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Christopher Smythies, MD

  • 3.7 / 5 (100 ratings)
Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery
Accepting New Patients
MultiCare Provider
Location
915 6th Ave, Suite 100, Tacoma, WA, 98405
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Christopher Smythies, MD, is a board-certified neurosurgeon. He believes in guiding patients toward conservative treatment whenever possible. Dr. Smythies is well connected to the resources of the MultiCare Neuroscience Center, including neuro-oncology services, CyberKnife and targeted radiation therapy for brain and spinal cord tumors, neurological rehabilitation services and a comprehensive referral network for all pediatric and adult neurologic specialties.

The services Dr. Smythies provides include:

  • Brain surgery
  • Spine surgery
  • Peripheral nerve surgery
Languages: English
Certification: American Board of Neurological Surgery
Professional School: University of Alabama (Birmingham, AL)
Residency: University of Alabama (Birmingham, AL)
Medical Association Memberships:
  • Fellow, American Association of Neurological Surgeons
  • Member, Washington State Medical Association
Practice Philosophy:

I put patients first and treat them the way I would want to be treated myself. I completed a rigorous training program thirty years ago, and since then I have gathered extensive experience treating a wide variety of neurological diseases. I take a conservative approach to problems whenever possible and resort to the surgical option only when there is no better alternative.

  • 3.7 Provider showed concern
  • 3.7 Provider explained things clearly
  • 3.7 Provider included you in decisions
  • 3.6 Provider discussed treatment options
  • 3.6 Likelihood of recommending this provider
3.7 out of 5 (100 ratings, 13 comments)
  • Mar, 22 2026
    Focused on what he assumed I was there for. Could have acknowledged my experience was valid. Could have admitted he did not know the cause in answer to the question.
  • Oct, 7 2025
    This doctor was not interested in my overall day to day health given how I have been feeling. It was clear that because I was not going to be a surgical candidate, he was not really interested in having a dialogue with me. When I asked about what else I could do to figure out what other things could be causing my pain, he flatly said "get the injections." He never told me if I should follow up with him, never asked how pain was impacting day to day and the last thing he said was "we only rearrange people insides here." I will be getting a second opinion with a different organization.
  • Sep, 15 2025
    Didn't listen to me. Didn't let me tell about all of my symptoms. Seemed like he just wanted me out of there. Didn't believe me.
  • Sep, 14 2025
    To the point, told me my options and let me make the decision
  • Sep, 14 2025
    The doctor explained my test results and answered all my questions,
  • Aug, 11 2025
    Was a quick follow up to review MRI results. All is good!
  • Jul, 30 2025
    The visit was brief, but to the point. I was informed of the procedures I did not need and was offered options for management of my pain.
  • Jul, 8 2025
    Dr Smythies was concerned, caring, professional, and fully involved us in treatment planning by explaining various options available
  • Jun, 13 2025
    I've had chronic back issues for over a decade. I received this recommendation from an emergency department. My appointment was at 11:15 - Dr. Smythies came in, let me know he looked at my MRI and unfortunately there was no surgery that could help me. Fine, that's all well & good - I completely understand that. What I have a tougher time accepting is his recommendation for losing weight. I explained that due to pain & physical limitations, it's hard for me to achieve weight loss through traditional methods. He then recommended I seriously consider bariatric surgery, which felt a little over the top, but again, I understand as I'm curvy and have a higher than tolerated BMI. When I explained that my insurance doesn't cover that type of procedure, he then decided that the appropriate next line of advice was to tell me to start eating 'lettuce and carrots' and proceed to just stare at me. I was back in my car by 11:27. Unprofessional and insulting to say the least.