Ganesh M Shankar, MD, PhD
Not currently accepting new patients
4.861355 average rating from 251 patient reviews
Specialties
Affiliation
Mass General Brigham
Provider Locations
- Boston, MA
Dr. Ganesh Shankar is a board-certified neurosurgeon at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He completed his neurosurgery residency at Mass General and a fellowship in complex spine surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. His clinical specialization encompasses the evaluation and surgical management of all spine pathologies, ranging from degenerative disorders, primary and metastatic spine tumors, intradural pathologies, spine infections, and spine trauma. His surgical approaches include minimally invasive techniques. He specializes in complex spine procedures requiring revision surgery and correction of spine deformities.
Dr. Shankar also performs research on bone biology and molecular determinants of primary and metastatic spine neoplasms. He serves as the Neurosurgical Director of Biospecimen Banking for the Department of Neurosurgery. His research has been recognized by awards from the American Association of Neurologic Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves, and AO Spine North America.
Education & Training
- Fellowship: Cleveland Clinic, Neurosurgery, 2018
- Residency: Massachusetts General Hospital, Neurosurgery, 2017
- Medical Education: Harvard Medical School, 2010
Board Certifications
- Neurological Surgery, American Board of Neurological Surgery
Languages Spoken
- English
Age Group Treated
- Adults
Patient Feedback
4.861355 average rating from 251 reviews
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The doctor provides excellent care
2026-07-07
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All great
2026-07-01
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The Dr was very kind and professional and explained everything very thoroughly. He helped calm my fears and helped me come to the right decision for me at this time . I highly recommend him .
2026-07-01
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ABSOLUTELY SUPERB!!!
2026-06-27
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Dr. Shankar is a wonderful surgeon and just as importantly, a wonderful human being. He is a very caring person who listens carefully after my surgery was wonderful about keeping in touch with my family and I could not imagine anyone better to have treated me.
2026-06-25
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Explained things clearly and offered a plan that suits my conditions. Also very kind and thoughtful.
2026-06-24
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Dr. Shankar clearly explains everything in a manner that can be understood. He does not rush and listens to all your concerns.
2026-06-25
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Very good. Excellent follow up and information from doctor and his nurse. Advice clear.
2026-06-22
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He is a very kind person, it is easy to communicate with him.
2026-06-21
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I can't say enough wonderful things about the doctor!!
2026-06-18
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Dr. Shankar was very helpful, knowledgeable, and he was also like very responsive to my questions, didn't have me feeling like I was stupid, and I feel like he does provide good care overall.
2026-06-18
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I feel this health care provider is exceptional at his job and explains everything in a way that I can understand it.
2026-06-11
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Perfect doctor no question asked
2026-06-10
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Dr Shankar was incredibly kind and so knowledgeable of my personal situation.
2026-06-03
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Patient, professional, precise, caring, and curious.
2026-06-05
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He explained the process and schedule
2026-05-29
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Dr. Ganesh Shankar isn't just skilled and brilliant as a diagnostician and surgeon, he is also one of the kindest, most generous people on this planet. He listens with great care, processes what he hears, and provides feedback that is helpful enough to make a patient feel better with no medical intervention. I will be grateful to him forever.
2026-05-27
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The doctor was very clear on next course of action which is what I was looking for.
2026-05-22
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The Doctor is fantastic and I would and have recommended him to anyone.
2026-05-22
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An exceptional meeting. Explained in depth possible reasons for my back problems. Analytical, human, balanced. Warm and caring. I look forward to hearing the results from my MRI. Total trust in his judgement.
2026-05-18
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Dr. Shankar was excellent. He listened to the hx I gave him carefully , addressed my questions and was able to reassure me re. my medical status.He was engaged during the entire meeting. and made a thoughtful recommendation re. what course of action would be best for me.
2026-05-06
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Telemedicine is good because of the difficulty getting a timely in person visit. In my case it worked out fine but I was having more difficulty with my issue, a personal visit would have been better. Dr was still very instructive and patient.
2026-05-04
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Dr. Shankar and his team are the best!!
2026-05-01
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Dr Shankar was very thorough and explained everything to me. [redacted].
2026-04-23
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Dr. Shankar was amazing. He had to recommend a much more serious operation than I was expecting. I was shocked. He very carefully and clearly looked at the MRIs with me on his screen and zoomed in on the critical areas. He took time. He was empathetic. I understood. I am now scheduled for the serious operation he thinks necessary. He was able to schedule it in a timely way.
2026-04-22
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Provider was polite, user-friendly, professional.
2026-04-21
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I was relieved and impressed with Dr Shankar. He was kind, patiently listened and responded professionally. His expertise is greatly appreciated!
2026-04-15
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He listens to your concerns, tries to provide feedback to you based on those concerns, and empathizes with your situation.
2026-04-16
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great guy
2026-04-15
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Very kind and attentive.
2026-04-14
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First visit and very good experience. Dr. Shankar talked with me first and then reviewed my MRI images. Good conversation regarding what he sees, what I expect for the future and what will be required regarding surgery.
2026-04-12
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Dr. Shankar took his time in assessing my areas of concern. Listened and explained well - answering all my questions. This doctor is top notch with a cal demeanor that was so welcoming.
2026-04-10
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Dr Shankar was prepared for the visit, having taken the time to review multiple imaging results for previous years. He listened and I felt that he took my situation seriously. He had a theory that was different from all previous providers I had seen. Everyone else had said there was nothing they could do for me. Dr Shankar believes he can help and has ordered further testing to gather evidence to either support or refute his theory
2026-04-08
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Dr Shankar as well as the med student were respectful listened to my concerns and shared what they thought
2026-04-01
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Dr. Shankar was very professional & explain the whole thing to me.
2026-03-31
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Dr Shankar is obviously well educated and extremely skilled. He is a most elegant human being. I was able to understand and feel motivated as a result of his skill to explain everything on a layman's level. His skil is my saving grace. He has a heart the size of Texas and the desire to heal. I don't know if I can say anything else except thank God and God bless him
2026-04-08
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Dr. Shankar exudes trust and competence. I am fortunate to have him as my neurosurgeon .
2026-03-30
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Dr Shankar, is extremely thorough and has always provided outstanding care. His questions about my progress addressed the issues I had prior to my surgery. His recommendations about reducing my restrictions were clear and understandable. In addition, he provided appropriate guidance to reduce my use of pain medications. He is a fantastic listener and one of the kindest and most compassionate physicians ever. Thank you.
2026-03-31
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Dr. Shankar was capable,thoughtful,compassionate and thorough. I could not have asked for a better experience.
2026-03-26
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Excellent physician Outstanding surgeon Would recommend my family
2026-03-28
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I was very pleased
2026-03-24
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I have not stopped talking to my friends and family about what a wonderful experience I had with Dr.Shankar. He has outstanding credentials and is an incredibly intelligent neurosurgeon. He came into the room already knowing my (complex) medical history. He accessed the MRIs to assist in explaining to me what is going on in the two areas on my spine (T1 and L5) of which I came in for. He answered every question, and fears I had. I felt very comfortable in this first meeting and left trusting in Dr.Shankar's assessment. We discussed a plan of monitoring and also explained what I should look for as signs that I might need surgery. He said as confident in his ability to help me there. He walked me out to the desk to arrange a follow up virtual appt. which we will have in May, one week after my next MRI. He is very personable, friendly and approachable. I'm very impressed and feel relieved that I can be under his care. I have already highly recommended Dr.Shankar to friends of mine at my HiiT gym and martial arts dojo.
2026-03-19
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Dr. Shankar was so nice and understanding. He listen so well!!
2026-03-18
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The doctor was very knowledgeable and thoughtful. He remembered me and my family from the last time he saw me
2026-03-12
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Outstanding, compassionate physician.
2026-03-11
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I am completely satisfied with the information, results, and care being provided in a professional and personal manner.
2026-03-02
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Excellent doctor, listened to me very well, very kind. I cannot say enough good things.
2026-03-04
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He is amazing!
2026-02-24
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Dr Shankar is very pleasant and professional!
2026-02-27
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He was very attentive and listened to my concern's.
2026-02-23
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Wow. Couldn't be more impressed. He was so "present" when I was speaking. Looked right in my eyes & showed interest & concern. Everyone else has been interested in only my cancer. I've been in so much back (& knee) pain... more than I can bear. I think Dr. Shankar actually understands & will help. Thank you. Dr. Shankar!
2026-02-17
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Dr Shankar is very kind and compassionate. He listened to my concerns and took his time explaining everything to me. I would definitely recommend him.
2026-02-17
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Extremely compassionate, called me back when he said he would, and excellent follow-up after tests. Results were known.
2026-02-15
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Everything went well. No complaints. The Doctor was very informative and understanding.
2026-03-04
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He was compassionate and extremely helpful and reassuring.
2026-02-27
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Dr. Ganesh was excellent. He was kind. He listened to what I had to say and he explained everything so I could understand it.
2026-02-27
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Dr. Shankar is uniquely qualified, professional and a fantastic physician.
2026-02-08
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He was wonderful.
2026-02-06
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Extremely grateful for the experience and care to assist me get better
2026-02-04
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Dr. Shankar was incredibly kind and attentive. He listened to my concerns and made me feel at ease throughout my visit. He assured be that I did not need surgery.I felt comfortable discussing my health concerns. Highly recommend!
2026-02-04
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Excellent
2026-02-04
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I thought Dr. Shankar was very nice. [redacted] Dr. Shankar explained my symptoms were not systematic of my MRI images. [redacted] He examined me Slightly and said I didn't need surgery. I was very relieved and appreciative of his candor and honesty.
2026-01-28
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Dr Shankar and his staff were fantastic. I highly recommended Dr Shankar He spent a long time going over my case. He explained everything and answered all my questions. He is very detailed, and easy to talk to.
2026-01-27
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Dr. Shankar is a very kind, knowledgeable surgeon. [redacted]
2026-02-04
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I was very happy with Dr Shankar. As always, he was very thorough and knew all my medical history
2026-01-24
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Excellent respectful manners
2026-01-21
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Very happy withDr Shakar He was patient and thorough as he explained the xrays, and opinions about how to proceed with help for my problems
2026-01-21
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Dr. Shankar is very kind, knowledgeable, and explains things well.
2026-01-14
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I am satisfied of my care taken
2026-01-13
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Helpful
2025-12-31
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Amazing! This was my 9th surgery and the best experience. Thank you for your steadfast commitment to developing your individual capability that has a lasting impact on your patients.
2025-12-30
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very accommodating
2025-12-29
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Excellent
2025-12-24
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Dr. Shankar is a talented physician. He listens carefully and provided valuable insights regarding the possibility of a future laminectomy.
2025-12-24
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Very polite, easy to talk to, very caring and extremely knowledgeable. I look forward yo meeting him in person.
2025-12-21
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I feel safe with Dr & the team
2025-12-20
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Dr. Shankar is incredibly knowledgeable, very quick to analyze and evaluate issues and excellent at communicating options and recommendations. I consider him to be the very best doctor I have encountered in my lifetime.
2025-12-11
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My experience with Dr Shankar was very professional and informative. He explained my case(s) in detail. Given my other health issues, I am disappointed that treatment has to be delayed and I will suffer pain and sleeplessness, but he explained this as well. Overall, I feel Dr Shankar is a great provider and I am glad to have been referred to him.
2025-12-11
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Love the provider [redacted]
2025-12-11
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[redacted] he just called me on the phone, but we had a nice conversation, and I hope to get surgery scheduled as soon as possible. Thank you.
2025-11-28
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Dr. Shankar was both professional and compassionate about my medical situation. All of his comments and suggestions were thoughtfully and honestly offered. His competence was very reassuring and appreciated.
2025-11-26
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Everything went well. Dr Shankar is GREAT.
2025-11-22
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Dr Shankar was thorough and calm and the appointment did not feel rushed. I very much liked his demeanor, and he made me feel confident in him and the upcoming surgery.
2025-11-20
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Dr Shankar always does a great job of listening to my explanation and putting that in perspective with imaging and testing for options to move forward.
2025-11-20
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I hope things go as well as they sold it ..
2025-11-06
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Very thoughtful and helpful
2025-11-05
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I was very impressed with dr's attention to detail. His ability to explain simply the intent and details of the procedure and expected recovery process
2025-11-05
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The doctor and his assistant were very supportive regarding my medical issues. I was given sensible recommendations which I will follow.
2025-11-02
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Professional
2025-10-25
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My experience was fantastic. The provider clearly understood the details and the ramifications, the options, timing of treatments, other effects. I thought that he was very well informed, very communicative also, and very personable.
2025-10-24
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Dr. Shankar is the most knowledgeable and kind doctor that I have ever met. I would not think about going to another neurosurgeon unless I had no other choice.
2025-10-23
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Dr. Shankar explained my options clearly.
2025-10-23
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Thoughtful, thorough, respectful, concerned about whole person
2025-10-15
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I went into the appointment nervous about my diagnosis and prognosis. Dr Shankar explained both to me and made sure I understood. He was personable and caring. I will be going into surgery with complete confidence.
2025-10-15
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Dr Shankar is an excellent listener and was focused like a laser on my issues. He is also compassionate and empathetic.
2025-10-15
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Dr. Shankar is a caring and thoughtful surgeon, period. He clearly has empathy for his patients, period. He explains things extremely well, period. It is a great relief to be cared for someone of this.
2025-10-16
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Excellent provider in every way
2025-10-08
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Dr. Shankar is a great doctor..and I'm grateful that I have him..
2025-10-06
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excellent physician---listens very carefully and gives patient his full, unrushed attention.
2025-10-02
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It felt a bit hurried with rather vague recommendations although I will follow his suggestions
2025-10-01
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The doctor was very, very helpful. He was very knowledgeable about my current situation and had the medical records and the imagery available to walk through with me. And very collaborative and very much appreciated.
2025-09-26
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Yes, Dr Shankar was very attentive to my questions and my concerns about the situation I have of spinal stenosis.
2025-09-26
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He is a miracle worker.
2025-09-25
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Dr Shankar was very easy to talk with and he explained fully what he plans to do. Very comfortable with him
2025-09-24
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For me, I really liked him. I thought that he was very thorough, Nice, listened to everything I had to say, intelligent etc.
2025-09-22
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It took awhile to get an appointment give my predicament but I was determined to see Dr Shankar
2025-09-17
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Dr. Shankar displayed great knowledge of my situation and what was needed.
2025-09-17
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Dr. Shankar gave me his email to contact him directly. Really special. I contacted him about one issue and he literally responded within minutes. Great provider.
2025-09-11
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I feel fortunate to have found such a talented, thoughtful, through, and compassionate doctor.
2025-09-10
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He was very knowledgeable and communicated further treatment very well
2025-09-10
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Great care from all, level of detailed interest and follow-up on all levels for 6 days. Doesn't get an better than this.
2025-09-08
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I had the most pleasant experience during my visit with Dr. Ganesh Shankar. I was fully satisfied and felt reassured after seeing him.
2025-09-07
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Yes, I was very pleased to meet with Dr. Shankar. He seems to be a wonderful doctor as well as a great human being. He was recommended to me at first by a friend of mine who was a patient of his. And then I was pleased to find out that my doctor, Dr. [redacted] from Spalding Rehab, suggested I see him for my problem. And I've seen a few doctors and he finally, worked with me where I live, so to speak. And he made me feel very positive and that I don't need surgery right now, unlike all the other doctors had said. And I'm feeling very positive. I look forward to dealing with him and his staff again, just on a maintenance basis, hopefully. But if I do need surgery, I will definitely feel like I'm in good hands with him. He was wonderful. I highly recommend him.
2025-09-09
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Dr. Shankar was an excellent listener and answered all my questions in way that I could understand. His advice to me was very helpful and useful to me.
2025-09-06
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I was very pleased with Dr Shankar's demeanor and explanation of my issues . I am Very confident Dr Shankar will do his best to correct my issues. [redacted]
2025-09-04
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This care provider is not only an excellent doctor but he is very professional and compassionate. I am so happy of having him as my care provider
2025-09-04
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I have total trust in this provider -- expertise, care, patient focus, etc. [redacted]
2025-08-26
Accepted Insurance
- Tufts Medicare Preferred
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