Dr. Hargovind S. DeWal has been named a 2025 Castle Connolly Top Doctor, marking his ninth time receiving this prestigious recognition. Only approximately 7 percent of licensed physicians nationwide receive this honor annually. The Castle Connolly Top Doctor designation is determined through a rigorous selection process involving peer physician nominations and evaluation by a physician-led research team. The selection criteria include medical education, training, hospital appointments, and professional disciplinary histories.
With board certification from the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and fellowship status in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dr. DeWal has established himself as a leader in spine surgical care. He provides comprehensive treatment for a wide range of neck and back conditions, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and spinal nerve issues. Dr. DeWal primarily performs surgical procedures at St. Charles Hospital in Port Charles, New York, utilizing advanced, often minimally invasive techniques such as vertebroplasty, disc replacement, and spinal fusion.
Dr. DeWal's approach to patient care emphasizes a multidisciplinary strategy, focusing on thoroughly explaining treatment options and considering conservative, non-surgical therapies before recommending surgical intervention. His commitment to patient care is reflected in his impressive 4.9-star Google review rating, with patients praising his expertise and compassionate approach. Educated at the State University of New York Downstate College of Medicine, where he graduated magna cum laude, Dr. DeWal completed his orthopedic surgery residency and musculoskeletal research fellowship at New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases. He further enhanced his expertise through clinical fellowship training in spine surgery at Cleveland Clinic.
The repeated recognition of Dr. DeWal as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor matters because it signals consistent excellence in a highly specialized medical field where patient outcomes depend heavily on surgical skill and clinical judgment. This designation carries weight with patients seeking spine care, as it represents validation from medical peers through a rigorous selection process. For healthcare institutions like St. Charles Hospital, having physicians with this recognition enhances their reputation for specialized surgical services. The emphasis on conservative treatment approaches before surgical intervention reflects evolving standards in spine care that prioritize patient safety and appropriate use of surgical resources. Dr. DeWal's educational background, including training at institutions like Cleveland Clinic, demonstrates the importance of specialized fellowship training in developing expertise for complex spinal conditions. The recognition matters to the broader medical community as it highlights physicians who maintain high standards across education, training, and professional conduct over extended careers.
