Appointment Line: (251) 450-2746
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James L. West, III, M.D.
Dr. West graduated from Vanderbilt University with a bachelor’s degree in biology and received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia, Georgia’s Health Sciences University. Dr. West completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of South Alabama, Medical Center. He also completed his fellowship training in scoliosis and spinal reconstruction surgery at Twin Cities Spine Center, Minneapolis, MN.
Dr. West is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He specializes in scoliosis and reconstructive surgery of the cervical and lumbar spine for both adolescents and adults. He is a member of most area hospital staffs, the Scoliosis Research Society, North American Spine Society, American Medical Association, The Medical Society of Mobile County, Alabama Orthopaedic Society, and Southern Medical Association. He is an adjunct clinical professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of South Alabama Medical Center. In addition, Dr. West also serves as a member of the My Salvation Army Advisory Board.
Dr. West is married, has three children, and enjoys spending his free time playing golf, fishing, and hunting.
Patient Testimonials
"I have a small birth defect of the spine, which was largely added to by a playground accident when I was five. Now that I am in my 50's, I find that I am beginning to have some problems that had been solved when I had surgery in Houston, Texas at the age of 11. I received many recommendations several years ago (from other physicians along with Steve Cope from your group) to seek the advice and care of Jim West. I will be seeing him every two to three years now (unless otherwise warranted). I find him to be compassionate, knowledgeable, and wise in advice and decisions. Even though this is a very serious condition, I am at peace and have full confidence in Dr. West." -- Diannah G.
"Best care I could have gotten anywhere. The Orthopaedic Group and Dr. Jim West is the best and most caring doctor." -- Richard W.
"I have a wonderful experience with my visit to this group. Dr. West had a lot of empathy for my condition and the whole office staff was friendly and very quick. I had a few X-rays performed and the experience was easy and efficient. I will recommend my doctor to all my friends. He let me know that he cared about what I was going though and spent a lot of time diagnosing my problem. In fact, after suffering for three months, I felt 80 % better after a week and about 99% better a month later." -- Roxanna S.
"Several years ago, I went to Dr. West per a recommendation from a friend. At the time, I was in severe lower back pain. I had previously had laser surgery by another Orthopaedic doctor in a different group. After Dr. West viewed my MRI, it was decided that I should have an epidural. I have had several epidurals which have lasted anywhere from six months to a year, allowing me to me pain free in the lower back. I later went to see Dr. West with severe pain in my neck and numbness in my left arm. After an MRI, Dr. West informed me that I had Spinal Stenosis and needed to have surgery. Even though this was a frightening experience for me, Dr. West explained to me that everything that could be done, would be done, to help my pain. Before surgery, I was very pleased with the introduction to the surgery through the class that was offered by The Orthopaedic Group, P.C., at Providence Hospital. It was very educational and helped me to go into surgery with assurance that I would be okay. After surgery, I was totally amazed at how quick my recovery took place. It has now been a year and I am still pain free. I have recommended Dr. West to many others who have asked about my surgery. I truly feel that he is a blessing from God and I pray that many others will have the success that I have had since surgery. May God continue to bless Dr. West and The Orthopaedic Group, P.C., for the dedicated work that is done through their hands." -- Reanne L.
"I experienced this excruciating pain in my left arm. I had never had any pain such as this; even after having three children. I followed the chain of doctors: I went to my primary care physician who referred me to an orthopaedic doctor. Dr. West requested having an MRI done. When he came in to the office he was more than sympathetic. He was genuinely concerned. He could see by the look on my face that I was in terrible pain, in addition, he had the results of my MRI in his hand. He explained to me my options, gave me a copy of my MRI, and then told me that he was scheduling me for surgery. This was a Tuesday before Christmas and I thought to myself, "there is no way that I am going to last until after the holidays.” As if he could read my mind, Dr. West asked. "When did you eat last?" Then I knew that he was wasting no time. He scheduled me for surgery that Thursday morning.
Prior to sending me home he made sure that I was given prescriptions for pain relative to the amount of pain I was in. I was so thankful. On surgery day, everyone was amazing. In 42 years I have never experienced the kind of customer service that I received from Dr. West, his assistants, and the rest of the surgery staff. I almost thought that they had the wrong chart because every time someone would enter my room they would give me a reassuring pat on the hand and promised to take good care of me. All of the staff called me by name and I realized that they cared about ME! That whole experience made me feel more like I was in a five star hotel rather than a hospital. Also, the facilities were wonderful. On my follow up with Dr. West, I had brought doughnuts to him and the staff. Even then he was very concerned and made sure that my pain was relieved. Needless to say, the pain was completely gone post surgery. I have told this to every person that knew about my surgery and now they all want to see Dr. West." -- Shannon P.
"For months I had been having left arm pain and chest pain. I've been going to my cardiologist thinking I was having a heart attack. I went through a ton of tests and all heart test results were great. My cardiologist put me in a workout that I wasn't used to, using weights, immediately figured out it was my neck. Dr. West operated on me years ago so I immediately went to him. It looks like surgery for me, but there is no one I would trust more than Dr. West. The entire staff at The Orthopaedic Group has always treated me as a patient with the upmost respect and care as a patient. I am also a retired court reporter in Mobile and The Orthopaedic Group and their doctors have always had the finest reputation. I always knew if I needed to be a patient, this is where I would be. Dr. Rutledge also treated me in the past. He treated my son for a serious sports injury and he ended up being a state champion his senior year in track when we didn't think he would be running again at all. We appreciate these doctors and the staff so much at The Orthopaedic Group!" -- Debby S.
"I was experiencing left knee problems and had surgery to correct the issue. Great job by all. Thanks!" -- Bill L.
"I had a double fusion in the L-3-4 and L-4-5 of my spine. Dr. West put 2 cages, six screws, and two rods in my lower back. Since the operation I have experienced very little pain doing things that I haven't been able to do in years. I was off of pain medication in four months. I truly believe this Dr. West is a brilliant physician and I would recommend him and The Orthopaedic Group, P.C., to anyone. Thank you." -- John C.
"I had my back fused by Dr. West in August of 2011. It has been a challenge for me not to be able to work any more or walk in a fast pace, but over all the pain I was in before the surgery is gone. I know I did the best thing for me and I know that I could not continue to deal with the pain I was in. I have learned what I can and cannot do! My life has changed so much in the past two years; daily house chores are a chore for me. I can do a little at a time, sit a while and do a little more. I am thankful for the doctors at The Orthopaedic Group, P.C. I am very thankful I can breath fresh air every day with out all the pain! Dr. West is the best surgeon in my book, and will continue to see this group from now on." -- Mary Ellen M.
"I have always been treated well by The Orthopaedic Group, P.C., especially by Dr. Burt Taylor, who has been my physician for over forty years! Due to recent back pain, Dr. Taylor recommended that I see Dr. James West. Dr. West performed surgery this past May, which was a success, and I could not be more pleased! I am very happy with all the staff, especially the nurses, at The Orthopaedic Group, P.C.! They are always friendly and helpful!" -- Carol T.