Shane Burch

MD

Orthopedic surgeon

Dr. Shane Burch is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in treating spinal disorders. With expertise in all regions of the spine, he uses computer-assisted and robotic surgery techniques to perform both highly complex and minimally invasive procedures.

Burch's research focuses on spinal surgery outcomes, including how to improve postsurgical quality of life. A champion of using digital technology to elevate patient care, he established a motion analysis system to assess how patients move before and after surgery.

Burch earned his medical degree and completed a residency in orthopedics at the University of Toronto. He completed a spine fellowship at UCSF and joined the faculty in 2005.

Burch serves in many leadership roles at UCSF, including research director for the spine division. He also directs the spine fellowship program and has helped train more than 40 surgeons in complex spinal disorder surgeries and minimally invasive techniques over the last 15 years. He mentors undergraduate students, medical students, orthopedic residents and clinical fellows through career counseling and as an adviser on research projects. He works closely with the UCSF Spine Center's directors to improve the center's efficiency in collaborating with the UCSF combined orthopedic and neurosurgery spine services. He also participates in campus-wide committees on risk management and patient safety.

In his spare time, Burch enjoys spending time with family, running ultramarathons and cycling in the Marin Headlands.

  • Education

    University of Toronto School of Medicine, 1998

  • Residencies

    University of Toronto Medical Center, 2004

  • Academic Title

    Professor

  • Languages

    French

Conditions I specialize in

Treatments I provide

Where I see patients (2)

    My reviews

    4.8

    Overall Experience
    371 Ratings
    About our process
    Feb 08, 2023
    I really liked Dr. Burch. He was very nice & explained the surgery I need very well. He answered all my questions well too.
    Feb 04, 2023
    He's the best!
    Feb 03, 2023
    DR. Burch took ample time to discuss the results if the X-rays and to evaluate my physical condition. He presented a plan for moving ahead with additional testing so a surgical plan could be put into place.
    Jan 27, 2023
    The resident I saw before Dr. Burch was thorough and very detailed in explaining my MRI and going over the problems I am having and suggesting a few options for Treatment. Then I met with Dr. Burch and he came up with a course of action that best suits my personal needs and desire to put off surgery for as long as possible.
    Jan 18, 2023
    Dr. Burch took a great amount of time explaining the surgery and aftercare. He was very realistic about the strategies he recommended for the timing and procedure.
    Jan 11, 2023
    DrBurch was highly attentive to my needs
    Jan 11, 2023
    Thank you
    Jan 09, 2023
    Dr Burch is the best!
    Dec 11, 2022
    Dr Burch is always excellent in his listening caring and solutions to help with my problems and pain.
    Dec 10, 2022
    Dr. Burch is a very attentive surgeon. He treated me as a provider should care for a patient. He was attentive answered all of my questions and is very patient and open.
    Nov 30, 2022
    The nurse practitioner was excellent and took time to listen to issues I was facing
    Nov 30, 2022
    Dr Shane Burch is great
    Nov 30, 2022
    Great
    Nov 28, 2022
    Very good doesn't describe Dr. Burch. Beyond excellent would be better. You don't get better than Dr. BURCH
    Nov 23, 2022
    Dr. Shane Burch is an excellent surgeon can't say enough good things about him. He's a very special surgery.
    Nov 22, 2022
    A superb surgeon
    Nov 16, 2022
    Great
    Nov 16, 2022
    Every single person I came in contact with was friendly and engaging and polite.
    Nov 12, 2022
    UCSF is one of the best hospitals in the nation.
    Nov 12, 2022
    Doctor Burch is excellent really knowledgeable and professional. I can tell he REALLY CARES about me!!! It makes a huge difference.
    Nov 07, 2022
    He didn't listen all my questions but it is ok with me.
    Nov 04, 2022
    The physician's assistant was excellent in providing explanation of my condition and answering questions also.
    Nov 02, 2022
    Dr Burch always kind and attentive
    Oct 27, 2022
    I have already recommended Dr. Burch to a friend.
    Oct 27, 2022
    Dr Burch is excellent. Extremely knowledgeable understanding and kind.
    Oct 24, 2022
    Staff was friendly considerate and professional
    Oct 19, 2022
    One of the best staff and Doctor I have ever met
    Oct 12, 2022
    I developed a sense of complete trust in his ability
    Oct 12, 2022
    He is excellent and worth waiting for.
    Oct 05, 2022
    Always very good!
    Oct 05, 2022
    The whole staff that t dealt with was wonderful kind and very patient.
    Oct 02, 2022
    Dr. Burch is always so caring and concerned. He goes the extra to take care of your health.
    Sep 28, 2022
    Dr Burch is the first provider that has listened and heard me! He understands my pain experience did not judge and has a plan fit my needs postoperatively. I can't thank him enough.
    Sep 07, 2022
    I have already recommended Dr. Burch to a friend.
    Sep 02, 2022
    I ow feel informed prepared and resolved about my upcoming surgery thanks to the Care Teams efforts.
    Aug 11, 2022
    Thank you to Dr. Burch and his Team for the thoughtful care and explanation of my diagnosis using the CT imaging. Appreciated the treatment options from conservative to injection which I will consider. Very appreciative of the experience and knowing that I have options if my pain increases again.
    Aug 03, 2022
    I asked for details about a proposed surgery and would have liked answers a bit more forthcoming. I have had a lot of surgery but felt treated a bit like an adolescent
    Jul 27, 2022
    Dr Burch is the best
    Jul 10, 2022
    Dr Burch is amazing and caring.
    Jul 07, 2022
    He seemed hurried and cut short the time we had to discuss concerns. It seemed like a partial and incomplete visit with little listening and explanation of treatments
    Jun 15, 2022
    While I was very unhappy to need a 2nd surgery I completely trust Dr. Burch and very much appreciated his openness with my situation. He is a kind caring and compassionate surgeon and I'm so grateful to be in his care.
    Jun 08, 2022
    So fortunate to have Dr Burch and his staff help me
    Jun 06, 2022
    Again my entire experience was extremely positive excellent and I would (and already have) recommended UcSF Spine to others.
    May 26, 2022
    There seems to be a disconnect between the Dr. And the support staff.
    May 26, 2022
    Dr is very good it's just the waiting time is too long
    May 21, 2022
    He's the best.
    May 19, 2022
    We are so impressed with Dr. BURCH. NOT ONLY WITH HIS KNOWLEDGE BUT HE. GOES THE EXTRA . HE CARES FOR THE WHOLE PERSON.
    May 19, 2022
    Dr. Burch couldn't be any better. I feel so bless that he is my doctor. I have total confidence in him.
    May 04, 2022
    I had Excellent Service from Dr. Burch on my surgery and the way he explained everything that happened and the follow up service. Yes
    Apr 29, 2022
    Dr. Burch exuded confidence and experience. His explanations were very clear. I'm very excited to have him do my surgery.
    Apr 22, 2022
    Would like to have received written instructions
    Apr 13, 2022
    He explained to me both the upside potential and downside risks of surgery.
    Apr 06, 2022
    Great provider and great pa
    Apr 03, 2022
    Super impressed with Dr Burch and I can hardly wait to get my surgery.
    Mar 30, 2022
    Dr Burch is amazing and takes very good care of me. I've had 3 completely different spinal surgeries with Dr. Burch and he has provided the best possible treatments and outcome.
    Mar 23, 2022
    Physician Assistant was excellent and was very caring and answered and explained everything.
    Mar 19, 2022
    Dr Burch is great
    Mar 18, 2022
    His scheduler let me know he would call me the next day to coordinate the 3 appointments needed prior to surgery. I sent followup my cart email- haven't received phone call or email response yet which causes anxiety due to my pain levels and wanting to move forward. I understand delay may be because of the Dr's patient load and /or insurance but would appreciate a follow up call/ email. Thanks so much!
    Feb 17, 2022
    I like the doctor a lot I just wish I could talk to him more. The nurses/assistants don't accurately convey what I told them so I spend time correcting that with the doctor. I would also prefer getting the imaging done ahead of time so that I can talk with the doctor about it. As it is now he looks at the x-ray quickly but then I get a message in MyChart a few days later after the radiologist looked at it and the interpretations don't match.
    Feb 16, 2022
    Excellent Surgeon! Excellent Person!
    Jan 12, 2022
    Dr.Burch has such a calm and collected way of speaking to me he makes me feel comfortable and confident in the medical care he provides to me. Dr.Burch has always treated my wife and I with respect and always explains everything to me in detail and answers any questions I may have
    Dec 30, 2021
    My follow up care after surgery is always the responsibility of his staff. Therefore I do not expect that there will be any contact between me and the provider after surgery. I wish that situation could be done differently.
    Dec 16, 2021
    I wish we had a few more minutes at the end of the visit because I became confused by some things the nurse practitioner said to me.
    Dec 09, 2021
    My next appointment did not show up in my chart
    Nov 26, 2021
    Dr Burch was excellent
    Nov 17, 2021
    Outstanding professional surgeon
    Nov 17, 2021
    Sr Burch instilled confidence and was very honest
    Nov 08, 2021
    Dr Burch not only answered my questions but also warned me against unnesasarily proscribed procedures recommended by another provider
    Nov 03, 2021
    Dr. Burch was a very nice provider who maintained great eye contact and did seem like he cared however he seemed incredibly rushed and was standing up grabbing the door handle within 10 minutes pretty antsy to get out. This was my first time ever talking to an orthopedic specialist about my scoliosis. I was let down at how rushed he was & I felt like I did not get to fully discuss the things I felt were important.
    Oct 25, 2021
    He is really caring and compassionate. He has really helped me.
    Oct 22, 2021
    Was I. A hurry. Did not go over films that I brought in and was the reason for the hold up. Was unaware that I had not gone through with previous recommendations by him because if denial Bro worker man's Comp. Did not read his own radiologist report saying that there was no change in my wedge fracture and the fact that I needed treatment. Very dissappointed. I felt I was not heard or that my case was fully reviewed.
    Oct 20, 2021
    Dr. Burch is exceptional!
    Oct 11, 2021
    Dr. Burch explained everything to me in medical and laymen's terms so I could understand everything and made sure to answer all of my questions and my wife's questions as well
    Oct 11, 2021
    Dr. Burch and his staff have provided me with excellent care each and every visit. I can highly recommend him as a health care professional
    Oct 03, 2021
    Dr Burch listened to me with care and respect and explained my nest surgery in detail
    Jun 02, 2021
    Awesome
    Jun 02, 2021
    I was more than pleased with my appointment I have total confidence in Dr. Burch to have wisdom in his decision making and his skills as a surgeon. I Feel very blessed to have him as my doctor.
    Jun 01, 2021
    I think dr Burch was having a tough day as he is typically far more engaged and enthusiastic.
    May 27, 2021
    all instructions were clear
    May 24, 2021
    The Best
    May 10, 2021
    Dr Burch is the best specialist. so easy to talk to. really straightforward and informative

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