Dr. Benjamin MacLennan is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon who specializes in cervical, thoracic, and lumbar adult degenerative spine conditions. When he's not seeing patients, Dr. MacLennan enjoys hockey, golf, running, biking, swimming, and music.
Dr. Benjamin MacLennan is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon who specializes in cervical, thoracic, and lumbar adult degenerative spine conditions. When he's not seeing patients, Dr. MacLennan enjoys hockey, golf, running, biking, swimming, and music.
Dr. Benjamin MacLennan is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon who specializes in cervical, thoracic, and lumbar adult degenerative spine conditions.
A native of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Dr. MacLennan graduated summa cum laude from Binghamton University, The State University of New York, with his Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and then went on to complete his internship and residency training in orthopedic surgery in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Following his residency, Dr. MacLennan completed advanced spine surgery training during his fellowship in Seattle, Washington.
When he's not seeing patients, Dr. MacLennan enjoys hockey, golf, running, biking, swimming, and music.
“The education and training I received has given me a solid foundation of excellent care upon which I continue to build. The most essential component of this care is communicating effectively with my patients. This allows me to educate them about their individual conditions and treatment options. This empowers the patient to make informed decisions.
"Patients often worry that seeing an orthopedic surgeon means they will have surgery. In reality, only a small percentage of patients I see require surgery. Along with my experienced colleagues, I am able to help the majority of people with numerous nonsurgical treatment modalities. Surgery is reserved as the last treatment option. With adherence to proven surgical indications, this conservative approach leads to improved outcomes for patients.
"Furthermore, I am committed to staying current with the latest, most effective treatment techniques in spinal care. Especially interesting are the tremendous technological advances that allow surgery to be done in a less invasive manner. My training has given me extensive experience with this, allowing me to perform many procedures in an outpatient setting.”
CREDENTIALS
Undergraduate Studies: Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Binghamton University, State University of New York, Binghamton, NY
Medical Degree: Doctor of Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA
Internship: Orthopaedic Surgery, Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners, Grand Rapids, MI
Residency: Orthopaedic Surgery, Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners, Grand Rapids, MI
Fellowship: Spine, Seattle, WA
Board-Certified: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Member: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, North American Spine Society
Dr. MacLennan was able to address part of my health issue, but due to an additional appoitment that I was already late for, I asked if I could message him through My Chart with questions and he agreed, however, I have been unable to connect with him through MercyMyChart...very frustrating, as it has been 1.5 weeks of trying to message without success.
Dr. MacLennan appeared knowledgeable about his subject matter, yet he also seemed disinterested or bored. Although he likely performs these procedures frequently, he could strive to be more empathetic towards the patient’s perspective, as it may be a significant and frightening experience. Additionally, his frequent nose blowing and dropping of used tissues on my paperwork on the counter raised concerns about his professionalism. If he operates in the OR with the same demeanor, I would feel uneasy about undergoing a procedure there.
Answered all of the questions that I had and gave his opinion.
I liked him… very kind, straightforward & to the point, I feel that I can trust him with my care. I would recommend him.
It is nice to feel I am in good hands
Dr.MacLennan is absolutely the best for your back specialist needs. Though his workload is immense he still takes the time to talk about your problems and figure out what’s best for you.
Answered my questions with full explanations and conveyed the effects of surgery in frank terms, along with offering non-invasive options.
He is the very best. I trust him with my life. Sherry loucka
Very kind and caring.
Great communication. Listens to your concerns. Great person