Jean-Paul Wolinsky, MD

4.9

691 ratings Read Reviews

Northwestern Medical Group

Primary Specialty

Spine Surgery

Secondary Specialty

Neurosurgical Oncology

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Practice Focus Areas

This medical professional has a particular interest or expertise in:

Craniovertebral Junction Disorders
Primary Spine Tumors
Spinal Congenital Disease
Spinal Cord Tumors
Spinal Deformities
Spine Vascular
Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Education

Medical Education:: MD, Baylor College of Medicine - 1998
Internship:: Baylor College of Medicine - 1999
Residency:: Baylor College of Medicine - 2004
Fellowships:: Johns Hopkins University - 2005

Board Certifications

American Board of Neurological Surgery - Neurological Surgery (Certified)

Faculty Profile

Professor, Feinberg School of Medicine

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Practice Groups and Affiliations

Medical Group:: Northwestern Medical Group
Alignment Category:: Northwestern Medicine Physician Network
On Medical Staff At:: Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital

Central DuPage Hospital

Delnor Hospital

Grayslake Ambulatory Surgery Center

Northwestern McHenry Huntley & Woodstock Hospitals

Northwestern Memorial Hospital

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

691 Ratings

Reviews from Patients

75 Reviews

Reviews from Patients

75 Reviews

February 23, 2026

5.0

Met with Dr Wolinsky and he explained everything. An anomaly of some kind was discovered when I had an MRI ordered by Dr Perry for prostate issues. In that MRI they found a "something" on or near my spine. Dr Wolinsky explained that next steps were to get two more focused MRI's that more exactly targeted the spinal regions. Then, after he had time to examine the results, we would get together and discuss next steps. My wife and I both felt completely confidant in Dr Wolinsky's recommendations and plan of attack and are looking forward to meeting with him again. Dr Benato was also involved. He checked me out before the meeting with Dr Wolinsky and also questioned me very closely about my health and what was happening with other procedures and tests. He was great - and a good listener as I babbled on and on about my health issues. They are a great team and Mary and I appreciate them very much.

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February 20, 2026

5.0

Dr Wolinsky is very knowledgeable about his specialty, and explained everything about my spine condition very clearly to me. He answered all my questions in detail. Excellent experience being treated by him.

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February 18, 2026

5.0

Expertise

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February 16, 2026

5.0

Very good doctor with excellent knowledge and care

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February 10, 2026

5.0

See the first answer: Listens well and easy to understand. Caring. Obviously very skilled surgeon, from this patient's point of view.

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February 10, 2026

5.0

Dr Wolinsky is an amazing surgeon! He explains what to expect before, during and after surgery and answers any questions you may have in a kind, compassionate, manner.

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February 09, 2026

5.0

Great surgeon. Answers all my concerns. Love Dr. Wolinsky.

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February 09, 2026

5.0

Knowledge

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February 09, 2026

5.0

The doctor is straightforward and careful

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February 07, 2026

5.0

He has been there for me. He and his team.

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February 03, 2026

5.0

Excellent surgeon

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February 02, 2026

5.0

He is wonderful!

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January 30, 2026

5.0

His expertise

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January 18, 2026

5.0

Since I was a very young girl I have been Dr. Wokinsky's patient. My mom drove me from Wisconsin to Baltimore every 6 months to maintain and follow up on my condition. He is a pioneer and expert in the area to treat my basilar invagination and a great bedside manner and always remembers me. I am thankful he chose to practice in Chicago.

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January 13, 2026

5.0

From the first time I had a meeting with Dr. Wolinsky and each one thereafter, he was always personable and showed he cared about my issue/condition. He took the the time to answer questions and was patient about the time spent. The outcome of my surgery and pre-and post surgery - successful. In the prep room prior to surgery, he introduced me to the whole team as well as the other surgeons. And was thorough explaining how the surgery would unfold. While I was in the hospital recovering he checked in on me and on even on 12-25-23. I feel extremely fortunate to have had Dr. Wolinsky lead my care!

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January 13, 2026

5.0

Detail explanation to the patient

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January 12, 2026

5.0

Explain your problem or illness step by step and answer all the patient's questions.

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January 12, 2026

5.0

Dr Wolinsky gave me my life back. He successfully performed an extremely complex surgery and removed the tumor in my spinal cord. He thoroughly explained everything and was so patient with answering all of my questions. I am so thankful for him and Northwestern for the amazing care that I received.

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December 23, 2025

5.0

Dr. Wolinsky listens to me and my concerns. Great doctor!

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December 22, 2025

5.0

Wonderful Dr. He took time and explained everything at a level I could understand.

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December 15, 2025

5.0

Listened carefully, reviewed test results thoroughly, and made thoughtful recommendations.

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December 15, 2025

5.0

Very professional and compassionate physician. Very competent!

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December 14, 2025

5.0

The doctor seems to be honest and genuine!

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December 13, 2025

5.0

Talks to patient with language you can understand

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November 25, 2025

5.0

Dr Wolinsky is effing awesome!!!

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November 17, 2025

5.0

Dr. Wolinsky is very knowledgeable and answers questions.

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November 17, 2025

5.0

Listens and informs

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November 17, 2025

5.0

He explained everything thoroughly and understandably, putting my mind at ease immediately. He made it very comfortable to ask questions. I left feeling very informed and much better about my situation. He was terrific.

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November 15, 2025

5.0

Warm personality, very thorough, considerate, quick to respond to my questions. Dr made me feel comfortable and confident that I would be on the right track to better health.

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November 10, 2025

5.0

High confidence in Dr. Wolinsky and trust his advice.

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November 07, 2025

5.0

Very qualified, kind doctor.

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November 03, 2025

5.0

He explains everything well

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November 03, 2025

5.0

He is very considerate about his treatment and very kind.

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November 02, 2025

5.0

Top notch surgeon. It takes a special doctor for me to find a ride all the way to downtown Chicago!

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November 01, 2025

5.0

He answered all my questions and explained why he recommended what he did.

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November 01, 2025

5.0

Dr Wolinsky doesn't sugar coat concerns related to a future surgery, however, he provides me with some hope that all is not lost concerning what the future can hold for my unique situation. He talks in a way that both my husband and I can understand what is going on with the spinal tumor. His knowledge of my condition is exceptional and I put all my faith in him as my doctor.

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October 21, 2025

5.0

Professional, kind, efficient.

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October 18, 2025

5.0

Patient in explaining and in detailing very deep.

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October 13, 2025

5.0

He listens. He is very patient and he has a good sense of humor

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October 07, 2025

5.0

He's knowledgeable about my schwanomma tumor and has been monitoring it for years.

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October 07, 2025

5.0

Dr. Wolinsky saved my life in 2013. 12 other Nuerologist would not admit they could see anything on my MRI because they did not know what to do with it. Dr. Wolinsky called me right back and told me to come to him today. The rest is history. Thank God for Dr. Wolinsky. If you have a challenging problem that is your Dr. He is brilliant and teaches other Nuerologist all over the place. I will be eternally grateful.

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September 30, 2025

5.0

He did my surgery over 16 years ago. And I have the utmost respect for him and his abilities as a surgeon. Cannot say enough good things about him.

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September 27, 2025

5.0

I felt Doctor was professional, concerned, and compassionate. He explained my situation thoroughly

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September 26, 2025

5.0

He was very helpful and what we needed and explained what we were there for and recommended exactly what we needed and explain why he recommended surgery on my spine

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September 22, 2025

5.0

Dr. Wolinsky Was beyond nice throughout the whole process of explaining to detail every single concern that I had and provide me all the answers that I need to know

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September 20, 2025

5.0

He did my sacral resection and he was confident.

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September 19, 2025

5.0

Incredibly talented and knowledgeable surgeon

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September 16, 2025

5.0

Dr. Wolinsky is AMAZING! He literally saved my life.

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September 15, 2025

5.0

Excellent care

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September 15, 2025

5.0

Dr. Wolinsky is an extremely skillful and talented neurosurgeon and has managed my condition with skill and interest since 2014 ( 11 years at this point).

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September 08, 2025

5.0

I had a major surgery done by Dr. Wolinsky in 2019. He is only one of a small number of surgeons in the country with experience in this kind of surgery. He has been very attentive, knowledgeable, caring, and patient with all my questions and requests.I trust him immensely!

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September 08, 2025

5.0

He is a very good listener. He explained the situation clearly.

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September 05, 2025

5.0

He's the best in the business.

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August 20, 2025

5.0

Prompt response and very clear in providing important details.

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August 18, 2025

5.0

I feel he really knows me and cares about my well being.

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August 11, 2025

5.0

Excellent physician and courteous.

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August 11, 2025

5.0

Very well informed and friendly.

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August 09, 2025

5.0

Nationally renowned physician.

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August 04, 2025

5.0

Dr Wolinsky is a kind and thoughtful doctor who takes his patient seriously but using a light hearted approach where he can. I trust him and his recommendations.

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July 25, 2025

5.0

He saved my life removing a rare Chordoma on my spine! His team followed up and also provided excellent treatment!

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July 13, 2025

5.0

One of the best in the world and understands the logistical needs of patients.

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July 07, 2025

5.0

Dr. Wolinksy is a wonderful surgeon. He takes time to listen and explain things very well making you feel as comfortable as possible during a difficult time. His staff is also fantastic. I have interacted with multiple members of his staff over the past 9 months and I have received top-notch treatment from everyone I have interacted with (which includes several people) _office staff and other staff members who visited me in the hospital after my surgery in Nov 2024.

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July 07, 2025

5.0

Listening very carefully about mine health problems gives good advice.

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July 01, 2025

5.0

Dr. Wolinsky listened to my needs and clearly explained the procedure. His staff was efficient. My concerns were addressed. I cannot speak more highly about Dr. Wolinsky.

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June 30, 2025

5.0

He has done my two surgeries. He is a gifted surgeon and is very personable.

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June 24, 2025

5.0

Dr. Wolinsky is very knowledgeable and his manner and experience about the condition put me at ease.

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June 16, 2025

5.0

Dr Wolinsky is a great doctor. I feel very comfortable with him and he answers all my questions. I never feel rushed with him

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June 09, 2025

5.0

He is very knowledgeable of my issues.

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June 02, 2025

5.0

He saved my life because of his talented surgical skills. He saw my MRI and had me come in immediately. He put me on his surgery schedule ASAP to remove a tumor at the base of my skull. He saved me from becoming paralyzed or dying from the tumor. I am very grateful to him and Northwestern.

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May 27, 2025

5.0

Doctor dealing with patients.

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May 19, 2025

5.0

I had two other surgeons ready to do surgery , I like his conservative outlook. Great sense if humor too!

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May 10, 2025

5.0

Very high confidence and trust in Dr. Wolinsky.

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May 05, 2025

5.0

Very nice person, explained everything very well

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May 05, 2025

5.0

Very confident, doctor explained everything thoroughly for me. I will definitely recommend him to anybody that needs spinal care.

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May 04, 2025

5.0

He seemed very competent. I only had a consultation.

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Disclosures

Industry Relationships

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Faculty member and/or their immediate family have engaged in activities such as speaking, advising, consulting, or providing educational programs for the following companies or other entities

AO Foundation

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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Phil was walking only days after surgery.

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