Patient Testimonials
To Whom It May Concern,
It is my privilege to write this letter of heartfelt recommendation for the NYC Joint and Spine Center – Englewood, NJ, and to commend the outstanding care I received from Dr. Thomas Youm, Dr. Jonathan Stieber, and their exceptional team.
On April 22, 2025, I underwent a total right shoulder replacement with a reverse shoulder implant performed by Dr. Youm. This was not my first experience with him, but it was, without question, one of the most flawless and professional medical experiences I’ve ever had.
Exceptional Team and Personalized Care:
I first met Dr. Youm in May 2024, referred by Dr. Jonathan Stieber, my trusted spine surgeon for over 11 years. At the time, I was preparing for spinal surgery and mentioned discomfort in my right shoulder. Dr. Youm conducted a thorough evaluation, which led to discovering that my previously replaced left shoulder had also failed. Due to my scheduled spinal procedure in June 2024, we delayed the shoulder revision, which was later performed by Dr. Youm on November 5, 2024.
My post-op follow-up took place at Dr. Youm’s brand-new Englewood office, where I learned that my right shoulder surgery would be done at their state-of-the-art Englewood Surgical Center.
Top-Tier Facility – A Game-Changer for New Jersey:
The NYC Joint and Spine Center in Englewood is a world-class, cutting-edge facility that rivals, and in many ways surpasses, major New York hospitals. The center is modern, pristine, and professionally staffed. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with warmth, attentiveness, and seamless coordination.
As a New Jersey resident, I appreciated the ease of access and parking, especially compared to the challenges of commuting into NYC. Having a high-caliber medical center like this in Englewood is a tremendous asset to our region.
The Surgical Experience:
The pre-surgical preparation was flawless. Cathy Lee, Dr. Youm’s surgical coordinator, guided me through every step—from scheduling to pre-op testing. She ensured that all seven prescriptions were filled two days before surgery, giving me complete peace of mind.
The day before surgery, I was personally fitted for my arm brace by Troy Plumitallo, whose expertise and attention to detail ensured a perfect fit, enhancing my recovery process.
On the day of surgery:
- I arrived at 6:00 AM, parked effortlessly, and was greeted by Adrienne Carey (Administrator) at the front desk, who had all documentation ready.
- By 6:30 AM, I was in pre-op, receiving care from Leah Jimenez, RN and Jazmine Yanez, RN.
- In the OR, Leon Wilson III, RN, Yvette Smallwood, CST, and Jeffrey LeVine, RT provided outstanding technical support.
- Dr. Luba Voinov, the anesthesiologist, explained the process thoroughly, which reassured both me and my wife.
- Dr. Amy Birnbaum, the assisting surgeon, and Dr. Youm ensured that I received world-class surgical care.
Post-op, the entire team gave clear, detailed instructions, answered all questions, and followed up daily to monitor my recovery.
Why NYC Joint and Spine Center – Englewood Stands Out:
- Dr. Jonathan Stieber: Trusted spine surgeon for over a decade.
- Dr. Thomas Youm: Exceptional orthopedic surgeon, committed to excellence.
- Cathy Lee: Surgical coordinator who leaves no detail overlooked.
- Troy Plumitallo: Expert brace fitting and pre-surgery support.
- Adrienne Carey, Leah Jimenez, RN, Jazmine Yanez, RN, Leon Wilson III, RN, Dr. Luba Voinov, Dr. Amy Birnbaum, Jeffrey LeVine, RT, Yvette Smallwood, CST: The dedicated and professional team at the Englewood Surgical Center.
Final Thoughts:
What Dr. Stieber and Dr. Youm have built at NYC Joint and Spine Center in Englewood is nothing short of remarkable. This top-tier facility offers big-city medical excellence with small-town convenience, and I highly recommend it to anyone in need of orthopedic or spine care.
I couldn’t recommend anyone other than Dr. Youm. It is because of him I regained total mobility of my hips. In 2015 I underwent labral repair and bone shaving on both hips just two months apart. I fully recovered and was back to running and dancing before I knew it. I had no pain.
Recently I developed pain in my hips again, upon seeing Dr. Youm it was found that I had femoral acetabular impingement. I knew moving along with this surgery I was in good hands. I don’t trust anyone else. It is because of him I felt confident in this next surgery. Just two days ago I underwent my 3rd hip surgery where I received an allograft.
While recovering I figured I’d write this. It is unfortunate we meet under these circumstances but there isn’t anyone else I’d want operating on me. Dr. Youm has operated on my mother, brother, and a few other family members. To say we trust him is an absolute understatement. I would highly recommend him.
Thank you Dr. Youm for everything you’ve done for me!
I had Cam impingement surgery on my left hip by Dr. Youm, in September of 2018. Dr. Youm and his staff are very professional and attended to all my needs and questions. Before the surgery I would have pain in my left hip, lower left back and groin areas all day ever day. It is 5 months after my surgery and I have no where near the pain I had before the surgery. I am still in the heeling process and my left hip feels much better everyday. I am glad I went with DR. Youm for my surgery. If I had any other aliments that Dr. Youm specializes in I would pick him over any other Dr.
For years I was unable to sit for more than 5 minutes w/o pain. After many different Dr. and Pt and MRsI Cat scans and x-rays, the pain progressively become worse, I suffered for years. I finely found Dr. Youm and after 5min and one more test he was able to diagnose the torn labrum in my left hip. He preformed a Hip Arthroscopy and I have been pain free for the last 4 years. I will always recommend him, I travel from LI to see him in Manhattan and always satisfied w/ my care. His office staff is very friendly and through. I wish more Doctors were like him. He always made me feel I was his most important patient in his pratice.
Dr Youm is a miracle worker. I had a torn labrum, tendon issues, and a multitude of other problems after being hit by a car. Not only did he make my hip better than before but he stuck with me through the long and arduous process that comes with insurance claims. He was able to explain to me exactly what surgery would be like, how my recovery would go and even before that he gave me options that would ease my pain that weren't a part of his practice . Dr Youm is absolutely the best and I couldn't have asked for a better doctor.
Dr. Youm performed hip arthroscopy to repair my torn labrum. Almost immediately after surgery I was pain-free, moving only within a limited range of motion of course. Even with the restriction of using a brace and crutches, I was realizing for the first time in over a year that I was on the path to being “normal” again. Dr. Youm was informative, professional, as well as friendly and soothing. The biggest concern I had was not to be talked into a hip replacement. When he told me arthroscopic surgery was definitely indicated – keeping body parts is important – I knew I had come to the right person! I would most definitely recommend Dr. Youm highly as well as the NYU Outpatient Hospital and all of its staff. No one wants to have surgery but if it is necessary, I can’t imagine a better medical solution/experience. Thank you to everyone!
