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Christopher Smythies, MD

  • 3.6 / 5 (99 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
3.6 out of 5 (99 ratings, 12 comments)
  • Apr, 8 2026
    The doctor had not even looked at my chart before stepping in to the room,He seemed rushed to read my mri as I was in the room,He seemed unconcerned about me.Maybe it was his bedside manner, but he seemed very much not ready to see me.
  • 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.