Chester John Donnally III, MDBoard-Certified Spine Surgeon
Chester John Donnally III, MDBoard-Certified Spine Surgeon
Chester J. Donnally III, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon, true Dallas native, and third-generation Texan specializing in minimally invasive and advanced spine surgery. His approach is centered on a simple principle: identify the source of a patient’s symptoms and perform the least invasive treatment necessary to effectively address the problem, preserve normal anatomy and motion whenever possible, and help patients return to the activities that matter to them.
Dr. Donnally treats a wide range of cervical and lumbar spine conditions, including spinal stenosis, disc herniations, degenerative disc disease, instability, nerve compression, failed prior spine surgery, and complex spinal disorders. His clinical interests include minimally invasive spine surgery, robot-assisted spine surgery, ultrasonic spine surgery, motion-preservation surgery, cervical disc replacement, outpatient spine surgery, and advanced cervical and lumbar reconstruction.
When surgery is necessary, Dr. Donnally emphasizes modern techniques designed to minimize unnecessary tissue disruption while achieving a complete neurologic decompression and durable surgical result. Depending on the patient’s condition, this may include minimally invasive decompression, motion-preserving cervical disc replacement, robotic and navigated spine surgery, ultrasonic bone-cutting technology, or minimally invasive spinal fusion. He also has extensive experience treating patients who have undergone previous spine surgery and require revision or reconstructive procedures.
A true Dallas native, Dr. Donnally subsequently attended Southern Methodist University, where he graduated magna cum laude and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, the university’s highest academic honor society. He received his medical degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, graduating at the top of his class with Distinction in Research and election to Alpha Omega Alpha (widely considered the highest honor society in medical school, based on academic performance, leadership, character, and merit). He completed orthopaedic surgery residency training at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital followed by advanced spine surgery fellowship training at the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute in Philadelphia.
Research and innovation have remained central to Dr. Donnally’s career. He has contributed to more than 80 peer-reviewed scientific publications and more than a dozen book chapters, representing an exceptional level of academic productivity for a practicing spine surgeon. His research has focused on advancing the understanding of spine conditions, surgical techniques, outcomes, and emerging technologies. He continues to lecture, collaborate with other physicians and researchers, and participate in the development and evaluation of new approaches to spine care.
Dr. Donnally has been recognized by organizations including D Magazine, Texas Monthly, and the North American Spine Society, among others.
Above all, Dr. Donnally believes that patients should understand why a particular treatment is being recommended. He places a strong emphasis on education and shared decision-making, taking patients through their diagnosis and imaging, nonsurgical options, surgical alternatives, expected recovery, and the advantages and limitations of each approach. His goal is not simply to perform spine surgery—it is to help each patient understand their options and select the treatment that best fits their condition, goals, and lifestyle.
For more information please visit www.donnallyspine.com
- Rothman Orthopaedic Institute
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Spine Surgery Fellowship - Jackson Memorial Hospital/ University of Miami Hospital
Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
Orthopaedic Surgery Residency - Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Paul L Foster School of Medicine, El Paso, Texas
Doctor of Medicine
National Foster Scholar: Awarded a tuition scholarship prior to enrollment
Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society - Southern Methodist University
Dallas, Texas
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Magna cum laude)
Major: Biological Sciences
Minors: Political Science, Chemistry
- “Best Doctors in Collin County” by D Magazine
- “Texas Rising Stars” in Texas Monthly
- SpineLine’s 20 Under 40
- "Best Doctors in Dallas” by D Magazine
Dr. Donnally has more than 80 peer-reviewed publications and more than a dozen book chapters. For patients or physicians who want to see the complete academic bibliography, please click here.
Medical Memberships
- Texas Medical Association
- North American Spine Society (NASS)- Resident Member
- AAOS Political Action Committee (PAC)- Resident Member
- Florida Orthopedic Society (FOS)- Resident Member
- AAOS-Member
Current Employments
- Texas Spine Consultants
Dallas, Texas
Minimally Invasive and Complex Spine Surgeon
Previous Employments
- Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Dallas, Texas- Research focuses: Scoliosis correction; development dysplasia of the hip
- Mentor: Daniel Sucato, MD
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Research Analyst, Department of Urology, Dallas, Texas- Research focuses: Development of single incision endoscopic nephrectomy technology and minimally invasive surgery techniques; Renal tumor ablation methods; Da Vinci robot surgical system training (50+ hours)
- Mentors: Jeffery Cadeddu, MD; Margaret Pearle, MD
- Michael E. DeBakey Summer Surgery Program
Vascular Surgery Department, Houston, Texas - Parkland Collegiate Fellows Program
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
Administrative Roles
- Director of Robotic Spine Surgery
Baylor Frisco Medical Center, Frisco, Texas - Director of Quality Control
Eminent Medical Center, Richardson, Texas - Medical Director
Bachik Methods, Addison, Texas
- Spinal cord injury rehabilitation center
- Recruitment Chief Resident
University of Miami Department of Orthopedics
- Created position with support of program chairman then was elected by peers.
- Emphasis on program promotion and residency applicant recruitment.
- Voting member of the program's selection committee.
Journal Reviewer Memberships
- Clinical Spine Surgery- Invited reviewer
- Injury- Invited reviewer
- World Neurosurgery- Invited reviewer
- The Spine Journal- Invited reviewer
Leadership Experiences
- ACGME Clinical Learning Environment Review
Orthopedic Surgery Representative- Selected by our program as the representative for routine institutional visits by the ACGME (Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education).
- Responsible for being available for interview and tours. Led small group meetings.
- Quality Improvement and Safety Committee
Jackson Memorial Hospital - Paul L. Foster School of Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
- President of the “Red College” for Class.
- Student Curriculum and Evaluation Executive Committee
- Elected as one of six members that worked with faculty to identify strengths and weaknesses of the curriculum and policies
- Admissions Department Student Liaison
- Assisted in the selection process of potential medical students
- Creator of the medical school’s Wikipedia page
- Student Affairs Committee Member
- Assisted the Dean of Student Affairs with policy proposals and implementation
- Oversaw University policies regarding student work hours and attendance
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity
- Vice President
- Head of Chapter Recruitment
- Class Treasurer
- Eagle Scout with Boy Scouts of America
- Achieved Eagle ranking in 2001; Participated in scouting.
- Additionally earned the Bronze, Gold and Silver Palms while an Eagle Scout
Team Coverage
- Dallas Sidekicks- Professional Indoor Soccer Team
- Miami Marlins Spring Training- MLB Baseball
- University of Miami Hurricanes Football
