WALTER RYAN SMITH

Orthopedic Surgery

4.9 out of 5

256 verified ratings

256 Ratings, 97 Comments

The following ratings and reviews are based on verified feedback collected from independently administered patient experience surveys. The ratings and comments submitted by patients reflect their own views and opinions. Patient identities are withheld to ensure confidentiality and privacy.
Sep 22, 2026
Great Attitudes
Sep 15, 2026
Dr. Smith is very personable, friendly, and caring. He takes extra effort to show outstanding care. The staff is also efficient and caring.
Sep 11, 2026
From our first consultation, Dr. Smith distinguished himself through a diagnostic thoroughness that left no question unexamined and no possibility unconsidered. When the news he delivered was not what I had hoped to hear — that my shoulder will ultimately require full replacement surgery — he did not soften the truth into something more palatable, nor did he deliver it with clinical detachment. Instead, he communicated with a rare combination of candor and compassion, treating me as a partner in understanding my own body rather than a passive recipient of a diagnosis. This is, I believe, the mark of true medical excellence: the courage to be honest even when the news is difficult, and the grace to deliver that honesty with warmth. Dr. Smith never once made me feel like a case number or a data point. He made me feel heard, respected, and cared for — even as he prepared me for a harder road ahead than I had anticipated. It is precisely because of this trust — earned through his forthrightness, his evident expertise, and his bedside manner — that I would not consider entrusting my upcoming shoulder replacement to anyone else. Dr. Walt Smith has my complete confidence, both as a surgeon and as a physician who understands that medicine is, at its core, an act of care.
Sep 11, 2026
Prompt, efficient and professional.
Sep 11, 2026
I highly recommend Dr. Walter Smith! From my very first appointment, I felt like I was in good hands. Dr. Smith was knowledgeable, professional, and took the time to really listen to my concerns and explain everything in a way that I could understand. I never felt rushed or like just another patient. I truly appreciate the care, patience, and attention to detail throughout my treatment and recovery. Dr. Smith and the entire staff made what could have been a stressful experience so much easier after having to have a second surgery . I’m very grateful for the care I received and would definitely recommend Dr. Smith to anyone looking for an orthopedic surgeon who genuinely cares about their patients!
Sep 10, 2026
Dr Smith explained all options with me.
Sep 9, 2026
Everyone was super friendly, absolutely professional and fun/engaging at the same time. After hearing from me, and I felt like my doctor listened very well (unusual), Dr. Walter Smith & I made a plan to rehabilitate my shoulder. Doc. [last name] gave me a steroid shot and I am doing PT every other day and feeling lots better already! I had an excellent experience @UAB HIGHLANDS ORTHOPEDICS CLINIC.
Sep 7, 2026
Everyone was very knowledgeable and performed their job in a friendly and professional manner..
Sep 4, 2026
Dr Walter Smith and his entire staff are excellent.
Sep 4, 2026
Al staff were super helpful. Dr. Smith has great bedside manner!
Sep 1, 2026
Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Dr. Smith took his time explaining everything to me and answered all of my questions.
Sep 1, 2026
all great!
Aug 28, 2026
He presented the pros and cons about my decision for the surgery with no pressure to make a decision immediately. Clearly defined possible outcomes. Very easy to talk to.
Aug 27, 2026
I was in and out like always
Aug 25, 2026
Friendly
Aug 21, 2026
Patrick in pre-op and Destiny in recovery were both especially helpful.
Aug 20, 2026
I couldn’t be more pleased with my experience at UAB Highlands Sports Medicine Clinic. Everyone was very professional and very knowledgeable. I will definitely recommend UAB Highlands Sports Medicine Clinic to my family and friends.
Aug 18, 2026
I was very impressed with Dr.Smith.
Aug 13, 2026
R N Patrick was especially good at seeing that I was comfortable and got the attention I needed prior to surgery
Aug 7, 2026
Staff were very professional, friendly, and helpful .
Aug 7, 2026
Always great
Aug 4, 2026
Very professional
Jul 31, 2026
Utmost professionalism from every person I encountered.
Jul 31, 2026
Everyone I had contact with was extremely kind and professional.
Jul 24, 2026
Great team Dr Walter Smith is great
Jul 24, 2026
Dr Walter Smith was informative and helpful.
Jul 24, 2026
Wait time was minimal, check in was easy, doctor was helpful.
Jul 22, 2026
This appointment was quick and I really liked how the doctor answered all questions and how fast the schedulers got me set up with all my test and my up coming surgery
Jul 17, 2026
Dr Smith. Was very professional. He answered all questions and addressed all of my concerns and worries. He was very nice. He laughed at one time. Has good humor. The parking app was difficult the first time, but now, no problem.
Jul 17, 2026
Fantastic very nice
Jul 14, 2026
I couldn’t have asked for a for better care than what I received at UAB Highlands
Jul 14, 2026
They got me in fast and everybody was nice and and prompt . Very knowledgeable.
Jul 10, 2026
Dr Smith was GREAT. Thank you!
Jul 10, 2026
I arrived 30 minutes early but they went ahead and did a follow up x-ray of my broken elbow and took me back to see Dr. Walter Smith. Dr. Smith took time to answer all my questions and I got out very quickly.
Jul 7, 2026
When like it should. Very pleased
Jul 5, 2026
Everyone was really professional and helpful. Explained everything clearly. They all performed proper hand washing techniques.
Jun 25, 2026
I was seen promptly at my appointed time and was out quickly.
Jun 25, 2026
Excellent service in a timely manner!
Jun 17, 2026
Perfect
Jun 13, 2026
Everything went smoothly.
Jun 12, 2026
It was great
Jun 12, 2026
As always the staff ,dr.and every employee i dealt with was very helpful and polite
Jun 12, 2026
I have used UAB Highlands sports medicine clinic, Dr Walter Smith, excellent Doctor and staff. Also the casting clinic, Willie, Megan, and entire team is exceptional!
Jun 9, 2026
Very Satisfied
Jun 8, 2026
Dr. Smith and team were great!
Jun 5, 2026
got to me fast ! very friendly and efficient.Got x ray and saw Dr at appointment time.
Jun 2, 2026
Everyone there is so nice & pleasant & Dr Smith is great!
May 28, 2026
Dr Smith explains everything in detail.
May 23, 2026
I was treated very well by everyone who needed to see me. Everyone was very kind and genuine about the surgery.
May 23, 2026
Called to speak with dr the day after stitches because still bleeding, asked for dr to call, I called at 8:03 am, was told dr would call me back. Never heard back from him or anyone. This dropped my opinion of UAB highland big time. Sad Thanks