Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Adult
Languages
- English
Gender
MaleAbout William Clifton
Biography
Dr. Clifton is a dual-trained spine orthopedic and neurosurgeon who treats the full spectrum of spinal disorders including adult and adolescent patients with scoliosis, advanced spinal deformity, spinal tumors, pediatric and adult craniocervical pathology, and patients needing revision spine surgery. He is one of the few neurosurgeons who has completed formal training in the fields of both neurosurgery and orthopedic spine surgery. Dr. Clifton joined the Center for Spine Health in August 2022.
Locations
- Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
- 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195
- Get Directions
- Willoughby Hills Family Health Center, North Building
- 2550 Som Center Road, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
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Education & Board Certifications
Education
- Fellowship: Columbia Irvine Medical Center, 2022
- Residency: Mayo Clinic Florida, 2021
- Medical Education: University of South Florida College of Medicine, 2014
- Undergraduate: University of Central Florida, 2010
Board Certifications
- Neurological Surgery: American Board of Neurological Surgery, 2024
Professional Highlights
Dr. Clifton was one of the first students selected into early medical school enrollment at the University of South Florida based on his academic achievements. He then trained in neurosurgery at the Mayo Clinic campuses in Jacksonville, Florida and Rochester, Minnesota. He then completed the Orthopedic Surgery Adult and Pediatric Complex Spine and Deformity Fellowship training at Columbia University in New York under Dr. Larry Lenke for advanced thoracolumbar deformity surgery, as well as at Cornell University under Dr. K. Daniel Riew in advanced cervical spine and deformity surgery.
Innovations & Patents
Dr. Clifton is actively engaged in spine research and currently has over 70 peer reviewed publications and has patents issued and pending based on his research in 3D printing during residency.
Research & Publications
See publications for this provider. (Disclaimer: This search is powered by PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. PubMed is a third-party website with no affiliation with Cleveland Clinic.)
Industry Relationships
Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists collaborate with industry to advance medical breakthroughs. These partnerships help commercialize discoveries for public benefit while maintaining scientific integrity. To ensure transparency and minimize potential bias, Cleveland Clinic reviews these relationships and publicly discloses when physicians/scientists receive significant compensation for consulting, serve in fiduciary roles, receive royalties, or hold equity interests related to their work. We manage potential conflicts through approval processes, annual reporting, and targeted management plans.
As of 2025-12-08, Dr. Clifton has reported no financial relationship with industry that is applicable to this listing.
In general, patients should feel free to contact their doctor about any of the relationships and how the relationships are overseen by Cleveland Clinic. To learn more about Cleveland Clinic's policies on collaborations with industry and innovation management, go to our Integrity in Innovation page.
Public Health Service-Reportable Financial Conflicts of Interest. Cleveland Clinic scientists and physicians engage in basic, translational and clinical research activities, working to solve health problems, enhance patient care and improve quality of life for patients. Interactions with industry are essential to bringing the researchers' discoveries to the public, but can present the potential for conflicts of interest related to their research activities. Click here to view a listing of instances where Cleveland Clinic has identified a Public Health Service (PHS)-Reportable Financial Conflict of Interest and has put measures in place to ensure that, to the extent possible, the design, conduct and reporting of the research is free from bias.
* Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists subscribe to the guidance presented in the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals and the AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals. As such, gifts of substantial value are generally prohibited.
Insurances Accepted
Video
Ratings & Reviews
5 out of 5
286 ratings, 72 reviewsThe 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.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/19/2026
I was in neuro stepdown so not sure I''d get same care in regular room. Dr. Clifton is absolutely amazing, need more like him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/19/2026
Dr Clifton is excellent! This is my second surgery from him and I trust him completely!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/19/2026
Dr Clifton actually looked at me and examined me. The only time he looked at a computer screen was when he was explaining my problem. He''s a Prince.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/11/2026
Dr Clifton is amazing. He always takes time to explain things thoroughly and genuinely cares about his patients. He treats his patients with respect and kindness.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/11/2026
Doctor was awesome
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/11/2026
Dr Clifford discovered what was causing my pain after 28 years of no diagnosis
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/18/2026
Dr. Clifton is exceptional! He took the time to explain my condition and risks of certain treatment. He then suggested alternative treatments. He also stated to get in touch with him anytime. This eased my concerns and I felt very comfortable with his suggested course of treatment. I would highly recommend him to anyone having spinal issues.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/18/2026
Dr. Clifton is first class. I feel very blessed to have Found him and would highly recommend him and team
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/18/2026
I was impressed by the amount of time the doctor spent with me. Explained things so they were easily understandable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/18/2026
Dr. Clifton is exceptional in all respects. His knowledge, skills, ability to communicate are all equally exceptional. Often, surgeons are uneven in that there are discrepancies between expertise and bedside manners. Dr. Clifton is very patient oriented and truly compassionate. Expert surgeons sometimes are ego-centered. Dr. Clifton is humble, very bright and genuinely focused on giving his patients an improved life via his knowledge and surgical skills. I had all confidence my condition would improve because of his surgery. I am blessed that he is my surgeon. And Cleveland Clinic is blessed with him as well.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/18/2026
I learned more about my condition with Dr Clifton than any other provider I''ve ever had. He''s a great doctor!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/9/2026
DR CLIFTON AND TEAM ARE THE VERY BEST1
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/26/2026
Dr Clifton is amazing.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/23/2026
Dr. Clifton and staff are excellent.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/14/2026
Dr. Clifton is an amazing physician
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/8/2026
GREAT QUESTIONS! STUPENDOUS CARE! THANK YOU, DR. CLIFTON (and typist!) :)
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/8/2026
Dr Clifton takes time and listened to my issues
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/8/2026
I love Dr Clifton, he is the best! From the first visit I knew he was the doctor for me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/8/2026
I love everyone on this office they are all great! Dr Clifton is the best also!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/8/2026
Dr. Cliffton was an excellent dr with so much knowledgeHe was wonderful amd took plemty of time and was very personable and ver compassionate to my needs and extremely knowledgeable and on top of.my needs! Wonderful dr and would recommend him to anyone who needs his brilliance in his field.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/31/2025
Dr Clifton and his staff are among the care teams that I have ever had. They are outstanding.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/24/2025
My doctor has always been a great person when I see him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/24/2025
I love Dr. Clifton
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/18/2025
Dr. Clifton and his staff were very actually most responsive to my needs and to my problem of severe pain
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/18/2025
In all respects, Dr. Clifton is exceptional . He is the most knowledgeable and compassionate Spine surgeon I have ever known.In showing and discussing the MRI with me I could easily understand the need for surgery on a fracture. Additionally of concern to him was finding the most effective and quickest manner of having me hospitalized for surgery that should not be delayed. His plan was amazing. He was concerned about the severity of my pain and insuring an ease in having the ER team evaluating the need for admission.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2025
I've been treated by another doctor at Cleveland Clinic for 5 years. I learned more about my condition in 30 minutes with Dr. Clifton than I had in 5 years (and 3 surgeries) with the other doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/6/2025
Excellent doctor. Several family and friends have came from southern WV to see him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/6/2025
Dr. Clifton and his staff are an awesome team!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/6/2025
Dr Clifton is one of the kindest and caring providers I have experienced. He has gone out of his way to make me understand my situation and include other specialists when necessary. He includes my spouse in discussion and clearly uses our input in his recommendations. I trust his expertise so much that I travel 4 hours to see him. The results of my surgery have been life-changing.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/6/2025
I love this doctor! Was a great experience for me
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/30/2025
Dr. Clifton is the best surgeon I have ever had.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/30/2025
Dr. Clifton is a rare person. His talents are match by his caring approach. Cleveland Clinic could not be better represented by this doctor. An absolutely amazing experience all the way through.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/30/2025
Dr. Clifton was very informative and concerned didn't rush he made sure all our questions were answered and understood
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/30/2025
Dr. Clifton was absolutely excellent. He explained everything very well, listened to everything I had to say, and was very kind. He did not try to hurry me, but let me take all the time I needed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/22/2025
Dr Milton has the most amazing bedside manner I've ever received from any doctor throughout my life. Hes very empathetic, he REALLY expresses his empathy, but doesnt let that disrupt the doctor/ patient relationship he builds with you. Dr Milton has the most amazing bedside manner I've ever received from any doctor throughout my life. Hes very empathetic, he REALLY expresses his empathy, but doesnt let that disrupt the doctor/ patient relationship he builds with you. Dr Milton has the most amazing bedside manner I've ever received from any doctor throughout my life. Hes very empathetic, he REALLY expresses his empathy, but doesnt let that disrupt the doctor/ patient relationship he builds with you. Dr Milton has the most amazing bedside manner I've ever received from any doctor throughout my life. Hes very empathetic, he REALLY expresses his empathy, but doesnt let that disrupt the doctor/ patient relationship he builds with you.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/22/2025
Dr Clifton gave me an excellent explanation of what he thought was going on with my back as well as the pros and cons of his recommended treatment. I felt like he cares about patients.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/22/2025
I have recommended Dr. Clifton to family members and friends.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/22/2025
AMAZING !!! I am so blessed to have had Dr Clifton as my surgeon!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/22/2025
Dr. Clifton is amazing and office staff so nice
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/22/2025
Dr Clifton went into great detail describing surgery, the risks n what I could expect. Although, we decided together that the Rijeka were too high for an 80 year old woman, Dr Clifton was so kind, professional n knowledgeable. I was extremely comfortable with him n his analysis
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/22/2025
At this point in my care I have not left any messages or placed any calls to my provider that needed a response to so I answered fair due to lack of a more appropriate response
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/22/2025
Dr. Clifton was & is phenomenal!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/22/2025
I've referred several plus people to Dr. Clifton.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/22/2025
Dr. Clifton is absolutely the best doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/16/2025
Excellent stay, excellent doctor, excellent experience.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/16/2025
Dr. Clifton went above and beyond what I expected! He took his time and addressed all of my concerns. He was amazing!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/16/2025
The nursing care was exceptional. Dr. Clifford and the entire spine care team was amazing - the best medical team and care I have ever had.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/16/2025
Dr. Clifton is the best ever, he listens to everything you have to say, also you can ask any questions you may have. I would recommend him to anyone who has back problems/ or pain, he took excellent care of me, when I had my scoliosis surgery!! Couldn't ask for anyone better!! He is definitely a 5 Star!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/10/2025
I couldn't have had a better Surgeon than Dr. William Clifton. He Is smart, kind, and absolutely amazing.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2025
Dr. Clifton is extremely caring & has an awesome rapport with patients when discussing their conditions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2025
My husband and I were both extremely impressed with Dr. Clifton. His friendly manner and willingness to give complete explanations and listen to my questions and answer them was very impressive. It was a very pleasant, informative television visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/24/2025
Dr Clifford and his staff was excellent. His diagnosis and explanation was very comforting. He also is patient friendly and willing to take time answering question of concern. I also would like to thank Adam Lake, Laverne Hurley and Kate Cherian for their assistance.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/19/2025
Dr was very good and answered all my questions completely
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/8/2025
Dr. Clifton's entire staff/team is very helpful and courteous.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/8/2025
I feel the doctor really listened to my concerns and is addressing them.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/8/2025
After many years of pain and surgeries.I am so thankful I was finally heard! Dr Clifton gave me solid answers and the hope I truly needed I am forever grateful!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/27/2025
Dr.Clifton was very thorough explaining my condition to me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/27/2025
Dr. Clifton is exceptional!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/20/2025
Dr Clifton answered questions even if I've asked 10 times before. He's very patient and understanding thru this whole pre op process
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/20/2025
My most recent visit was a phone Visit, but prior to that my surgery was an appointment that was actually moved up at my request and of course CC availability. I am very grateful for that because it allowed my relief from the surgery to begin sooner. I really enjoyed meeting and working with Dr., Clifton, and certainly his expertise has come through with what I consider to be a positive outcome to this point.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/20/2025
Wonderful doctor. Have the utmost confidence in him. Very kind and listened and explained everything
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/20/2025
I firmly believe that Dr. Clifton is the best of the best. He was recommended to me as a consummate professional, and I completely agree with that assessment. I have already recommended him to someone who asked me about my issue, and how my outcome appears to be progressing. He is extremely talented and has a great personality to go along with it. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting him and working with him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/19/2025
Dr. Clifton is amazing and we are lucky to have such quality care available to us!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/19/2025
I realize you have to wait a long time for an appointment with a great Doctor such as Doctor Clinton. It was certaily worth the wait!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/28/2025
I Believe Dr. Clifton was very professional and compassionate He answered all my concerns which gave me peace of mind
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/14/2025
Dr. Clifton is a gifted surgeon.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/28/2025
Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Clifton Neurosurgeon and associates are great.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/2/2025
Dr Clifton has always been professional, concerned and interested in giving the best possible outcome from surgery.I feel like I chose the right surgeon and happily recommend him to all
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/2/2025
When I was lost, they guided me. Wonderful staff from my surgeon, Dr Wm Clifton on down through the helpful guides in the red coats!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/2/2025
Dr .William Clifton was excellent. I would recommend him to anybody. We need more doctors like him!! The Cleveland clinic is blessed to have him
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/2/2025
Dr. Clifton is an extremely amazing physician/surgeon! He enters the room with a smile on his face and excitement/enthusiasm in his eyes. He has a wonderful bedside manner and makes the patient feel so comfortable in his care. He takes time with the patient and their loved ones to answer any questions they may have. He treats your surgical journey as our journey and your success is just as important to him as it is to you. Dr. Clifton Makes me feel heard, involved, valued and the number one priority while I am being cared for. I know and feel that as his patient If I have any Issues, I have a physician I can count on for life.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/24/2025
Dr. Clifton provides a great, friendly and personal experience.