Joshua J. Ward, MD | Northwestern Medicine

Practice Focus Areas

This medical professional has a particular interest or expertise in:

Back/Neck/Spine
Degenerative Disc Disease
Electrodiagnostic Testing
Herniated Disc
Interventional Pain Management
Musculoskeletal Medicine
Non-Operative Spine Care
Spinal Injections

Reasons to Schedule a Visit

This medical professional may be a good choice for you if you are looking for care for any of the following:

Foot drop
General pain

Pain
Suspected or known fracture or broken bone(s)

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Education

Medical Education:: MD, University of Wisconsin Madison School of Medicine - 2002
Internship:: Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation - 2003
Residency:: University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics - 2006

Board Certifications

American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Certified)

Practice Groups and Affiliations

Medical Group:: Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group
Alignment Category:: Northwestern Medicine Physician Network
On Medical Staff At:: Central DuPage Hospital

Northwestern Medicine Surgery Center

Ratings and Reviews

At Northwestern Medicine, our patient’s feedback is important to us. While different care providers have their own unique strengths, we strive to be as transparent as possible with our quality of care.

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Overall Rating

4.9

4.9

486 Ratings

Reviews from Patients

79 Reviews

Reviews from Patients

79 Reviews

February 27, 2026

5.0

He is knowledgeable and caring in every interaction I have had with him.

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February 26, 2026

5.0

Dr Ward listened to my situation, evaluated me with an actual medical exam to test resistance of the structures in question, reviewed test results and explained what we needed to know to approach this situation with practicality and support. When we have a medical issue of any complexity, we trust NW to help. Dr Ward calmed my anxieties, even the off-the-wall ones, and reminds me of the doctors we would see before medical care became so much of an economic business. Thank you Dr Ward for doctoring.

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February 25, 2026

5.0

He was very thorough, listened very well and provided options for treatment.

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February 24, 2026

5.0

I felt in partnership with the medical staff over my care and medical procedures.

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February 23, 2026

5.0

So thoughtful, empathetic, engaged and really seemed to want to understand and come up with a plan! Great doctor

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February 20, 2026

5.0

Interested the best for me takes time to listen to and answer questions

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February 20, 2026

5.0

Although I waited 45 minutes past my appointment time I believe it's because Dr. Ward is a caring and sincere doctor. He spent a lot of time discussing things with me going over making sure I understood he was empathetic to my situation and gave me a variety of solutions.

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February 19, 2026

5.0

He explaines thing, takes time to talk through everything,

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February 19, 2026

5.0

Dr. Ward was very cordial and thorough in diagnosing my issues with my hip pain. I appreciate the time he took and input for relief.

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February 13, 2026

5.0

Very professional and calm in conducting EMG tests.

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February 06, 2026

5.0

Dr Ward was very receptive toward engaging in interaction regarding my care, and a course of care going forward.

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January 23, 2026

5.0

He was very knowledgeable and pleasant to be with. He explained all the things that he did and how and why he was doing it. Even the receptionist was very nice and friendly. I can't imagine how things could have gone better.

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January 15, 2026

5.0

He seemed very thorough and had spent time looking over my records from Advocate and the my visit to the ER.

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January 13, 2026

5.0

He is very careful to minize pain and his follow-up meetings regarding what to expect are helpful to understand what to expect going forward. He take the time to listen to you.

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January 08, 2026

5.0

Knowledgeable and professional

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December 22, 2025

5.0

Listened and discussed treatment options and included me in the treatment plan decision

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December 18, 2025

5.0

Caring knowledgeable

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December 10, 2025

5.0

Very professional, and easy to talk to explained everything very clearly

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December 05, 2025

5.0

Very thorough and provides clarity

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December 04, 2025

5.0

He explained my situation and gave all options

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November 18, 2025

5.0

Dr. Ward takes the time to explain the whole process - is caring and clearly interested in getting the best result possible.

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November 17, 2025

5.0

Explains everything

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November 11, 2025

5.0

Dr. Ward listened to my concerns and offered a variety of options for me

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November 08, 2025

5.0

He explained everything at every step of the process and listened to my concerns.

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November 07, 2025

5.0

Dr. Ward took the time to listen to me and ask thoughtful questions. He was sympathetic, compassionate, and understanding.

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October 31, 2025

5.0

Dr Ward is excellent!! He listens to me and doesn't push surgery. He takes the time to explain the condition and all the options. He allowed me to make the decision on how to proceed.

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October 30, 2025

5.0

He was an excellent doctor who really seemed to care. He offered a path forward to address my spine issues. I appreciated his timeliness, good listening skills and professionalism. He was great!

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October 25, 2025

5.0

Dr. Ward was very attentive. He took the time to listen to my concerns, thoroughly evaluated my symptoms, and discussed my options in detail.

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October 21, 2025

5.0

Caring and professional connection.

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October 21, 2025

5.0

This doctor also mentioned and explained things to me that were never provided by my Advocate care. Dr Ward went over all my options with me in detail & answered all my questions and made me feel much better about ongoing care plan.

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October 20, 2025

5.0

great Dr explained everything to me prior to procedure

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October 16, 2025

5.0

Passionate Thorough Patient Respectful

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October 11, 2025

5.0

He's stellar at what he does

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October 10, 2025

5.0

Listens, accommodates, professional, knowledgeable and asks lots of questions. Was not rushing and considered my concerns.

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October 09, 2025

5.0

He takes time answering all questions. Plus he asking if his suggestion is ok.

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October 09, 2025

5.0

He's a very caring and professional doctor. He seems genuinely interested in his patients.

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October 07, 2025

5.0

Dr Ward is very knowledgeable and skilled.

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October 02, 2025

5.0

Compassionate and knowledgeable

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September 24, 2025

5.0

Offers all options with pros and cons. Makes effort to get patient feedback.

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September 24, 2025

5.0

He really explained the problem, and really explained possible solutions.

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September 19, 2025

5.0

Thorough

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September 18, 2025

5.0

Very professional

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September 13, 2025

5.0

very nice doctor answered all my questions with no problems.

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September 11, 2025

5.0

Understood me and offered support and possible solutions

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September 09, 2025

5.0

Sincerely seemed to care about me and my issues.

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September 05, 2025

4.0

Pleased with results

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September 03, 2025

5.0

He stopped my pain the last time and I'm hoping he will be able to do it again. He took his time explaining what would be done.

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September 02, 2025

5.0

Dr. Ward was incredibly professional, kind, and helpful. He listened to me, answered my questions, and explained everything to me. I am so thankful I found him. I was quite worried about him, just because I've been dealing with pain that has really affected my life in a negative way; I felt as though a lot was riding on how helpful he would be, and he didn't disappoint.

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September 01, 2025

5.0

Excellent doctor

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August 21, 2025

5.0

Dr. Ward is as smart and thoughtful as they come. I have absolute confidence in him.

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August 21, 2025

5.0

The doctor seemed very knowledgeable took time to listen to all my concerns explained all my options very clear

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August 19, 2025

5.0

He was also a very kind person and explained situation throughly and gave me the time to ask questions and explained so I understood

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August 11, 2025

5.0

I consider him to be an excellent doctor, very empathetic in his diagnosis and very professional in his work. He's helping me recover both physically and emotionally.

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August 08, 2025

5.0

Thoughtful and caring MD

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August 07, 2025

5.0

He has treated my back 2019, 2021 and now 2025. He knows his specialty and is a gifted person.

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August 01, 2025

5.0

Dr Ward took his time and ensured I had a good understanding of my options

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July 22, 2025

5.0

I have not received any care from Dr Ward yet. but from talking with him I think it would be okay.

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June 27, 2025

5.0

Very patient and gentle.

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June 26, 2025

5.0

He took time to explain things well and answer all my questions.

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June 20, 2025

5.0

Dr Ward has good bedside manners and took time to lay out all my options.

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June 19, 2025

5.0

Spent considerable time with me and explained all the options

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June 16, 2025

5.0

The doctor is very professional and very personable. He takes the time to listen and to ask pertinent questions.

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June 15, 2025

5.0

He was very pleasant and thorough. He did not rush through my appointment and answered all of my questions.

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June 12, 2025

5.0

Dr. Ward takes time to review the documentation, test results, images and explain the problem in simple language. Then provide potential options to resolve the problem. Appreciate it!!

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June 12, 2025

5.0

Dr Ward is very knowledgeable and explained the things he'll be looking for in my MRI.

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June 11, 2025

5.0

Same as above!! His nurse Kelly is amazing - actually the entire staff, from reception on.

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June 09, 2025

5.0

I am a first time patient with Dr. Ward. I was extremely happy with his professionalism, ability to listen, assessment of my condition, and plan going forward to deal with my issue.

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June 06, 2025

5.0

He takes his time to explain and allow you to ask questions.

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June 05, 2025

5.0

Dr. Ward was very professional yet very personable as well. He answered my questions and concerns without hesitation.

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June 02, 2025

5.0

He is extremely talented, knowledgeable and caring in his demeanor.

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June 02, 2025

5.0

knowledgeable and kind

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May 22, 2025

5.0

Really took time to listen and come up with a good plan for my needs

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May 16, 2025

5.0

He is an excellent doctor.

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May 13, 2025

5.0

Dr.Ward is very kind and explains everything. He really wants to help me feel better.

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May 09, 2025

5.0

Dr. Ward is amazing! He is the best doctor and such a truly kind person.

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May 09, 2025

5.0

Great bedside manner and thorough explanation of CT scan and options for treatment

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May 08, 2025

5.0

Professional, knowledgeable, thorough and has common sense. Trusted him immediately, to put me in the right direction.

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May 07, 2025

5.0

Friendly, very informative. Took as much time as needed.

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May 06, 2025

5.0

Dr. Ward just knows his stuff. Simple.

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Disclosures

Joshua J. Ward, MD reported no external professional relationships for calendar year 2024.

External Professional Relationships

Pharmaceutical, device, and biotechnology companies frequently collaborate with basic scientists and physicians within an academic medical center to help advance science and improve patient care. These relationships are important in achieving scientific breakthroughs and in establishing the effectiveness and safety of promising new therapies. In order to assure objectivity in clinical research and patient care, the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Feinberg), Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, Children's Hospital of Chicago Medical Center, and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab have adopted integrity policies that require research and clinical faculty (in full-time, part-time, and unpaid/voluntary categories) to report compensated and uncompensated external industry relationships. Patients are encouraged to discuss these disclosures with their physician as well as to inquire as to how these relationships are overseen by Feinberg. To learn more about our Disclosure and Professional Integrity Policy, and the conflict of interest policies of our joint affiliate survey partners, please go to our Office for Regulatory Affairs Policies page.

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