“He was extremely attentive and focused. He listened and addressed my issue with the utmost professionalism. Highly recommend.”
Francisco H.February 3, 2026
“So glad I went to Dr. MacGillivray for a second opinion on my knee. Gave exactly the advice that I wanted. Looking forward to my follow up appointment. Always go to HSS for ANYTHING orthopedic. ”
John D.Less than 1 year ago
About Dr. John MacGillivray
Dr. John MacGillivray is an Associate Attending Orthopedic Surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. He currently serves as Team Physician to the US Ski Team. He has also served as an Orthopedic Consultant for the New York Giants, the National Hockey League Players' Association, Team Physician for St. John's University, The New York Saints Professional Lacrosse Team and the US Snow Boarding Team. He is also a member of the Board of Directors at the Carlos Otis Clinic, Stratton Mountain in Vermont.
Dr. MacGillivray has developed new techniques involving arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (the Mac stitch), labral repair of the shoulder, and ligament reconstruction of the knee. He also has a clinical and scientific interest in cartilage restoration of the knee and shoulder and has written numerous articles and book chapters on problems of the shoulder, knee and elbow. He has won the prestigious Neer Award once and has been nominated twice for his research of rotator cuff disease.
On a personal note, Dr. MacGillivray followed a path in medicine, a cornerstone of his upbringing being one of seven surgeons, one medical doctor and two registered nurses in his immediate family. Dr. MacGillivray demonstrated his acumen for medicine early, graduating valedictorian at Tufts Medical School and then training at the world’s most complete and competitive residency and fellowship program, HSS, Hospital for Special Surgery. Dr. MacGillivray combined his love for sports as a highly competitive accomplished athlete with his passion for medicine when he opted for a career as an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. He has a unique understanding of each patient’s desire to recover and perform at peak performance. His philosophy is to quickly get each patient “back in the game”.
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Medical School - Tufts University, Doctor of Medicine
NewYork-Presbyterian / Weill Cornell Medical Center, Internship in General Surgery
Bowdoin College (Bachelor's)
Hospital for Special Surgery Main Hospital, Fellowship in Sports Medicine and Knee and Shoulder Reconstruction
Hospital for Special Surgery Main Hospital (Residency)
Awards and publications
Charles S. Neer Award Winner, Basic Science Category, 2002
American Shoulder and Elbow Society Neer Award Nominee, 2002
Founders Award, Eastern Orthopaedic Society, 2002
Languages spoken
English
Provider's gender
Male
NPI number
1275510182
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.85
Wait time
4.77
Bedside manner
4.83
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
93 reviews
Most relevant
He was extremely attentive and focused. He listened and addressed my issue with the utmost professionalism. Highly recommend.
February 3, 2026Francisco H.Verified patient
Very efficient. No wasted time and everyone listened to what I had to say. A much better than normal experience.
May 7, 2025Thane T.Verified patient
Great experience; very quick to diagnose and responsive to my feedback.
January 2, 2026Harry R.Verified patient
Very nice doctor very professional excellent listener good explanation of everything
May 19, 2025Eric B.Verified patient
Simply said This was a pleasant experience. Staff was very friendly and helpful.
October 31, 2024Safet K.Verified patient
Everything was on time and professional. Doctor is excellent.
July 18, 2025Harry T.Verified patient
Very pleasant experience with the doctor and staff .
October 3, 2025Sara D.Verified patient
Professional, friendly and clean office and great bedside manner.
March 28, 2025Shellese R.Verified patient
Some of the online forms were used. So it was a quicker check in.
February 21, 2025Brian M.Verified patient
I didn't expect anything but excellence, I know Dr. MacGillivray
More than 1 year agoVB
Very brief, perfunctory. I was hoping for more.
January 19, 2026Holly H.Verified patient
all good
October 23, 2025Initials hidden
So glad I went to Dr. MacGillivray for a second opinion on my knee. Gave exactly the advice that I wanted. Looking forward to my follow up appointment. Always go to HSS for ANYTHING orthopedic.
Less than 1 year agoJohn D.Verified patient
The appointment was very quick. I wasn’t sure the questions asked or quick examination were sufficient for the diagnosis. I will be looking for another opinion
Less than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Very nice, very professional.
July 30, 2025Christopher N.Verified patient
Listened and was well versed with my issue
June 11, 2025Michael T.Verified patient
This was the first time I'd seen John MacGillivray, MD, and if I ever needed another knee evaluation, I'd go back! He was very straightforward and direct, but also nice with a sense of humor. He told me what I suspected was wrong with my knee (I fell on it and got a bone bruise) and told me to let pain be my guide as I recover. I loved that sensible advice.
June 5, 2025Elizabeth R.Verified patient
He gave straight forward approach on my issues and gave me some good exercise tips to provide a better range of motion for my shoulder.
May 3, 2025Scott K.Verified patient
All good. Grateful and good to go
April 22, 2025Anne S.Verified patient
The Dr. was very friendly and listened to all of my concerns. He put me at ease which helped reduce my anxiety after my accident.
April 20, 2025Linda D.Verified patient
Staff is particularly helpful, efficient and responsive. I have now had a shoulder a both knees operated on and would highly recommend Dr. MacGillivray and his team.
Less than 1 year agoGF
He looked at my MRI's and spotted the issues right away I will be heading for surgery on the 18th. I am confident my issue will be taken care of he was highly recommended.
February 28, 2025Maria D.Verified patient
Excellent. The doctor was not only knowledgeable but also patient and kind. Sharp. I can be stubborn and dense and am not always the best listener. I was hoping against hope I could somehow avoid surgery or have a less invasive procedure. The doctor was up front and reassuring. I felt like I could trust his opinion. Can’t beat that!
February 22, 2025Barbara C.Verified patient
Excellent physician in an amazing hospital. Office staff was friendly and very professional. Efficiently run practice with minimal wait time from the waiting room to the exam room. HSS is the ONLY place to go for orthopedic issues.
January 28, 2025Initials hidden
Top notch doctor in a top notch facility.
January 25, 2025Initials hidden
Dr MacGillivray was thorough, professional and understanding. His deep knowledge and experience made me feel at ease, and confident in his diagnosis and treatment plan.
December 20, 2024Initials hidden
It was professionally done
December 2, 2024Annemarie L.Verified patient
highly recommended
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Everyone at the office was very friendly and professional, especially Veronica. Everything was done in an efficient manner. The doctor was thorough in his explanation of my condition. I would highly recommend.
November 7, 2024Carolina D.Verified patient
My knee acted up right before a 2-week European vacation, during which we planned to walk a lot. Dr. MacGillivray went out of his way to treat my knee the morning of my flight. I never would have climbed up those medieval towers without him!
I've seen Dr. MacGillivray a couple times in the last decade. He has fixed the problems, leaving me pain free.
More than 1 year agoTF
great!
October 4, 2024Joshua F.Verified patient
Dr. John MacGillivray is the TRUTH. Excellent bedside manner and warm and sincere communicator. The first doctor I've seen in decades that spoke to me as a human being instead of speaking to my MRI and ignoring the complex person in front of him. His intelligence, curiosity, openness, and direct manner make him the ideal doctor. I truly wish I could go to him for everything not just my knee issues. I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend. And the office staff members are perfection. Good natured and efficient. I always say you can tell the quality and character of the doctors by the happiness of the office staff. Their good spiritedness makes it clear that Dr. MacGillivray and the the other doctors at HSS not only take care of their patients but also their staff. I came for a second opinion and Dr. MacGillivray made my first doctor look like a first grader...no shade. ;)
September 25, 2024Aimee C.Verified patient
The appointment was excellent. It was efficient, and Dr MacGillivery assessed my condition and provided the medical advice that was needed.
More than 1 year agoML
Doctor MacGillvray answered all my questions about my concerns with my knees . Had several knee operations with him and the outcome of the surgeries were a complete success. Thank you o the whole team from the office to the operating room. Felt very comfortable throughout
More than 1 year agoCM
I have had three surgical pocedures over 21 years by Dr. MacGillivray and all 3 had a wonderful outcome with little pain and a quick recovery. The final one was a total knee replacement. By p/o day 3 I walked without aids and today, p/o day 15 I walked my first mile.
Super grateful for his wonderful care and expertise which made this recovery possible.
More than 1 year agoMM
Dr. McGillivary is super attentive and a great listener. He always addresses my concern in an easy to understand matter. In short, he’s a fabulous doctor.
More than 1 year agoJC
Dr MacGillivray and his staff are nothing short of amazing, exceptionally talented and supportive of their patients in every way! He is not only an excellent orthopedic surgeon but his staff are phenomenal at navigating the healthcare system and supporting patients in getting approvals and clearance for the treatment theyHe is not only an excellent orthopedic surgeon but his staff are phenomenal at navigating the healthcare system and supporting patients in getting approvals and clearance for the treatment they so desperately need!! 10 out of 10 across-the-board
More than 1 year agoNS
Dr MacGillivray was by far my best experience with a doctor in NYC.
I have had incredible results on multiple surgeries.. His staff is also excellent, with great communication and prompt response.
More than 1 year agoJE
February 26, 2026Andrea D.Verified patient
February 18, 2026Carole A.Verified patient
Less than 3 months agoInitials hidden
December 12, 2025Joan V.Verified patient
December 4, 2025Pamela P.Verified patient
December 3, 2025Susan M.Verified patient
November 11, 2025Sumathi V.Verified patient
Less than 6 months agoInitials hidden
Less than 6 months agoInitials hidden
October 15, 2025John D.Verified patient
Less than 6 months agoInitials hidden
October 9, 2025Thomas E.Verified patient
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Frequently asked questions
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. John MacGillivray?
Generally, Dr. John MacGillivray has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. MacGillivray's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Dr. John MacGillivray has 4 office locations, including in New York, Uniondale, White Plains, and Stamford, view full addresses on Dr. MacGillivray's profile.
Which board certifications does Dr. John MacGillivray have?
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. John MacGillivray?
Dr. John MacGillivray frequently sees patients for Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury, Knee Pain, Knee Problems, Shoulder Pain, and Shoulder Problem. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. John MacGillivray on their profile.
How do patients rate Dr. John MacGillivray in reviews?
93 patients have reviewed Dr. John MacGillivray. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.85/5. They have a 4.83/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.77/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.