Seth Williams, MD

Seth Williams, MD, is a UW Health orthopedic spine surgeon and a professor in the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health where he serves as clinical vice chair, chief of orthopedic spine surgery and the spine surgery fellowship director. Dr. Williams specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery. He is active in research and has more than 30 peer-reviewed publications, including several first-time descriptions of minimally invasive techniques. His interests include innovation in the spine field, as he holds more than 20 patents and has participated in the development of commercially available medical devices and techniques.

Dr. Williams sees patients diagnosed with various spinal conditions. These range from straightforward problems like herniated discs and spinal stenosis to complex issues, including scoliosis, deformities, fractures and tumors, as well as athletes with spine problems who are hoping to return to competition. He uses minimally invasive techniques to treat a broad spectrum of cervical, lumbar and thoracic spine conditions.

Understanding that he meets people in their most difficult moments, Dr. Williams strives to empower his patients by helping them understand their condition, and the various available treatment options. One goal is to find the least invasive option that will address a particular problem. He encourages his patients to bring him their questions and concerns and helps them find solutions that fit their unique needs. He believes strongly in the power of a good team and has helped populate the spine division with highly knowledgeable nurses, physician's assistants, and nurse practitioners, all of whom may play a role in the treatment course. His partners are world-class as well, and the group routinely meets to discuss complex cases, and will often work together on challenging cases. Most of his surgeries are performed at the state-of-the-art East Madison Hospital.

When not performing surgery or seeing patients in clinic, he is a family man and enjoys cycling to work, fishing, photography, gardening, cooking for his family especially over an open fire, going to his kids’ sporting events, birdwatching, travel, delving into AI capabilities and watching baseball and football.