William Scott, DO

Languages:

English

Specialties:

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Patient Rating
4.6 / 5 (366 Reviews)

Dr. William Scott provides comprehensive non-surgical treatments for the spine and musculoskeletal system. He is the only physician in Dubuque who is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and fellowship-trained in interventional spine procedures.

Dr. Scott earned his Bachelor of Science in biology from the State University of New York at Albany. He was mentored by a professor of neuroscience and was hired to perform research which involved the injection of mRNA coding for the protein Synapsin into nerve cells. During his college years, Dr. Scott lost his father to cancer. "As a young man, I was thrust into the world of medicine, which tried to treat my dad. This experience ultimately steered my desire to help others and become an Osteopathic physician".

In 2002, Dr. Scott graduated from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. While training in New York City, he gathered a range of experience. This included a rotation with Dr. Robert Gotlin, team physiatrist for the New York Knicks and Yankees. Dr. Scott developed a keen interest in the spine and use of osteopathic manipulative treatment. He completed residency in 2006, specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. There he served as associate chief resident and was a regional managing editor for Rehab in Review, a monthly publication produced by Harvard. During residency at LSU, Dr. Scott was instructed by world renown cofounder for the International Spinal Intervention Society, Dr. Charles Aprill. Dr. Aprill published the foundational research behind many spinal injection techniques.

In 2007, Dr. Scott completed a year of fellowship training with Dr. Richard Rosenthal in Utah, a senior instructor for the Spinal Intervention Society. The fellowship provided instruction of advanced interventional procedures within an integrated model of physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, massage, and pain psychology. Dr. Scott has practiced in academic and multispecialty settings and has performed well over fifteen thousand interventional spine procedures. He has presented topics of spine injection techniques at national and state conferences and is a member of several professional organizations. In December 2018, Dr. Scott moved to his new home in Dubuque, Iowa and joined Medical Associates Clinic. He enjoys playing the drums and exploring the area with his wife, two sons, and their goofy flat-coated retriever, Merlin.

"The goal of our clinic is to treat patients like family. We aim to precisely identify and ease the source of pain, so the pain is no longer a distraction from enjoyment of life."

Physical Medicine Department

Locations

Credentials

Medical School

New York Institute of Technology - College of Osteopathic Medicine - 2002

Residency

Lousiana State University, 2003 - 2006

Fellowship

Interventional Spine and Pain Management, Nexus Pain Care, 7/2006 - 6/2007

Hospital Affiliations

  • MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center
  • Board Certifications

  • American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
  • Ratings and Reviews

    Distribution

    5
    47 Comments
    4
    6 Comments
    3
    3 Comments
    2
    0 Comments
    1
    5 Comments

    Question Rating Breakdown

    0.0
    "Seen By Provider In Timely Manner"
    4.5
    "Provider gave enough information "
    4.5
    "Provider Listened"
    0.0
    "Trust Provider With Care"
    0.0
    "Provider Knew Medical History"
    0.0
    "Knew what to do if questions"
    4.7
    "Provider Would Recommend"
    4.7
    "Providers Courtesy and Respect"

    What Patients Are Saying

    5 Stars
    June 24, 2026
    "Thank you for your kindness"
    4 Stars
    June 24, 2026
    "I need to wait six weeks to complete the tests ordered unfortunately. Wish I could get some answers sooner."
    5 Stars
    June 23, 2026
    "Very nice"
    4 Stars
    June 22, 2026
    "I would have to have started the treatments sooner, but I'm sure Dr Scott is booked out quite a way."
    1 Stars
    June 19, 2026
    "I went in for an upper back pain, which my doctor retired or left Dr. Scott refuses to listen to what I am feeling and the only thing he's interested in is burning nerves. I do not agree with that theory I do not believe in doing that he will not do the injections to relieve the pain in the upper back now he wants to bring the nerves in my neck. I've already had an injection in my neck, which has helped by [REDACTED] at the pain clinic. He gave me one injection in the upper back, but not enough to help I will never see Dr. Scott again for anything. The man thinks he knows everything about everyone's body. I am very active. I do not sit around. I do everything from mowing the lawns to keeping my house. Totally intact and taking care of my brother this supper back pain has been going on with Dr. Scott doesn't wanna believe since I had fallen down a set of steps when I was 16 it did as time went by healed, but that is the area where the pain is. That's where I have some arthritis. It gets worse when I wash dishes and work in the kitchen cooking he wants me to do therapy again I've done it twice to give me the same exercises I've been doing. I'm even doing some situps doing whatever I can physically to keep myself in shape. I do not believe in the burning of the nerves and that's all he wants to do. He has a fetish with this burning of the nerves and it's gonna cure everything for 18 months while I know better, my sister had it done in her lower back and now she has a leg that goes out from under her constantly. My brother had it done within two months. He was screaming and hollering about his pain again I've had friends that have had it one done on her lower back twice now she can't hardly stand for 5 to 10 minutes without severe pain. I do not agree with this type of therapy burning of the nerves. The Cortizone injections work the trigger point works and if he doesn't want to do it fine I'll suffer with the pain and I hope someday he has to deal with it and no one wants to listen to him. They want to do everything their own way."
    5 Stars
    June 10, 2026
    "Everyone that helped me during my office visit were very courteous , friendly, and explained everything as they performed the test."
    5 Stars
    June 03, 2026
    "Added additional medical advice that was very helpful. Very pleased with Doctor Scott."
    5 Stars
    May 27, 2026
    "Dr. Scott has treated me with respect and courtesy. His medical care has provided me with some relief with my issue. I would definitely recommend him to others. In fact, I have recommended him to a friend who was recently treated by Dr. Scott. She called to thank me for recommending him! He is an excellent health care provider."
    5 Stars
    May 26, 2026
    "Dr Scott was listening to my concerns and was empathetic during the procedure."
    4 Stars
    May 21, 2026
    "I am supposed to reveive a MRI, but have not been scheduled yet."
    5 Stars
    May 19, 2026
    "I am grateful that I was able to have an appointment so quickly. All went very well during the procedure and I have a follow up appointment this week. The Doctor and nurses were attentive and let me know how all was going."
    5 Stars
    May 11, 2026
    "Dr Scott and all the staff were helpful and supportive."
    5 Stars
    May 07, 2026
    "Thanks"
    5 Stars
    April 30, 2026
    "Getting fustrated right now with my work release not being lifted between doctors and work"
    5 Stars
    April 16, 2026
    "Great service, everyone was courteous and prompt. Appointment was at 4:00 PM and I honestly expected delays as things can back up throughout the day. Was called back immediately, no waiting at any point in the process."
    5 Stars
    April 10, 2026
    "Dr. Scott is kind, considerate and most knowledgeable. He takes the time to listen and then offers several suggestions as far as a course of action to be taken. His opinion is always helpful , and greatly appreciated."
    5 Stars
    March 31, 2026
    "They were very through in checking me before and after the procedure ended there was a question on my heart beat and sent me to have an EKG done it did show that I had a ab normal heart beat and were going to check it out and let me know. I really appreciated that."
    5 Stars
    March 30, 2026
    "Great experience"
    5 Stars
    March 26, 2026
    "Dr. William Scott is a great doctor!"
    5 Stars
    March 23, 2026
    "Very professional and compassionate. Diagnosed my pain and promptly gave me instant relief. Extremely satisfied!!!"
    1 Stars
    March 18, 2026
    "I would not recommend this physician. He did not seem to like his work and seemed a little edgy or possibly angry"
    5 Stars
    February 19, 2026
    "so far so good!"
    5 Stars
    February 12, 2026
    "I had excellent care, everyone was very nice,I know they could not help it but it took me 3 1/2 months to get done what I needed to get done to control my pain, that was from getting an MRI to the actual appointment.but had excellent care, would go back again, hope I wouldn't have to wait as long ?"
    5 Stars
    February 09, 2026
    "Doctor Scott was really good about chatting to keep my mind off what was happening with my injection. He was great, as well as the nurses and technicians!"
    5 Stars
    February 04, 2026
    "The staff are great in this department. Great personalities! Great care! Keep up the good work."
    5 Stars
    February 02, 2026
    "Very good. Can't complain. Feeling good right now. We'll see how it comes in next week."
    5 Stars
    January 30, 2026
    "Dr. Scott is really phenomenal to work with. He makes you feel as if you're not reaching a dead end with your care and treatment. He always has options, ideas, and ways to just continue with treatment so that you can meet your goals and that's a lot more encouraging than any other providers I've worked with. So really, really appreciate that."
    5 Stars
    January 28, 2026
    "Dr. Scott is very knowledgeable, friendly and has always explained my conditions in a way that I can understand. Then, when I ask questions he listens intently and answers back in great detail."
    4 Stars
    January 26, 2026
    "The whole process was a Shotgun Approach. Scheduling PT to learn to walk witha cane, Sending me to [REDACTED] to check on Walker availability, which I can't get because I got one for my wife when she was dying of Cancer in 2022, [REDACTED] sending me off to Goodwill and the Mission and when they should have known Law now prohibits Walkers to be resold by such agencies. The only meaningful thing that came out was sheduling me for alergy test to contrast dye, which is scheduled several weeks away. In the meantime my back pain increses daily."
    5 Stars
    January 23, 2026
    "Dr Scott and staff, wonderful"
    5 Stars
    January 15, 2026
    "Very kind courteous and a good listen er"
    1 Stars
    January 15, 2026
    "I found Dr. Scott to be rude! The first nurse I had was ok, but the end nurse showed no empathy. She asked me if I felt ok and was my ride there and then waved her hands and said I'm done with you anyway , your time is up . This was said to me before I even had time to answer her questions! I suspect that this doesn't have anything to do with the nurse and it's the company saying you only get so much time with the patient. Because THEY know exactly what it takes to do the job!!!!"
    5 Stars
    January 12, 2026
    "Dr Scott prescribed a knee brace for me and o be fitted by a company-Clark. Here it is the next day & I still have not heard from this company!!!! What's up with that???? I may call the office again by Friday.... Just not very reliable to me?!?"
    4 Stars
    January 09, 2026
    "I didn't feel Dr. Scott did a real thorough job of assessing my knee. He didn't watch me walk. I walk for exercise every day, my knee does not hurt yet he says I need a cane. I don't need a cane to walk and will not buy a cane. I went to PT as told, pt person agreed I do not need a cane. I do not want to get pt person in trouble, please!!"
    5 Stars
    December 18, 2025
    "Staff, nurses, support people, and provider were courteous, helpful, and friendly. It was a fantastic experience for me."
    5 Stars
    December 15, 2025
    "All providers were excellent. And a check in online worked great."
    3 Stars
    December 11, 2025
    "The consultation took months to get. I had to wait too long once there. I felt like I was in an assembly line"
    5 Stars
    December 11, 2025
    "Easy peasy with Doctor Scott!"
    5 Stars
    December 11, 2025
    "It took about 7 months to see a doctor after seeing a P.A. and having an exray and MRI. If you need more doctors hire them other wise put a sign on M.A. building and tell customers to go to Finley. I'm glad I didn't have a stroke."
    5 Stars
    December 10, 2025
    "Dr. Scott listens to my concerns of my sciatica pain and I'm confident that he will try to help me as much as he can. I would recommend him to anyone having similar situations."
    5 Stars
    December 08, 2025
    "Satisfied"
    5 Stars
    December 03, 2025
    "Nice staff"
    5 Stars
    December 03, 2025
    "Nice to me i like it."
    5 Stars
    November 26, 2025
    "Being able to schedule a repeat epidural injections in January '26 was an early Christmas present"
    4 Stars
    November 17, 2025
    "I asked for a handout explaining what physical medicine even is. They didn't have one.. I think a lot of people are unaware of what physical medicine is. Maybe start off with the definition of it. I was able to Google it. Dr. Scott met every detail of what it is."
    1 Stars
    November 12, 2025
    "The doctor was very off putting with regards to my issue. He pushed pills/pain meds after knowing I dont care for them as a solution. He also disregarded my entire medical history/ongoing medical plan with a different doctor whom left Medical Associates."
    5 Stars
    October 29, 2025
    "The medical associates doctors treat me with the upmost courtesy! The doctor is very thorough and even though it was my first meeting, he made me feel very comfortable, and I trust his opinions"
    5 Stars
    October 29, 2025
    "Looks like we need to have more Physical Medicine physicians as I waited over a month for the appointment after waiting a month to get the MRI. Not a reflection on Dr. Scott or the staff. They were all courteous and respectful.."
    5 Stars
    October 23, 2025
    "I was very happy with Dr Scott and his nurse. It was just my first consultation visit. They listened and explained the steps we would try to improve my problem. We set up further appointments."
    5 Stars
    October 16, 2025
    "Dr. Scott's native intelligence and warmth shine through. He even smiled at my jokes. I trust his guidance as we work together to ease my chronic back pain. Thank You, Dr. Scott! [REDACTED]"
    3 Stars
    October 15, 2025
    "He really didn't listen to what I was saying. [REDACTED]"
    5 Stars
    October 08, 2025
    "Very impressive care."
    5 Stars
    October 08, 2025
    "Thanks to Dr. Scott and his wonderful team!"
    5 Stars
    October 06, 2025
    "I appreciate getting in after my MRI. Thank you."
    5 Stars
    September 17, 2025
    "Dr Scott very helpful! Listened to my multiple concerns, backtracked on old MRIs to identify likely cause of pain, potential issues and when no deteriorating bone issues confirmed, gave me LSJ at site, with extensive relief! Scheduled fu re need for additional injections! Most relief I've had in years! Thanks so much! When multiple sites/issues it is great to feel MD will help pt sort out sources!"
    5 Stars
    September 10, 2025
    "Very professional and attentive to my medical needs"
    5 Stars
    September 04, 2025
    "Dr. Scott was very thorough and took his time to listen to me. I feel that the wait to get an appointment is ridiculous. I got in a month before my scheduled appointment because someone canceled. When a person has been living with pain for months they shouldn't have to wait several weeks just to be seen."
    1 Stars
    August 29, 2025
    "[REDACTED] He didn't bother reading my history, feeling the area that is hurting me or truly listening to me. More interested in ordering all these tests and scans that I already have had done. [REDACTED]"
    5 Stars
    August 29, 2025
    "Dr was very complete and talked through everything. Made a plan"
    3 Stars
    August 27, 2025
    "I was frustrated when I left my appt. I am a bit irritated that I am having to go through hoops that I've already been through and did not receive any relief. I have back and hip pain from a car accident. I was told to try massage and physical therapy again. I've done both along with countless other things. It's just more time off work, more travel for appointments and more money for the insurance company."
    5 Stars
    August 25, 2025
    "It took six weeks to get into see Dr. Scott. That's my only concern. Otherwise everything else was fine."
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