Daniel Refai Emory Faculty
Daniel Refai Emory Faculty

Daniel Refai, MD

Neurological Surgery, Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery

4.8 - 584 Ratings

Emory University Hospital Midtown Campus

550 Peachtree Street Northeast, Medical Office Tower, Fl 10, Atlanta, GA 30308
Telehealth Visits Available
Book Online (404) 778-7000

About

Daniel Refai is the director of spinal oncology at the Emory Spine Center. Dr. Refai focuses on both intradural and extradural spinal tumors as well as metastatic and primary tumors of the spine. He performs complex spine tumor surgery and spine reconstruction surgery. He also directs the stereotactic radiosurgery division of the Emory Spine Center for spine tumor treatment. Dr. Refai's research interests include outcome analysis following surgery and radiosurgery for spine tumors. He has published extensively on the treatment of spinal disorders and has developed innovative multidisciplinary approaches for treatment. He is a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, and the North American Spine Society.

Dr. Refai completed neurosurgical residency at Washington University in Saint Louis under the tutelage of Ralph Dacey MD. He spent six months as a specialist registrar in neurosurgery at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, Ireland. He completed a combined orthopaedic and neurosurgery spine fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic under Edward Benzel MD, Iain Kalfas MD, Gordon Bell MD, and others. He specializes in all aspects of complex spine surgery and is actively involved in clinical research. Dr. Refai enjoys teaching and has received numerous patient and medical education distinctions throughout his training.

Languages

  • English
  • French

Emory Affiliation

  • Emory Clinic - School of Medicine Faculty
  • Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • Emory Healthcare Network
  • Emory Physician Group Practice

Academic Title

  • Associate Professor

Year Started Practicing

  • 2009

Locations

Emory University Hospital Midtown Campus

550 Peachtree Street Northeast
Medical Office Tower, Fl 10
Atlanta, GA 30308

Emory University Hospital Midtown Campus location map

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Ratings & Reviews

4.8 out of 5 overall rating 584 ratings

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

4.8 Provider showed concern
4.8 Provider explained things clearly
4.8 Provider discussed treatment options
4.8 Provider included you in decisions
4.8 Likelihood of recommending this provider
5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-30

I would definitely recommend Dr. Refai and his staff !

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-25

Dr. Refai always explains my options and the benefits and risks of each option. I feel confident that he helps me reach an informed decision. He answers my questions and listens to my concerns. I am grateful and fortunate to be one of his patients.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-23

Dr. Refai involved me in every decision providing me with all information required to make a rational decision.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-23

Efficient caring

1 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-18

The doctor has poor judgment and listening skills, doesn't know how to communicate with patients.

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-18

Dr. Rafai talks very fast so I'm intimidated to ask deep questions. His summations of the treatment and risk didn't line up with what was said the last time I talked to him. I left wondering if he just wants to knock out another surgery or if he's looking at all angles. I'll ask more questions at my next visit. I'm glad he wants to run more tests. It gives me a little more confidence. I said I would recommend him to others because I know he's very skilled at what he does. No doubt there.

3 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-16

He tried to help but was not the right doctor.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-08

My Dr and PA explain my situation very well.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-02

I went to Dr Refai for his opinion. I value his skills and vast knowledge

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-26

I had an outstanding experience with Dr Refai. He is compassionate, extremely knowledgeable and forthright. I felt he was concerned about me not simply a surgery.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-26

Dr. Refai was very knowledgeable and he explained everything thoroughly, I appreciate him for his honesty

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-19

Dr. Refai is the best!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-18

Both doctors I saw as well as the PA were very thorough and knowledgeable. Although it was upsetting to here that my condition is permanent, with little options for relief, it was refreshing for a surgeon to admit that.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-15

So far, excellent! Hopefully the surgery will go just as well!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-11

Fantastic experience

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-02-20

The physician assistant was very helpful and informative. He listened to my concerns and directed my questions to Dr. Refai, who knew the next step I needed to take and went our of his way to make an appointment for me with a Neurologist. I don't know to many doctors that would go out of their way to help a patient like that. I'm just so very grateful that he did.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-02-16

Good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-02-06

Dr. Refai was very professional, thorough, and caring.

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-01-19

The doctor scared me with statistics and information that didn't match up with the first opinion I received. I can't say if those statistics were correct for sure, but I got a 3rd opinion on the approach. The 3rd opinion disagreed with this doctor's approach and risks as well. I confirmed the approach with my own research showing that his facts didn't line up with internet searches either. I then spoke with 2 other doctors that both disagreed with the risks which were shared with me.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-01-14

Dr. Refai presented his findings in language I was able to understand and made every effort to make sure all our questions were answered.

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-01-14

Good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-01-12

Including me and all the decision , great communication

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-01-11

Very confident and convincing about my condition as it came as a bit of a shock

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-01-08

He was thorough and very clear.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-01-07

he nurse/PA who saw me first was great as well as the medical student who saw me right before Dr. Refai. Dt. Refai was wonderful as always.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-27

Skilled practitioner who told it like it is. Appreciate that in a doctor.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-17

This was a second opinion and Dr. Refai gave me a lot of good informal; it's obvious he cares and I really trust, him.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-15

Dr. Daniel Refai & his staff are excellent.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-12

Great and extremely knowledgeable Doctor, and staff.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-11

Excellent spinal assessment and information from Dr. Refai. The information he gave to me was extremely helpful to my understanding the condition of my back.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-11

Provider listen to my concerns about the fusion, decided angainst minimally invasive procedure and we agreed on middle ground. He took my concerns about third level issues seriously

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-11

The Doctor was apologetic, and explained without the MRI there was nothing he could do. I should have been contacted that the records did not arrive and I would have brought them with me.

1 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-09

Doctor was arrogant. The doctor didn't listen to my needs and/or concerns. He was too busy correcting terminology that other neurosurgeons had used previously and talking about another patient and the risks associated with her situation than listening to me.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-03

Very good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-11-28

Dr Refai is outstanding. Explained everything and was very personal. Takes owership of patient experience from front desk to med ass't to PA.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-11-20

Very caring medical team

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-11-14

Dr. Refai is the best

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-11-01

Superior experience with Dr. Refai!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-29

Dr Refai and his assistant were very pleasant and personable. They were easy to talk to and all my questions were answered.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-23

PA RUBY and Dr. Refai were very thorough and informative. Answered my questions with easy to understand explanations.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-23

The PA was particularly thorough, professional and pleasant to be around. My tinnitus caused me to ask her to repeat herself a couple of times, but that was on ME! She was delightful!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-18

Without question !!!! Recommendation 100%

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-09

We appreciated the doctor's clear and detailed assessment and recommendations regarding treatment options. He was informed and very helpful.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-08

Great communicater

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-03

I highly recommend Dr. Refai to anyone seeking surgery.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-02

Dr Refai is a great surgeon and spends all the time needed to review my post surgical progress.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-02

I highly recommend Dr. Massaad. I am fully confident in her diagnosis and offered treatments . She is taking time listening to my concerns every time and fully reviewing my medical history before offering options for my treatment.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-09-25

Good experience

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-09-24

Excellent

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-09-20

He was thorough. Explained in detail everything.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-09-05

AWESOME DAY

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-09-03

Great

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-08-30

Provider seemed not know what I was there for. As If he had not thoroughly studied my concerns and information sent to him by other providers. Finally got on the right page and gave a thorough assessment of my problems.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-08-27

Super good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-08-14

Dr. Daniel Refai was amazing. Compassionate explained everything I would highly recommend him again.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-08-13

Dr. Renfai went above and beyond, referring me on the spot to someone better suited to helping me. He was patient, thorough, and clearly cared about my wellbeing. It was also lovely to see the way he interacted with the Fellow he brought along, as well as the college student who was shadowing him. Dr. Refai comes highly recommended and it's easy to see why. 10/10, no notes!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-08-05

New nurse practitioner since last visit but she was concerned about problems I was experiencing. Listened to what I had to say and wrote down issues for the doctor to see Very polite and courteous

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-23

Top notch

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-17

I was so impressed by the PA that came in to talk to me before Dr. Daniel Refai came in.. I cannot say enough about Dr. Refai.. He was wonderful! He answered all my questions and did not seem in a big hurry.. He was very kind and caring about my situation.. I am so thankful Dr. Daniel Refai is my Doctor! I Loved his entire team!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-16

All good ,

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-10

No doubt he saved me from a bad situation

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-05

Dr. Refai was so genuinely kind and put my mind at ease. I had an exceptional experience at his office from start to finish. Dr. Refai was not only incredibly kind and professional, but also took the time to explain everything thoroughly in a way that was easy to understand. He actively listened to understand my concerns and answered my questions.The entire visit felt positive and thorough, and I never felt rushed. I left feeling reassured, informed, and grateful to have found such a great doctors office.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-02

Dr Refai has a great bedside manner

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-06-18

Dr. Refai and his entire team treated me with respect, kindness and compassion, and answered all my questions/concerns.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-06-16

Good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-06-11

Everything was carefully explained to me

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-05-27

Love the provider ability to give clear explanation of the problems.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-05-14

Great care provider

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-27

The doctor showed concern. He offered a referral to a pain specialist as surgery is no longer as option for me and my current doctor will not do an ablation an SI joint ablation as he thinks the do no work

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-19

He was excellent Dr Refai gave me so much confidence In having my procedure. Excellent doctor

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-18

Excellent rating for all areas

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-10

I've been recommending you to anyone is talk with that needs your help

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-10

He verbally backed up an MRI reading from 2022 saying I have severe spinal stenosis but didn't state it in his notes.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-09

Dr. Refai is the most excellent if not remarkable physician I have had the privilege to be treated by in my 71 yrs. Of life. His care, honesty, positivity, and personable nature, not to mention he's a brilliant surgeon, has helped me to walk, run, jump, etc. Like before I had the tumor,i.e. Living a normal life!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-05

Dr Rafai, great doctor.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-03

Dr. Refi has always displayed his concern for me

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-03-31

Very well educated doctor.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-03-26

Was very straight forward on the pro's and con's. I appreciate that very much.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-03-20

Dr Refai was unable to give me results of my MRIs on call. Said he would call me back when he looked at my X-rays. But he didn't call. His nurse called. I was very disappointed to not get to discuss my case with him after he saw the X-rays. I just don't know what to do now

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-03-20

We would like to commend Dr.Refai and his team for excellent care throughout his stay at Emory Hospital the most humble and caring team we have met

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-26

Listened very well, guided me through what I had questions on. Guided concerns to what was real vs prior doctors direction.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-24

Very good service. No complants

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-21

I have recommended Dr Refai to many people! He is a wonderful doctor. This is my u3rd surgery with him!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-15

The doctor was very clear and knowledgeable of my problems. He explained everything in terms that I understood. He was very patient and pleasant.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-14

Dr. Refai provided outstanding services.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-13

Dr. Dan Rafai and all the staff provided me excellent medical care.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-10

I would recommend Dr. Rafei without reservation. He was straightforward, informative, interested, and listened.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-08

If I needed any back surgery, I would recommend Dr. Refai. I appreciate the time he spent with me and recommended the correct doctor who I needed to see.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-06

Experience with good bedside manner

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-05

This is the best surgeon and staff I have ever worked with!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-01-30

Outstanding

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-01-15

As always, detailed explanation of issues and results from tests were given in terms I could understand.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-01-09

No problems or issues with the visit pleasant experience I will inform others

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-12-12

I can't say enough good things about Dr. Refai and his staff. Very competent, very professional and very caring. I would highly recommend him to anybody.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-12-06

Dr. Daniel Refai and his entire staff always show concern for my questions and worries, and their explanations given about my condition are easy to understand. I highly recommend Dr. Refai.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-12-05

Early arrival, excellent review, acceptable activities and follow-up options.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-27

Our conversation with the doctor was very informative.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-13

I love Dr Refai. He is very intelligent and compassionate. Plus, he's very handsome.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-09

Superb visit

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-08

Loved Dr. Rafai and he explained things very well to me with my problem.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-06

Dr Refai is always great!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-02

I would highly recommend The Emory group to my family and friends

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-01

The Dr was great. Loved him can't remember his name

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-23

Exemplary

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-23

Dr Refai and his team are truly remarkable.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-21

Dr Refai is the best! He is caring and honest. He explains everything on a level that is understandable.

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-18

Good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-17

Dr. Refai always thoroughly discusses the status of my health with me and gives great insight and feedback into the available treatments

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-16

The doctor was very helpful and explaining My issue.

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-04

My second surgery with Daniel Refai and I'd still recommend him!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-27

MD was top notch all around as was his fellow. I got exactly what I wanted out of this consultation

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-27

I am very pleased with Dr. Refai and his staff.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-18

Excellent service

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-16

Dr.Rafai was descriptive with the outcome of surgery risks and possibilities

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-13

Dr Refai was terrific! He was clear and listened well.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-12

I am currently having some issues. He explained what it possibly could be and set up appointments for CT scan, MRI, and follow up appointment. Very caring.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-11

I love Dr Refai!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-11

I have recommended him to several people who have become patients.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-11

Family involvement is very important!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-05

Emory healthcare in my opinion is the best in the State of Georgia

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-04

Dr. Was not rushed or impatient. Spoke on my level about medical procedures. Could not be more pleased with a Doctor. Would have preferred a better prognosis yet the truth is always appreciated.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-04

Doctor Refai is very thorough in explaining the severity of my condition and clarifying the necessary treatment

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-31

Arguably some of the best care ever

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-28

Good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-22

Love Dr Refai .. He's been my neurosurgeon for years, performed a 12 hour procedure on me.. He's so polite and patient with me!! I'm very thankful for him!!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-22

Very happy with the care received from Dr Refai.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-21

Dr Refai is all about giving options to the patient.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-12

My Doctor explained everything in detail and was very helpful.

2 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-07

Dr Refia is a real jackass and seriously needs some training for his negative bedside manner.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-25

Dr. Refai and Jayme and Carmen do a great job of making one feel comfortable and confident of the treatment to be received.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-24

Fellow doctor and Dr. RARAI WERE VEGRY GOOD AND CONCERNED ABOUT ME AND MY PROBLEMS!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-24

Dr Rafi is hands down the best DR I have ever seen in my life

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-20

Dr Refai spent a great deal of time with me explaining my upcoming procedure. Very detailed explanation and answered all of my questions.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-17

I appreciate the honesty of my problem.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-11

Dr. Rafai was very courteous and knowledgeable. He explained my treatment options clearly and easily understood.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-07

I fell very comfortable with Dr. Refai and his PA and staff. They are all quite attentive, concerned with making sure I have the best care and that my family who were with me had all their questions answered .

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-05

Dr Refai is very clear regarding his instructions. He is very personable, allows you to ask questions, and he answers on your level of understanding.

3 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-05

Unsure as Dr Refai does not know till he gets copy of actual MRI mailed to him. Very hard trip for nothing, wish I knew he will bring me back depending on what MRI says if he can help he will have me come back if not ,,,,,

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-06-27

Dr. Refai explained in terms I & my family could understand and totally agree with. I would absolutely recommend this group!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-06-24

Very pleased with the care I have received from Dr. Rafai and his staff.

Credentials

Education

  • Residency: Barnes - Jewish Hospital, Neurosurgery, 2009
  • Internship: Barnes - Jewish Hospital, Neurosurgery, 2004
  • Medical Education: University of Chicago, MD, 2003

Board Certifications

  • Neurological Surgery, American Board of Neurological Surgery, 2013