't feel until the injury and said that had nothing to do with it.
He listened when I asked a question
Expert provider.
Didn't take enough time, once I said that surgery was not something I wanted to do he was done with me and walked out of the room. I had to go ask a nurse if he was finished with me. She checked and he had gone to the next appt.
Friendly and respectful. His nose kept popping over his mask.
He was very thorough explaining what was going to happen during surgery & why.
No bad experiences
Straight forward and honest answers to my questions. Discussed next procedure and exactly what needed to be done prior to any surgery.
Always in a hurry. A very good doctor, not much on bedside manner.
Businesslike, come right to the point, was very clear in his remarks
No bad, all good.
Felt like I was non important to him
Easily understood
I felt very uninformed about my surgery. I had no literature or information about what to expect.
Doctor did not seem particularly interested; did not explain carefully and at length my healing or future progress; he did answer all my questions though sparingly
Talked through the problems I am having with back and rt hip joint open and honest answered my questions
He is absolutely amazing he is kind and actually listened to me and explained so much to me
He didn't listen to me & interrupted me.
I would recommend him!
Listened to my concerns and explained everything I needed to know
Dr. Viljoen is an outstanding surgeon! I believe he has improved my quality of life due to his talented abilities.
Had to wait 2 hours after my scheduled appt. to get back in a room. Doctor was bland & didn't spend much time with me.
The doctor was great. He explained what needed to be explained and didn't waste time.
He was fine, he listened, would have liked a more thorough exam.
Skilled provider
Felt he had a god complex and dismissed my symptoms as not valid
Healthcare provided excellent.
Bedside manner could be better, some of the issues I was having I don't feel were heard or reasons explained, we covered the ongoing problem I've had, but I'm still unclear on what the issue that just came on is, I'm having new symptoms that I've not had, still afraid to do regular activities
I came for a consultation concerning a recent ER visit in my hometown. The care provider was very thorough and helpful in providing the information concerning my vertebra & the problem I was experiencing. I would not hesitate to make the 95 mile trip again!
Dr. Was very cold and uncaring, did not discuss with me of any options,. Just said what I had to do. Asked if their was a Dr. Closer to me that could to the procedure. Not something I would know. I drove 3 hrs to see this Dr. Expected to spend more than 5 minutes with him. He seemed like I was wasting his time and couldn't wait to get out of there.
Physician seemed annoyed, bothered.
Waited for over an hour in the room for the neurologist to show up, never discussed anything concerning the x-rays had no idea when I left What x-ray showed or didn't show. Mentioned that I was passing out and the neurologist stated I spine issues would have nothing to do with passing out. He did mention there are arteries in the back of a persons head going to their brain and that if there was a blockage surgery would have to be done to install the stent
Very helpful and conccerned
He was very detailed in his answers and explaining procedure. Hope he knows what he is saying will help my problems.
Provided a successful surgery that I am happy with. It would be good to explain more what the long-term effects will be and cautions needed to take to not end up with spinal again.
very professional
Real good, listened real well.
He was easy to talk to and knew my information
Very caring and professional.
Very friendly. Informative during appointments.
Professional.
Very good thorough visit. Communicated and conversed very well. Developed a plan for treatment and addressed all concerns. Very professional. Thank you.
Professional knowledgeable and informing.
He listened & answered all my questions.
Had neck problems. Not sure what to do now. Got a MRI my chemo dr. explained (as best he could?). I'm sure Dr. Viljoen is an EXCELLENT DR. Need people skills (sorry). He was very young, confident, and handsome though.
Seemed unimpressed.
Good Good
I had no problems with the doctor, he listened to what I had to say and was helpful
Dr Viljoen was excellent easy to talk to and done a great job describing all options and what he could do for my neck problems, I feel he's definitely the Dr I want to do my surgery
I felt he was thorough and prompt.
Explained things well black & white and I like that to the point.
they're good, they've been doing the best they can to help me get taken care of. the wait periods can be long but it's better than it has been.
Bedside manners needs to be addressed with doctors was very rude. He didn't discuss any of test results with me. He stated that my MRI (upper) could be scheduled closer to where I loved since I have to travel over 3 hrs. to get to Columbus. Called next day and said it was scheduled in Columbus & it couldn't be scheduled outside of their office after stated otherwise the day before.
Would not ever recommend this dr. Because he doesn't take time with his patients & any questions he has he just brushes off. He didn't even come out & tell my wife how the surgery went after the surgery.
He was fine, but there was too much info for me to absorb all at once. I needed a friend with me to help remember everything he said.
Good.
Really listened. Put together a plan for identifying cause of symptoms, involving a series of diagnostic tests.
great
he seemed like he was in a rush. I'm not sure he even believed I was having pain. I'm not sure I agree with his diagnosis but I felt dismissed so left when he was done.
Dr. Viljuen was thorough in his explanation of my problem. He took a lot of time to explain what needed to be done and answered all my questions. He even called me to answer a couple of questions I had after my appointment.
Didnt feel he addressed an issue I am having
Very nice doctor. Would recommend him to others.
He was amazing went in depth about my issue and what needs to be done to correct it
very good
Very friendly AND very professional.
I do not like the fact that Dr. Viljoen rolled his eyes at me the whole time I'm trying to talk to him about my back, and when I asked to fix it he brushed me off. Totally not acceptable. Dr. is supposed to listen & be helpful & friendly.
Unable to help my condition. I am just very disappointed.
Dr. Viljoen was very informative and patient with answering questions and concerns that I had.
good