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About Raj K. Thakrar MD
Raj K. Thakrar, MD earned his Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, followed by a Master of Science in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He subsequently conducted biomedical engineering research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology before obtaining his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Vermont College of Medicine in Burlington, VT.
Dr. Thakrar went on to complete a General Surgery Internship at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, followed by a Residency in Neurological Surgery at the University of Vermont Medical Center. He then pursued advanced Fellowship training in Complex Reconstructive and Oncologic Spine Neurosurgery at Brown University Health.
His philosophy of care is built on empathy, communication, and individualized treatment. He believes effective care begins with listening – understanding not only symptoms, but also each patient’s concerns, goals, and values. Whenever possible, he emphasizes nonoperative options first. When surgery is the best course, he focuses on precise, patient-specific solutions that are technically sound, minimally invasive when appropriate, and tailored to each individual’s unique needs.
Dr. Thakrar’s path to medicine was shaped early in life beginning with his own newborn health challenges, and deepened by seeing the disparities his immigrant family faced in accessing care. These experiences inspired him to pursue medicine not only as a career, but also as a platform for advocacy and change.
He was ultimately drawn to Neurosurgery, and to Complex Spine Surgery in particular, for its combination of intellectual depth, technical precision, and the opportunity to profoundly improve a person’s quality of life. To him, each patient is more than a diagnosis; they are a person navigating pain, uncertainty, and hope. His role is to guide them with clarity, compassion, and partnership.
At Southcoast Health, Dr. Thakrar is committed to delivering high-quality, innovative Neurosurgical care to the local community, and to help build a world-class Spine program grounded in safety, compassion, collaboration, and clinical excellence.
Outside of the operating room, Dr. Thakrar enjoys working out, traveling, playing piano, and cooking — a hobby he finds both therapeutic and delicious.
Locations
480 Hawthorn Street
Dartmouth, MA
02747
Dartmouth, MA
02747
235 Hanover Street, Suite 205
Fall River, MA
02720
Fall River, MA
02720
Insurance
Southcoast Health accepts most major insurance plans. Call the Southcoast Health patient registration department at 844-297-2952 or your health plan with any questions regarding coverage.
Ratings & Reviews
At Southcoast Health, we strive to deliver exceptional patient care along with an exceptional patient experience. We appreciate all of your feedback and share your comments to recognize the wonderful care our teams provide to you as well as identify areas for improvement.
Patient Comments (41)
informative and understandable explanations of diagnostics and available options
In the past I dreaded appointments about my spine and always felt like I had to be on the defense. With Dr. Thackrar I feel 100% comfortable and in capable hands. I feel his interest in what is best is there and he is very knowledgeable and informed about his patients and the care needed.
Dr. Thakrar is wonderful. He listens and provides recommendations. He is very caring and professional.
Extremely satisfied He listened intently and genuinely concerned about my health and objectives Spent the time necessary to review my history and imaging One of the best providers I've encountered in my lifetime !
Dr Thakrar was very kind , thorough, and explained everything to me so that I could understand what was happening with my back issues and what I could do to move forward with confidence.
You are taking care of my medical needs, thank you
I love my doctors and staff is awsome I give them all 5*.u00A0 I am very happyu00A0u00A0
My Neurosurgeon is an amazing Dr. Every concern or question I have he answers and shows me on displays exactly what I need to know. He listens to me and that's very important.
Dr. Thakrar is great. He listened to me and offered solutions.
Exceptional expertise and patient communication skills
Dr Raju00A0explained my operation to me and my wife in terms that were easily understandable. He eagerly wanted my questions and always had the answer. He was confident in his care. He also made sure he was going to see me in a follow up appointment. Great doctor and surgeon.
Things seem good at this time. Just keep up the good work
His schedule meant I had to wait three months for an appt. Once I got there and met with the doctor he explained in detail what was going on with my condition and showed through imaging what might be causing the hand weakness and balance issues.
Dr. Was really attentive and sympathetic… gave me a lot of information to digest and further plans for treatment. The wait was over twenty minutes, but receptionist said I signed in early!
Everyone was professional and the doctor is just wonderful. He always takes the time to listen to my questions and concerns.
I like that Dr. Thakrar was very pleasant and listened to what was wrong with me and he helped me. He was amazing. I'm very, very happy with the surgery I had done.
Staff knew I needed to be seen as soon as possible
Consultation went well and the provider suggested multiple options for treatment. He actually listened to my reasoning for deciding a treatmentthat suits me. I was very pleased with care.
He actively listened to me. He came to get me from the waiting room and walked me to reception to schedule a follow up. He was kind and empathetic. He reviewed my record before our appointment and concerned about my symptoms. I would Highly recommend him to anyone.
Great customer service
The provider was a half hour late in seeing me and that caused me to miss my prearranged ride home via Lyft.
Dr. Thakrar was wonderful! He listened to everything I had to say, was thoughtful about my care and made me feel empowered with a course of action.His support staff was very helpful and attentive to me as well.
He was very helpful and talked thoroughly for results
Loved him!
Provider was excellent. He explained things in a way that was helpful and listened attentively to my symptoms and concerns. Highly recommend.
Dr Thakrar is an exceptional surgeon. He is caring & listens to his patients & their fears. He is so so patient and explains things in a way they are easily understood. I am extremely fortunate that his surgical skills have given me a positive outcome & a new outlook on life. Thank you so much Dr Thakrar. I am so fortunate to be one of your patients!!!
The doctor was informative. He knew exactly what was wrong and treated me with kindness and compassion both at today's talk and I would recommend him to absolutely anyone. I have felt so much better since his surgery and I'm very grateful to him for his care.
He was completely understanding and cordial he really made it seem like like he's going to get too the bottom of what is wrong.
What a complete gentleman this Dr is!A focused listener who offered to answer any questions I had! Was very familiar with resources that would help me and made the referrals immediately.Such an asset to SOUTHCOAST! Highly recommend!
Provided a very clear explanation of MRI images and associated possible health impacts. Provided thoughtful responses to my questions.
Excellent, very good service.
I love my south coast doctor's and staff they are so wonderful ????
The doctor was on time, very informative and personable. Took time and care in his explanations. Left feeling very satisfied and with a complete understanding of my issues. Very impressed!
I RECENTLY HAD AN APPOINTMENT WITH DR. RAJ THAKRAR. HE WAS VERY PROFESSIONAL, CARING, WAS INTERESTED IN MY CONCERNS AND PROVIDED NECESSARY APPOINTMENTS FOR FOLLOW-UP. EVERYONE IN THE BRAIN & SPINE CLINIC WERE WONDERFUL!!
Very personal and treated me like a person and not a number. So glad I landed with him. Very very appreciative of his empathy and understanding
The staff and the Dr.were just wonderful. Took the time to explain everything and listened to my concerns. I never felt rushed and felt he really cared about making sure I understood everything.
From the moment I walked in everyone was pleasant and professional and the Dr. explained everything in detail and made it easy for me to understand, I left feeling very satisfied for the information I received to understand what is going on with me.
Dr. Thakrar was great. Very kind and professional. I was most impressed with the way he took his time and also listened to me during my appointment. I've seen other providers who type and look at a computer for most of the visit but he did not. I felt very comfortable. He was clear and asked a few times if I had any questions. I'm very pleased.
This facility was very good at scheduling an appointment and the provider I saw was absolutely fabulous and extremely intelligent answered all my questions I would recommend him to anyone
Dr was kind and listened. Explained old mri info to me and used a model. Scheduled necessary tests and scheduled follow-up. He had met me with a smile, hand shake and introduced himself to me. He was well informed and very helpful.
Dr Raj was awesome he spent along time with me going over all options