Jason P Dapore, DO

I have a thirty-​three degree scoliosis curve that was just discovered two summers ago when I went in to have x-​rays taken for my sprained shoulder. I was super freaked to find out about my twisted spine, even more so when I started researching the surgery that corrects it. Let’s just say it involves a pneumothorax, rib removal, metal rods/​bolts, a few months of strict bed rest, and at least six months recovery to normal activities like brushing your hair and bathing yourself. Ugh.
From the ER where I found out about my spine, I went to my family doctor, then a pain specialist (though I was in no pain), then to get more X-​rays, then to a neurosurgeon in Marion who made me do a circus dance and measured me from just about every angle. The neurosurgeon said I was okay and that I just needed to be monitored via X-​ray every five years or so. I was relieved and happy to hear that I didn’t need the surgery.
I avoided getting a second opinion because I was too afraid of someone telling me that the Marion surgeon was mistaken and that I needed surgery pronto.
But, I recently mustered the nerve to visit Dr. Jason Dapore for a second opinion (and just to get a doctor closer to where I’m living now).
Dr. Dapore is everything I hoped he would be. He is prime age for a doc — not too old and set in his ways, he is young enough to know about new technology and procedures. But he isn’t too young so as to be inexperienced. He made me do the circus dance again and looked closely at my X-​Rays. He let me ask him a zillion questions. He was very patient with me. He reassured me that I do not need the surgery now, and probably won’t ever need it if I keep my back strong and flexible. He set me up with a physical therapy team in the same building where I’m learning a lot about and already feeling better about being proactive with my scoliosis.
The rest of Dr. Dapore’s staff is also excellent, and the building is top-​notch. The waiting room is large with many options on where to sit and a skylight at the apex of the room. There’s also a good variety of reading material from Highlights to Entertainment Weekly to the Dispatch. The ladies at the front desk even make an effort to memorize your name and pronounce it correctly. Plus, the two bathrooms in the front (bathrooms are my niche) are big and always clean.
I would give Dr. Dapore 6 stars and a hug if I could, but alas, five will do.