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Ryan (Carter) Cassidy, MD

4.81 out of 5
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About

Carter Cassidy, MD, is the chair of UK Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine and has a long history of delivering high-quality orthopaedic care to Central Kentucky.

He first came to UK HealthCare in 2000 as a resident in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine. He then stayed on at UK to complete his fellowship in orthopaedic spine surgery. Dr. Carter has been a member of UK’s faculty for nearly 20 years.

His other leadership positions include being the medical director at the UK HealthCare Good Samaritan Spine and Joint Clinic, as well as the Dyad partner and director for UK’s musculoskeletal strategy and intake team. Dr. Cassidy previously served as the director of the orthopaedic surgery residency program.

“We are an evolving department, full of people who work tirelessly every day to restore function to our patients,” Dr. Cassidy said. “As we go forward, I will work side-by-side with each member of our team to ensure that UK Orthopaedics remains the gold standard for Central and Eastern Kentucky. As long as our daily goal is providing the best patient care as well as creating a commitment to excellence in education and research, I feel that this will be an easy goal to achieve.”

Personal Statement

I am forever grateful to this program that trained and supported me as I have evolved in orthopaedic surgical care. UK Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine is a community that I could not be prouder to lead. This department is filled with talented providers. Our goal is to ensure that you are able to lead a fulfilling life once again.

I became a spine surgeon because I enjoy how challenging – and rewarding – it is. Healing spine injuries can be a long process, but I will be your partner each step of the way.

When you come to UK HealthCare, we will listen to your unique concerns and work with you to tailor a treatment plan that’s right for you and your goals. We take care of all orthopaedic problems, even the most complex cases, including bone cancers, spine issues and ligament injuries.

Faculty Rank

  • Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery

Training & Education

Degree

Northeastern Ohio Universities, College of Medicine, Rootstown

Residency

University of Kentucky

Fellowship

University of Kentucky

Certifications and Special Training

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Insurance Information

Insurance policies can vary widely. Please check with your doctor/clinic for specific insurance information before your visit or procedure to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

See list of insurers

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Ratings & Reviews

4.81 out of 5
40 Reviews

The star rating is a calculation based on feedback from our patients using our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Learn more about our survey process. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

  • Patient Review

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    November 14th 2024
    He's a great Surgeon and Doctor

    Patient Review

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    November 8th 2024
    Dr Cassidy took the time to explain my options and what I could do to help improve my health and spine health

    Patient Review

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    October 31st 2024
    Good

    Patient Review

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    October 17th 2024
    Dr. Cassidy is personable and relaxed. He discussed my condition with me and treatment options.

    Patient Review

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    October 10th 2024
    Dr. Cassidy is the very best.

    • Patient Review

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      September 19th 2024
      I would be happy to recommend them to everyone I know

    • Patient Review

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      September 6th 2024
      Dr. Cassidy is a wonderful doctor. He gave me hope when I had none. My spinal fusion surgery was a success! (I'm no longer dealing with chronic lower back and sciatica pain). He was extremely approachable and answer every question I had. My only regret was not meeting him and having my surgery sooner.

    • Patient Review

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      August 30th 2024
      Best surgeon I've been to yet.

    • Patient Review

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      August 29th 2024
      Not that I like going to drs. but the drs. at this facility are always willing to listen to my issus.

    • Patient Review

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      August 29th 2024
      Described care plan very clearly, answered questions specifically, and in layman terms which I greatly appreciate.

    • Patient Review

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      August 23rd 2024
      I have been seeing Dr. Cassidy for many years and I love this ability to tell me straight up about my long term issues. He is a great doctor!!

    • Patient Review

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      August 22nd 2024
      Dr. Cassidy may be a good surgeon - but he either doesn't have or doesn't use any interpersonal skills. He finished out 10 minute visit standing in the doorway, half in the room and half in the hallway, telling me to go back to one of the doctors I'd seen previously and let them do surgery on me.

    • Patient Review

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      August 16th 2024
      Compassionate, knowledgeable!!!

    • Patient Review

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      August 16th 2024
      I have been seeing Dr. Cassidy for 13 years I have always been impressed by his caring attitude and the wonderful people in the clinic. I have recommended on numerous occasions.

    • Patient Review

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      August 16th 2024
      Dr. Cassidy always provides excellent care. He provides detailed discussion of options and answers all my questions. He is very empathetic. I totally trust him.

    • Patient Review

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      August 9th 2024
      Dr. Cassidy is probably the best physician I have ever been treated by!

    • Patient Review

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      August 8th 2024
      Dr.Cassidy is the only one I want working on my unique neck.

    • Patient Review

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      August 8th 2024
      Dr. Cassidy the doctor told that cervical collar could be taken off to eat and shower. Then when the orders came to the rehab facility they said to take it off only when lying down.

    • Patient Review

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      July 11th 2024
      Very good doctor and staff.

    • Patient Review

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      June 27th 2024
      I need motel time to talk and ask questions sometimes.

    • Patient Review

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      June 21st 2024
      Great team effort, the PA was super nice and thorough as well as Dr Cassidy. Very relaxed atmosphere but very thorough and invested in shared decision making!

    • Patient Review

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      June 20th 2024
      Dr. Cassidy is awesome, described what he would be doing during surgety, risks, etc.

    • Patient Review

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      June 7th 2024
      Ms. Hubert and Dr. Cassidy work very well together. They are very good listeners and obviously very knowledgeable

    • Patient Review

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      May 30th 2024
      Dr. Cassidy was awesome as usual. He is always aware of my previous history, past surgeries, and current medications. I always feel that he has a genuine interest regarding my medical needs. He is very professional, but always very personable. I feel confident that I received the best of care from him.

    • Patient Review

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      May 23rd 2024
      The care of my health team was a huge part of my positive attitude and good spirits lucky to have them

    • Patient Review

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      May 15th 2024
      Dr Cassidy very kind and thoughtful in getting procedures taken care of. Spent time discussing what I had problems with and what needed to be done. Was positive in my feelings and was very concerned in my care.

    • Patient Review

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      May 15th 2024
      Could not have had a better visit

    • Patient Review

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      May 10th 2024
      Great

    • Patient Review

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      May 10th 2024
      Dr. Cassidy spent time reviewing my current situation with me. He made me aware of the potential consequences of surgery versus living without it. He listened, answered my questions and showed kindness and compassion.

    • Patient Review

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      March 29th 2024
      Dr. Cassidy was fantastic! He reviewed my health information (including my most recent MRI and X-rays) and immediately knew what he could do to resolve my issue. He explained what was happening with my spine and used a housing foundation analogy to make sure I understood what was wrong and how to fix it. Dr. Cassidy went through the three options for the procedure (pros/cons, downtime, etc.) and discussed his preferred option and why he preferred it. The previous orthopedic surgeon I saw (Francis Farhadi, I think) came across as dismissive, and I left my visit feeling hopeless like I would be in pain forever. He specifically told me that he did not recommend a procedure and prescribed new/more pain medication.On the other hand, Dr. Cassidy listened to and empathized with me. He came in with a plan that, if it works, will get me off all the medication I am currently taking. Even if the procedure does not work, he gave me hope, which I have not had in a while.

    • Patient Review

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      March 28th 2024
      Good

    • Patient Review

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      March 26th 2024
      Dr.Ryan Cassidy was very friendly, answered all my questions and took time and didn't rush the appointment.

    • Patient Review

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      March 15th 2024
      Verygood

    • Patient Review

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      March 8th 2024
      In a heartbeat I would recommend Dr. Cassidy and team.

    • Patient Review

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      March 1st 2024
      PA was very good and thorough

    • Patient Review

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      February 23rd 2024
      Good

    • Patient Review

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      February 23rd 2024
      He has been my Dr for over 15 years. He knows my body and x-rays.

    • Patient Review

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      February 23rd 2024
      Dr Cassidy and NP was extremely kind a d wonderful

    • Patient Review

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      February 16th 2024
      I was very impressed.

    • Patient Review

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      February 15th 2024
      Can't emphasize enough how pleased I was