The work behind the words.
The comments on this page come from patients seen in clinic and treated in the operating room — the same standard of care now delivered in the Quad Cities.
In the operating room — practice photography
Every comment below is a verbatim patient response from independently administered patient-experience surveys, 2022–2025, collected during Dr. Pugely's academic spine practice. Nothing is written by us. Nothing is edited except the removal of survey formatting marks.
Dr Pugely saved my life and ability to live it functionally. I will always be very grateful to him, and am honored that he was my surgeon. He is both a brilliant doctor and compassionate man.
Patient survey · early 2023Doctor Pugely is, without any doubt, the best in his field and I feel lucky to have had him as my surgeon. Due to my physical problems, I do and will continue to have some pain, but my quality of life is so much better than it was pre-surgery. I will be eternally grateful for his help.
Patient survey · early 2023Dr. Pugely is an excellent doctor. He has outstanding surgical skills and a compassionate bedside manner. He never rushed my decision to have surgery. He was very patient with me.
Patient survey · early 2023Dr. Pugely has tried to help me when 2 other institutions would not, and also when another dr. in Iowa City refused. MUCH appreciated.
Patient survey · early 2023Very pleased. So happy that Dr Pugely found a way to repair my broken spine with a fusion that seems to be working well for me. I appreciate him and his approach very much.
Patient survey · November 2022Dr. Pugely is an excellent surgeon. He has operated on me three times, and every time he has been very professional and very good at explaining what he wants to do.
Patient survey · early 2023I would have him do my surgery again if needed. He was great and so was his staff. I am doing really good. Thank you.
Patient survey · September 2022Sat and listen and explain thing so I and my husband understood, checked all my records to see what he could do to help me with the least amount of surgery.
Patient survey · September 2022Dr Pugely, he cared about me that I couldn't stand up.
Patient survey · early 2023I was given hope, a chance here - encouraged & supported... when others told me to 'stop looking to western medicine' for a solution.
Patient survey · early 2023My options were explained very well so I had good information to decide what course of care that would be best for myself.
Patient survey · early 2023I already have recommended him to others, with some having followed through.
Patient survey · early 2023
The comments on this page come from patients seen in clinic and treated in the operating room — the same standard of care now delivered in the Quad Cities.
Jonathan works alongside Dr. Pugely in clinic, in the operating room, and on the inpatient service.
Jonathan is a very knowledgeable and effective care giver. I have the utmost confidence in his diagnosis and treatment options. He is a good listener and very caring. He is compassionate and understanding of a patient's health issues.
Patient survey · February 2025Jonathan Rueter calmed my fears about the severity of my scoliosis and explained things in detail, and showed me my xray. The clinic was extremely busy but he took all the time I needed. I really appreciate him and his expertise.
Patient survey · May 2022Jonathan is excellent and he will be missed as I have no other postop follow up appointments with him. Very professional.
Patient survey · January 2023Jonathan was great! He is both knowledgeable and personable :o)
Patient survey · October 2022The PA Jonathan is very professional. Dr. Pugely is very competent and easy to talk to.
Patient survey · early 2023Very professional and friendly and showed concern and care of my problem.
Patient survey · September 2022Entire staff was professional, efficient and friendly.
Patient survey · early 2023The people, all of them, from check-in to nurses and Drs. They all were polite and spoke to me in terms I can understand.
Patient survey · November 2022Knowledgeable caring Doctors and nurses
Patient survey · early 2023Everyone was extremely knowledgeable and friendly.
Patient survey · September 2022The apps. & Dr. Pugely work well together.
Patient survey · early 2023Patience and kindness of everyone.
Patient survey · early 2023All are very knowledgeable and caring!!!!
Patient survey · May 2022I felt completely confident about the care I received from medical staff. And the office staff were courteous.
Patient survey · early 2023Wish they would build off branch of Iowa City Clinic in Davenport!
Patient survey · September 2022