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Ryan (Carter) Cassidy, MD

4.85 out of 5
Telehealth Provider
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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

Related News

Ratings & Reviews

4.85 out of 5
39 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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    August 14th 2025
    Closing in on surgery now. Finalizing the plan.

    Patient Review

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    August 14th 2025
    Dr Cassidy answered all our questions thoroughly and gave us plenty of time to do so.

    Patient Review

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    July 30th 2025
    Excellent interaction. Was clear he had carefully reviewed my records. He was well informed and prepared to discuss my situation. He listened to my questions and involved me in decisions about next steps.

    Patient Review

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    July 17th 2025
    For anyone needing an open and honest doctor, Dr. Cassidy is who I will recommend ff they need his orthopedic services. He is excellent

    Patient Review

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    July 17th 2025
    Dr.Cassidy is very attentive to my questions and takes time to answer them .

    • Patient Review

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      July 10th 2025
      Dr. Cassidy is great!

    • Patient Review

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      July 3rd 2025
      Dr. Cassidy was extremely caring and concerned about my condition, offered in-depth explanation of treatment options and comprehensive care without unnecessary tests. Dr. Cassidy educates on a level that's easy to understand and has great interpersonal skills.

    • Patient Review

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      June 26th 2025
      They are the great health care providers-professionals

    • Patient Review

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      June 26th 2025
      I love Dr. Cassidy! I was referred to him after another doctor in this practice said he couldn't help me. Dr. Cassidy ordered more spine X-rays, reviewed my results, and immediately said he could help. He explained what was wrong, my options, and his recommended plan. He performed a minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery on me last summer, and I have had zero pain since then. Zero. (I cried the night of my surgery because it was the first time in years that I was able to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night without pain.) My only regret is that I didn't see him sooner. I can't thank him enough. He gave me my life back.

    • Patient Review

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      June 26th 2025
      Dr. Cassidy always finds time to explain my condition. He is willing to listen and answer questions. He has given me my options for surgery.

    • Patient Review

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      June 20th 2025
      Dr. Cassidy answered all my questions and explained everything carefully.

    • Patient Review

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      June 12th 2025
      I had an excellent visit with Dr Cassidy. He took time to explain my problem extremely well. He made really good suggestions and he referred me to the Interventional Pain Clinic since surgery is not required in my situation. It was a pleasure to have such an understanding doctor who didn't dismiss my pain but gave me some excellent concrete suggestions on how to maintain and improve my spinal health. I will take his advice to heart. I know he is a highly regarded surgeon, but he is also an excellent physician and I am grateful.

    • Patient Review

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      June 12th 2025
      I'm responding based on my interactions with both Melissa Hubert, PA as well as Dr. Cassidy himself. Both were very attentive and very informed about my medical issues. They both showed compassion, respect and warmth. This was my first interaction with Dr. Cassidy and I found him to be very compassionate as well as reassuring about my upcoming surgery. He connects well with his patients and I would highly recommend him as an Orthopedic surgeon. I first went to him for a second opinion and have decided to have him perform my surgery as his approach in my case is less invasive than the first opinion I had. In addition, I felt a better connection to Dr. Cassidy and I think its very Important for patients about to undergo spine surgery to feel confident with their surgeon.

    • Patient Review

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      June 5th 2025
      Always a good experience.

    • Patient Review

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      May 29th 2025
      Dr Cassidy was a down to earth guy who explained the benefits/risks of potential treatment (surgery) for my pain in a real and understandable manner

    • Patient Review

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      May 22nd 2025
      He's great, I hope my bones are strong enough for this surgery but he explained the risks.

    • Patient Review

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      May 8th 2025
      Dr Cassidy is a very busy Dr but he never makes me feel like he rushes through my appointment. He listens to my problems and is very helpful in explaining my options

    • Patient Review

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      May 8th 2025
      Nothing but he very best of scores for Dr. Cassidy. He has followed me for several years now, since I was first injured. I trust that my spine care is in good hands with him as my physician. I always feel that I am cared about an that my care is important to him. He always takes time to review all current and possible future POC and reiterates that ultimately the decisions are mine with him offering guidance. I appreciate the privilege of having him as my spinal care surgeon.

    • Patient Review

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      May 8th 2025
      Dr. Cassidy was very thorough and explained the x-rays, CT with us. He was very professional and we felt at ease

    • Patient Review

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      May 1st 2025
      Dr. Cassidy asked all the right questions.

    • Patient Review

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      April 17th 2025
      Feel that many major medical history items were not documented or taken into consideration in documentation.

    • Patient Review

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      April 17th 2025
      I was very impressed with Dr Cassidy. He seemed knowledgeable, caring, and understanding. He was patient with our questions and explained things well.

    • Patient Review

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      March 13th 2025
      Overall exceptional. I will be back, should I need any further back surgeries.

    • Patient Review

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      March 13th 2025
      The team did an Excellent Job ensuring my mother received good care! Multiple doctors visited, evaluated, and explained everything clearly. Thanks!

    • Patient Review

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      March 13th 2025
      Dr.Cassidy was referred to me by my son's father-inlaw. He had a awesome experience and said he had every faith in Dr. Cassidy doing this surgery.

    • Patient Review

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      March 6th 2025
      Dr. Cassidy was wonderful. He took the time to explain my issue and gave information about present care and future care. He was very relatable and knowledgeable about my condition and what to expect from/with it.

    • Patient Review

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      March 6th 2025
      Dr. Cassidy has been very patient, kind, and considerate in the details of my treatment. He has taken the time to provide the most conservative approach in my care, and with goal of maximum healing. He explains procedures and course of action with detail and showing compassion for any concerns I may have.

    • Patient Review

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      February 27th 2025
      Good experience

    • Patient Review

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      February 27th 2025
      Good discussion about my health

    • Patient Review

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      February 13th 2025
      Dr. Cassidy listened, responded with a detailed description of the proposed procedure.

    • Patient Review

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      January 23rd 2025
      Dr Cassidy was excellent as usual. Very collaborative and informative

    • Patient Review

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      January 23rd 2025
      Dr Cassidy is the BEST Surgeon in my opinion. I wouldn't even think of another Dr to care for my Orthopedic problems.

    • Patient Review

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      January 16th 2025
      Dr Cassidy is the best! Yesterday was a consult for my upcoming neck surgery. I asked Dr Cassidy a myriad of questions and concerns that I had regarding my surgery. He answered them completely and patiently. I believe he spent an hour and a half with me and his consult that is unheard of. I left the consult with high spirits. Dr Cassidy is the best!UK healthcare is the best! I will never go anywhere else!

    • Patient Review

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      December 26th 2024
      Dr Cassidy is one of the best around for taking his tome and explaining in layman terms what he is planning on doing for your treatment plan

    • Patient Review

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      December 26th 2024
      Dr Cassidy is the best!

    • Patient Review

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      December 19th 2024
      Dr. Cassidy is a very caring doctor. He is a great listener and always addresses my concerns. I have total trust in him and his recommendations. I have recommended him a number of times to others.

    • Patient Review

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      December 19th 2024
      Very good

    • Patient Review

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      December 19th 2024
      Dr. Cassidy has always been very outstanding when it comes to all aspects of my visits.

    • Patient Review

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      December 12th 2024
      Felt comfortable with all aspects of visit.