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Dr. Robert Fenstermaker, MD

Dr. Robert Fenstermaker, MD

Neurosurgery*
40+ years of experience

Dr. Robert Fenstermaker, MD is a neurosurgeon in Buffalo, NY and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Fenstermaker has extensive experience in Nervous System Neoplasms. He graduated from Northeast Ohio Medical University in 1981. He is affiliated with Buffalo General Medical Center. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

4.6 Star Rating
Based on 30 reviews 4.6 Star Rating (30 reviews)

Practice

665 Elm St Buffalo, NY 14203
Telehealth available

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Dr. Fenstermaker is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Neurosurgery

The Healthgrades Choice designation helps you understand the most important factors to consider when choosing a healthcare professional. This designation is earned based on four set standards.
Read our methodology

  • Above average experience
  • Good hospital quality
  • Good patient ratings
  • No healthcare sanctions
  • Area of Expertise
    Dr. Fenstermaker specializes in the area of Neurosurgery. See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Offers Telehealth
    This doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Trustworthy
    Patients said this doctor is trustworthy. See reviews
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Dr. Fenstermaker's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Fenstermaker

4.6
30 ratings, 22 with a written review
5 star
90%
90%
4 star
0%
0%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
10%
10%

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Outstanding
Dr. Fenstermaker removed a meningioma tumor the size of a golf ball from my brain 9 years ago and was able to remove the whole tumor. He was thorough in explaining the surgical procedure and reassured me of his knowledge and expertise. Regular follow-up visits were scheduled over the past 9 years to be sure of no new growth of cells in the brain. He was compassionate and caring and genuinely concerned for me.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Bonnie G. – Feb 25, 2025
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Superb care
Dr Fenstermaker is superb. Very thorough, and caring. Answers questions in a way that's easy to understand. He explains everything and I trust his judgment. Been his patient for a decade
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
KH – Feb 13, 2025
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Wonderful Dr.!
I have been seeing Dr. Fenstermaker for 17 years, he has always been very attentive, listened to all of my questions and concerns, and responded. Still just as attentive on my followup visits 17 years after my surgeries.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Mar 19, 2024
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I was seen promptly and listened to carefully. We made a decision about next steps and I was very pleased. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jul 21, 2023
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wonderful
Been seeing him for 23 years. He is always attentive and explains everything. I have recommended him several times
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jun 24, 2023
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Awesome doctor and person!
Dr. Fenstermaker saved my life! I had a brain tumor and went through Gammaknife surgery and today the tumor has decreased in size and is not an issue anymore! Dr. Fenstermaker is very kind and explains everything in great detail. He made me feel comfortable with my decision on the proper treatment and you truly couldn't ask for a better doctor!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Apr 20, 2023
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Excellent
He took care of my son, he is excellent!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Oct 09, 2022
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Comfortable, efficient, good report. And still exciting to see him regularly for 24 years since surgeries!!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Anne Buffone – Jul 23, 2022
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Very Informative & Kind
Dr. Fenstermaker and his team were wonderful. They took plenty of time with me to ask and answer all my questions. He made me feel very comfortable regarding my situation.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
SonyaH – Feb 09, 2022
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Dr. Fenstermaker is not only an excellent surgeon, but he is compassionate and empathetic. His bedside manner is excellent. His explanations are easy to understand and he takes as much time as needed to ensure he answers all of your questions and that you are completely informed before going into surgery. Post operative care is just as excellent. He has an amazing team but still sees you himself to ensure you understand your plan of care. I feel extremely confident that I am receiving the best care.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Patty F – Dec 18, 2021
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He took me right away although I was half hour late; he sat and explained everything until I understood. Very patient!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Katharina Smietana – Oct 11, 2021
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Perfect mix of professional skills and compassion. Great staff as well.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jun 25, 2021
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Dr Fenstermaker and his team are wonderful! He listens to concerns is wonderful explaining anything you ask and is very assuring. His nurses are awesome and everyone is very caring. I would highly recommend Dr Fenstermaker
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Tracey R – Jun 22, 2021
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He is the absolute best! My husband had a tumor as big as an orange. Dr Fenstermaker did the surgery and removed the entire tumor There was no neurological difficulties afterwards and has gone back to play golf and tennis weekly.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
May 05, 2021
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I’ve had (3) surgeries with Fenstermaker, and my 3rd surgery was to resolve an issue of spinal fluid leaking in my head from my second surgery. Yet (2) months since surgery number 3, my head still has fluid. Fenstermaker told me when it began (2 weeks after surgery) that it wasn’t spinal fluid and everything would be fine. But now he’s talking about a possible shunt. But refuses to answer any questions I have now. After he did my second surgery and the spinal fluid was leaking he also said I would be fine and we’d just have to drain it a couple times. After my third time letting him drain it he said we’d probably have to do it one more time. When I arrived to get it drained the 4th and final time, he changed his mind and said that draining wasn’t an option, we’d have to do surgery to repair the leak. At Roswell they talk about how good of a surgeon he is, but I’m guessing that’s because he never did surgery on them. He’s completely piss poor! Much worse than my first surgery a
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
John Young – Apr 26, 2021
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Excellent.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
May 28, 2020
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I had been seen by another Neurosurgeon from a different medical facility. Not liking the attitude from that Doctor I decided to call Roswell Park CI . I was referred to Dr Fenstermaker and I feel lucky to have him as my Doctor. He and his staff are warm, caring and do everything they can to put you at ease. Dr. Fenstermaker spent over an hour explaining my situation and asking questions my family and I had. He never appeared annoyed with our concerns or questions. He is honest, intelligent, humble and kind. I don’t think you could ask for much more from a Doctor. I’m glad there are still good doctors like him in our area. I felt confident and continue to be confident that I made the right decision choosing him as my surgeon.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Mary – Feb 20, 2020
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I was diagnosed with glioblastoma brain cancer at SUNY Syracuse. I was told my tumor was inoperable. When my son told me about Roswell Park, I called and made an appointment. After hearing my prognosis from Syracuse he said he was confident he could remove the entire tumor. Five days later , in January 2017, he did just that. I went from 6-8 months to live to now nearly two years later other than left peripheral vision loss in my left eye, I live a normal life. Thanks Dr. Fenstermaker!!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Clyde lahnum in Horseheads , NY – Jan 01, 2019
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Entire staff was very nice and helpful. Made me feel at ease even though the situation was scary for me. I feel blessed to have Dr Fenstermaker and staff taking care of me.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Kimberly Hollfelder in DEPEW, NY – Sep 11, 2018
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I was facing a serious dilemma when I came to Dr. Fenstermakers office. From the moment I walked in I felt a sense of peace. His staff was friendly and greeted me with a smile. The were courteous and caring. It is no surprise that Dr. Fenstermaker was just as amazing! He was thorough in his explanation as well as patient he told me we can take as much time as needed to answer my questions. I'm grateful to God that doctors like him still exist as they are extremely rare! Thank you!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Lockport, NY – Mar 31, 2017
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About Me

care philosophy

As a neurosurgeon who primarily treats patients with tumors of the brain, skull base and pituitary gland, I have dedicated my life to providing expert care to patients affected by these conditions. I strongly believe that by focusing my energies...read more
  • Neurosurgery

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • Case Western Reserve University School Of Medicine

    Fellowship Hospital, 1989
  • University Hospitals Of Cleveland

    Internship Hospital, 1982
  • University Of Akron

    Undergraduate School, 1981
  • Northeast Ohio Medical University

    Medical School, 1981
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Neurological Surgery®
Neurosurgery
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

Dr. Fenstermaker is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Neurosurgery

  • Top Doctor - Castle and Connolly Medical Ltd., 2006

Read our methodology

Locations

Practice

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center665 Elm St Buffalo, NY 14203
1

Affiliated Hospitals

  • Buffalo General Medical Center

    100 High St
    Buffalo, NY 14203
    Recipient of 3
    hospital awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    85%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    1% higher than the national average

    71%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    5% lower than the national average

    View all patient feedback
Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality