Medical School: West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV

Residency: Carolinas Medical Center/OrthoCarolina, Charlotte, NC,

Fellowship: Rush University, Chicago, IL

Undergraduate: The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC

• 2023 NC Top Doctor Award
• 2020 NC Top Doctor Award
• Merck Award for Academic Excellence in Clinical Medicine
• Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society
• Gold Humanism Honor Society
• American Society of Clinical Pathology Award for Academic Excellence and Achievement
• Dean’s Award Scholarship
• Prescott Award for Academic Excellence

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
• American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons

The Star Ratings score is the average score a provider receives about his or her care on our Patient Satisfaction Survey conducted by Professional Research Corporation. Responses are on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score. The Star Rating you see represents the average score a provider received for the past 12-month period as long as they had more than 30 ratings during that time frame.

3/25/2024 Just feel like Dr Ruffalo gave me the best advice to continue getting shots to extend the need to get a knee replacement in the future. 

3/25/2024 Dr. Ruffolo, and his staff are consistently great. The coordination of tests, exams and care are outstanding. 

3/22/2024 Everyone is so friendly and personable. They are professional and knowledgeable. They don’t mind a lot of questions and seem happy at their jobs! 

3/21/2024 Explaining procedure with compassion 

3/21/2024 Staff was very helpful and polite. Staff, including Dr. Ruffolo, are exceptional in patient care and concern to any doctor I have seen. Always willing to listen and discuss best options. 

3/20/2024 The care, compassion, & was totally paying attention to my issues!!!!!! The BEST!!!!!! 

3/20/2024 Dr. Ruffolo is a godsend. I was terrified about everything that happened to me. Dr. Ruffolo's treatment and demeanor are outstanding. He saved my leg and helped alleviate my concerns about getting better. If I ever needed a similar surgery I would want him to perform it. The nurse who assists him is also amazing. She did a great job showing us how to dress my wound and she was even better when removing my stitches. 

3/20/2024 Dr. Ruffolo is a very cautious Dr. who replaced my knee 5 years ago. I am now getting a knee replacement on my other knee. I have recommended Dr. Ruffolo to many friend who have had great results. He is very intelligent and careful with his procedures and I was amazed at how well my operation and recovery went. 

3/18/2024 Everything is outstanding...the staff and Dr are amazing! 

3/18/2024 As always, Dr Ruffalo is the best! 

3/16/2024 Dr Ruffolo is an exceptional physician 

3/14/2024 Yes, Dr Ruffalo involved me in every decision along the 11 month wait for medical clearance. He also ordered a [ ] days before the Hip replacement to make sure No bacteria was floating around waiting to to Infect my body. 

3/14/2024 Dr. Ruffalo is an outstanding surgeon and I would highly recommend him to anyone. Jackie and Heather of Wake orthopedics physical therapy have been outstanding. They explain every pain that I have and reassure me that I am progressing in my healing. I would highly recommend them to anyone. 

3/13/2024 Dr. Ruffolo is excellent. I will continue to come to him for my back and hip issues. 

3/3/2024 The short wait time and efficiency of staff was excellent. 

2/29/2024 I can walk pain free now!! 

2/29/2024 The quality treatment by the entire team 

2/29/2024 On time, efficient but not rushed 

2/29/2024 The teamwork was very well coordinated between all the support staff who were able to answer all my questions and get the required information for my upcoming surgery. 

2/29/2024 First class staff from the front desk to nursing and doctor 

2/26/2024 Dr Ruff[lo is one of a kind. his explanation of what’s going on, what to expect and where to go from here, is always spot on. Glad to be able to call him my Dr. he has replaced my left hip and will be doing my left knee replacement soon. I know to see him is a wait but I tell everyone it’s worth it 

2/26/2024 I could not recommend any changes to improve Dr. Ruffolo’s practice. I have received service and care of the highest quality. My issue-knee replacement was successful. I am thrilled to walk without gritting my teeth with every step. 

2/19/2024 The climate was excellent from the reception to departure! Everyone was very courteous 

2/19/2024 Dr. Ruffolo was very courteous, listened well, and explained the plan of care clearly. It was a very good appointment despite the situation. 

2/16/2024 The care and attention provided by Dr. Rufulo was outstanding. 

2/15/2024 Dr. Ruffolo thoroughly explained my options and the consequences of each option. Excellent work. 

2/15/2024 Dr. Ruffalo is top-notch. I have every confidence in his capability. 

2/15/2024 The care and explanations. Made me feel confident and I was immediately felt confident. I’ve recommended him to numerous people. 

2/14/2024 I think Dr Ruffalo is great. He did my knee replacement & I feel confident and completely trust him 

2/13/2024 Dr Ruffolo took his time and was helpful to explain 

2/13/2024 Dr. Ruffolo made me feel very comfortable. My visit with Dr. Ruffolo was very informative and helpful. 

2/12/2024 Staff made my visit very pleasant. 

2/12/2024 Great facility providers and care 

2/12/2024 Entire visit was a very positive event. I am so glad I can switch to this doctor I really wanted to stay with WakeMed 

2/1/2024 Everything 

2/1/2024 Dr. Ruffolo and his staff were kind, friendly and excellent care providers at this visit, as they have been on every visit related to surgery two years ago. I have absolute trust in Dr. Ruffolo and every person I have encountered in the office. I feel very grateful to have been referred to Dr. Ruffolo for surgery....it was life changing for me. 

2/1/2024 I had a great visit with the doctor. And all my questions were answered. Thanks for everything. 

1/31/2024 Dr Ruffolo’s bedside manner and his concern for his patients. He is a very pleasant and likable person. 

1/29/2024 Comment Excellent and organized staff and a positive interaction with Dr Ruffolo. 

1/29/2024 I feel lucky to get in to see Dr. Ruffolo who came highly respected, regarded and recommended by my PT. I’m grateful for his time and expertise with me on my hip pain issue and the offer to do my hip replacement surgery. Everyone there is so helpful and wonderful! 

1/29/2024 Everything was good 

1/29/2024 Answered all of my questions and easy to talk to 

1/29/2024 I appreciated the doctors straightforward mannerof telling me my options. 

1/28/2024 Dr Ruffolo is a sincere, caring medical professional and I trust him with my life as I have but hips replaced. I would recommend to everyone I know. 

1/26/2024 Everyone was very polite and professional. Dr. Ruffalo performed my knee replacement and results have been promising so far . As a side note, my experience at WakeMed Cary was excellent as well. 

1/23/2024 Excellent, great explanation and interest. 

1/22/2024 Dr Ruffalo remembers details from previous visits and seems to really care. 

1/19/2024 Dr. Ruffolo is a wonderful doctor. I've recommended him to several people over the years I've been his patient. I've been very pleased with WakeMed Wake Orthopaedics-Garner and its staff as well. 

1/18/2024 He is good doctor 

1/18/2024 Dr. Ruffolo and his team have been excellent in providing exceptional care during my total knee replacement journey. His explanation of the surgery process was both informative and easy-to-understand for someone who isn’t in the medical field. His staff was attentive and provided very timely responses to messages/emails I sent. I have already recommended him to anyone who asks about my procedure. 

1/18/2024 Yes. The staff that I came in contact with acted professionally and very courteously doing my visit. 

1/16/2024 The care given is great however my problem is being addressed and it is still there so I am not done with the issue. It is going to take time and I know that so I am waiting. 

1/15/2024 The whole experience was great. Dr Ruffolo replaced both my knees and right hip. I have great mobility and am pain free. 

1/15/2024 They were very helpful in getting my needed surgery scheduled as soon as possible 

1/15/2024 All the staff were outstanding. I’m sorry I didn’t make a note of the names of the specific staff that were involved with my care, other than Dr. Ruffolo and his assistant, Ashley. 

1/14/2024 Friendly doctor and staff. Little wait and service was great. 

1/12/2024 Dr. Ruffalo’s skill and friendliness! My knee pain is gone! 

1/12/2024 Dr. Ruffolo one of the best doctors we have ever met. 

1/11/2024 Like everything from staff to physician to nurse 

1/11/2024 Dr Rufuolo was very professional as well as friendly. 

1/11/2024 Outstanding care of the patient. 

1/11/2024 Dr Ruffalo has great listening skills; was patient while I asked questions,; and compassionate while doing a knee injection. 

1/3/2024 Entire staff

12/31/2023 Receptionist was friendly and professional 

12/31/2023 I have been with Dr Ruffolo for several years. He and staff are a valuable asset to your organization. 

12/21/2023 Dr. Ruffalo is a wonderful listener, showing understanding and empathy. His surgical skills are outstanding! 

12/21/2023 I have seen several orthopedic doctors in my life and Dr. Ruffolo is by far the most helpful, personablel, and caring. I highly recommend him. Angela is one of the most dedicated people I have encountered. When she tells you she will call you back that day she will even if it is after 5:00 pm. She will not put you off she keeps her promise and calls that day!! So happy to be working with this team of professionals on my knee replacement surgery, 

12/19/2023 I feel that Dr. Ruffalo was very understanding and empathetic about the pain I be am in. 

12/18/2023 Doctor Ruffalo is just a very nice person. And he's very educated and he cares about his people 

12/18/2023 Wonderful group great care 

12/15/2023 The whole staff Receptionist,X-RAY Tec, nurse and the doctor were all great 

12/14/2023 The doctor was cute 

12/14/2023 Very helpful staff. Dr. Ruffolo is very personable and makes you feel at ease. 

12/14/2023 Dr Ruffolo is great and so is the staff. Very friendly and professional. I would definitely recommend him to whoever needs knee surgery. He is the best. 

12/14/2023 Doctor Ruffalo and his staff was and is amazing, and I was happy with the outcome of my surgery 

12/13/2023 Dr. Ruffalo is consistently great at listening, and explaining the diagnosis and offering options available for treatment. Consistently professional and courteous. The support staff responds quickly to questions and concerns 

12/5/2023 The staff were very friendly and helpful to me Dr Ruffalo were very friendly I value his comments about what is going on with me Thank you for the service that was rendered To have a wonderful bless day [NAME] 

12/4/2023 Yes Dr. M Ruffalo's honesty and concerns About having to correct other surgeons mistakes on knee replacements. 

11/24/2023 Best medical opinion Best surgery Best post op 100 percent pleased Excellent doctor and staff 

11/20/2023 Courteous knowledgeable friendly understanding of my pain 

11/16/2023 The whole process 

11/13/2023 Everyone was very good at their particular job - from the front desk to the nurse to the x-ray technician to the doctor. 

11/12/2023 The entire experience was outstanding. I was nervous going in, but was well taken care of. 

11/12/2023 A very positive experience in all levels! 

11/11/2023 Everyone was professional and knowledgeable. They made me feel comfortable and that is throughout the whole process. 

11/10/2023 the best. so glad that I found Dr. Ruffolo. 

11/9/2023 Everyone and everything.

11/9/2023 Dr Ruffelo is extremely caring and compassionate He seems to sincerely care about you problem and how best to find ways to improve pain management while working on long term resolutions He also has a very good in house support team 

11/9/2023 Covers all his bases with my complicated case. Thrilled I didn't have to see another Surgeon with Humana issue. All my medical care is at Wake Med. Choose component Choose component Drag 

11/9/2023 Dr Ruffolo and his staff were outstanding. So glad I chose Dr Ruffolo and WakeMed Orthopedics-Garner for my hip replacement surgery 

11/9/2023 Yes my doctor 

11/7/2023 Dr. Ruffolo and his staff do a good job! 

11/6/2023 Dr Ruffolo has great bedside manner. Always does a great job in the knee injections. Have very little pain afterwards. 

11/6/2023 The team worked as first class always remaining professional 

11/2/2023 Dr Ruffalo was amazing. He listens, cares, and wants what is best for his patients. My pain is much less and if it returns I will eagerly seek his assistance again. 

10/30/2023 Everyone 

10/30/2023 Yes overall cooperation between staff to achieve the goals for the patient’s health. 

10/30/2023 Always prompt when having an appointment and the staff is always helpful. Specially, I couldn’t get around too well. 

10/26/2023 Very happy with my outcome 

10/26/2023 Everyone was great! 

10/25/2023 Clean 

10/23/2023 Everyone worked as a team and I wasn't kept waiting. 

10/23/2023 Rapport with Dr Ruffolo was excellent. His involvement in my recovery has been very helpful. 

10/22/2023 Found the over all service to be good 

10/22/2023 The attention given to patients 

10/19/2023 Staff polite…appointment timely 

10/16/2023 Kept up to date on all facets of before and after surgery. 

10/12/2023 I wish I would have written down questions to ask. Because I really feel like I need a Handicap sticker and I wanted to ask Dr Ruffolo about it. He is an excellent Doctor. I still have some recovery to do and He explained to me what I need to do. 

10/1/2023 MD Ruffolo is outstanding, he performed a []when others, especially the original surgeon turned me away. 2.5 years of painful left knee that was not adhered/bonded to the bones, MD Ruffolo recognized right away that my knee could not continue as it was, I felt the difference the day after surgery when I walked with a Walker to the bathroom and back and had no bone pain, only soft tissue pain which is resolving well. 

10/1/2023 Dr. Ruffolo took time to explain my upcoming procedure and his staff was very helpful. 

9/29/2023 Dr. Ruffalo is an excellent doctor who understands my fears and needs. 

9/28/2023 Dr. Ruffolo is an outstanding physician 

9/28/2023 Service was outstanding 

9/28/2023 I can't say enough to express the outstanding care I have been given with the Rt and lt knee surgery I had.I so appreciate Dr.Ruffolo and his staff.I never felt unimportant,each concern was addressed ,and completed thus speeding up my recovery. To say EXCELLANT would not describe the care recieved. From the 1st person I encountered until the last interaction I am pleased. I would most definitely advise ppl to go to this facility and ,this is where the BEST of the Best are! 

9/28/2023 Love Dr. R. and Dr. [] as well. They’re a great facility and I’d recommend them without reservation. 

9/27/2023 Simplicity, availability, professionalism 

9/25/2023 They were prepared and had my shot ready before I even was in the examination room. 

9/24/2023 The registration assistant was knowledgeable and friendly. The male nurse was interested and asked the appropriate questions. The X/R staff heloed me o to the X/R table. Dr Ruffalo did an outstanding job. My whole hip experience was first class. 

9/24/2023 Dr Ruffalo has been my surgeon for many years now and he's courteous kind very friendly his staff is helpful and nice 

9/22/2023 Dr Ruffalo made us feel comfortable and confident in his ability 

9/22/2023 Dr Ruffaloe Choose component 

9/20/2023 Dr. Ruffolo is an outstanding doctor. He is very kind and attentive to his patients. Very blessed to have a doctor that really cares about his patients. 

9/18/2023 The entire staff are excellent. 

9/18/2023 No everything was excellent 

9/18/2023 Dr Ruffolo and his team are outstanding 

9/17/2023 Such a superior experience compared to the unprofessionalism exhibited by my hometown network. 

9/14/2023 Doctor Rafael It's very intelligent and understand it is concerned about the outcome for his patients so that they may Maintain A healthy and normal life to their specific Needs I am so glad that doctor Ruffalo Is my physician. 

9/14/2023 Very pleased with Dr Ruffulo and his stafffrom beginning assessment for a need total knee replacement, surgery and follow up. 

9/14/2023 Ruffolo and his staff were amazing. Caring and thorough 

9/12/2023 Dr. Ruffalo is pleasant informative and very knowledgeable. 

9/12/2023 Dr. Ruffalo taking my knee pain seriously and having X-rays taken. 

9/5/2023 Everyone was helpful and caring 

9/4/2023 Dr Rufulo is always so kind and never hurts me with my injections! He has really improved my ability to be active! He’s the best! I have already recommended him and wake med ortho many times. Thanks for caring!❤️

4/28/2023 Dr. Ruffalo is consistent in his professional and personable manner. He listens extremely well and is thorough in explaining his diagnosis, and if necessary any options or alternatives a patient has.

4/28/2023 Yes the staff and Dr. Ruffolo

4/26/2023 I feel very confident in Dr Ruffalo - I have no issues

4/25/2023 Dr Ruffalo is so very caring and skilled. Thank you!

4/24/2023 Everyone were friendly and seemed very concerned about your care.

4/23/2023 Professional,through,concerned,knowledgeable.

4/20/2023 Excellent…quite pleased Awesome doctor Awesome staff

4/18/2023 Professionalism, patience and interest in my wellbeing.

4/17/2023 Everything as usual was outstanding.

4/16/2023 Dr Ruffolo is always very friendly and warm, as is the staff. I appreciate his skills as a surgeon and his bedside manner!

4/13/2023 Everything is great here

4/3/2023 I thought all exams, classes and correspondence leading up to the operation were excellent.

4/3/2023 Dr. Ruffalo and his office manager Lisa was wonderful. They really care about their pt and families. They went above and beyond with my care.

4/3/2023 Everyone is very helpful

4/3/2023 Dr. Ruffolo is a very caring physician.

3/31/2023 The Staff and my Doctor are GREAT! I do feel cared for when I visit his office.

3/31/2023 The visit was excellent

3/31/2023 Dr Ruffolo was very nice and explained everything to me.

3/27/2023 I really like Dr. Rufflo and the apex facility. Very convenient.

3/23/2023 The Care and attention I received was very great. I am happy that I chose to this facility !

3/22/2023 The concern for my recovering!

3/21/2023 Very efficient staff and Dr. Ruffolo is the best

3/19/2023 Sincere caring of my outcome and recognition of my feelings

3/16/2023 I can not remember the ladies at the front desk…but they were phonmenial

3/13/2023 the group is very professional Dr Ruffolo listens and provides next steps my appointment time was respected and I was taken care of right away

3/13/2023 Overall cooperation between staff

3/10/2023 Dr. Ruffalo is WOW awesome

3/9/2023 Doctor was friendly and informative. I feel confident in my choice with Wake Med.

3/7/2023 Dr. Ruffolo is a fantastic doctor. He’s personable and a great listener. His assistant Ashley is also personable and very helpful. My overall experience has been wonderful and I’ve already passed along his name to others.

3/7/2023 Dr. Ruffolo, is my go to person for my knee….He takes the time to explain everything to me.

3/6/2023 Everyone was very friendly and professional.

3/3/2023 I was wrong about my appointment time, but they accommodated me anyway.

3/2/2023 Dr. Ruffalo was terrific. Took the time to explain, answer questions and remained focused on our discussions.

3/2/2023 Dr.Ruffolo is the best orthopedic I've ever seen. He did a wonderful job on my knee that was horrible shape. I've come a long way thanks to Dr. Ruffolo

2/27/2023 Cannot do more than be outstanding!

2/27/2023 Dr Ruffolo and staff are concerned and are interested in the patient using the upmost care. I have recommended him and I will continue.

2/27/2023 Dr. Ruffalo is one of the most caring, understanding and attentive doctors I've ever had!

2/26/2023 Dr. Ruffalo provided excellent care throughout the process of 2 total knee replacement surgeries. The staff I saw at both the Kildaire Cary and Hwy 70 Garner facilities were always friendly, professional, kind, and helpful. From front desk, xray technicians, nurses, physical therapists, and Dr. Ruffalo, I always received excellent personal care.

2/23/2023 I really like Dr Ruffalo

2/22/2023 The appts are on time. No long wait time.

2/20/2023 Everything was outstanding

2/19/2023 Everything was very well organized so very little waiting on tests and doctor.

2/13/2023 Dr Ruffolo and team were great! He's very polite and professional. My wife and I were very comfortable with my pre op appointment.

2/10/2023 The the visit was outstanding.

2/9/2023 Dr Ruffalo is a kind and patient Dr. He thoroughly explains procedures, gives the patient time to ask questions and really makes you feel comfortable during a visit. I would highly recommend him to anyone.

2/2/2023 Great response and patience with everyone I interacted with. All questions were answered. The doctor, technicians, front desk all were outstanding. Great staff.

2/2/2023 Very efficient, non-rushed and informative. Actually, the whole process was outstanding...

2/2/2023 Just the great care.

1/30/2023 Everything was good

1/30/2023 His time and caring manner v

1/30/2023 Nursing staff was the best I’ve ever experienced! Luba for my op prep, Lisa for my pre op information, the best!

1/26/2023 Everything ran like clockwork-- check-in, nurse, x-rays, doctor, check-out. Everyone was very friendly and caring. I never felt rushed and Dr. Ruffolo took the time to have a conversation, not just tell me what to do. I understand why I read and was told how good he was.

1/26/2023 He has a way of listening to the patient that is assuring.

1/23/2023 I, did not have to wait all long time before I was called to be seen.

1/23/2023 Dr Ruffolo is top notch, a consummate pro, and I would highly recommend him for total knee replacement. Thank you for making me better!

1/23/2023 My entire visit was wonderful and I was seen quickly. My doctor was outstanding. He remembers you and is very kind as well as the whole staff. He has done wonders for my pain in my knees. I have already recommended him to many of my friends. Better than Raleigh Orthopedics all day long. Thank you wake Med and especially Dr Rufulo.??

1/22/2023 OVERALL COORDINATION OF CARE IS SUPERB. THIS INCLUDES LISTENING TO THE PATIENT’S CONCERNS, DEVELOPING A TREATMENT PLAN WITH THE PATIENT, AND THEN ALL OF THE NECESSARY SCHEDULING TO ACHIEVE ALL PARTS OF THE TREATMENT PLAN.

1/16/2023 My entire visit was very calm peaceful. Very relaxing Zen Like. I really enjoy my visits to the office. Every one is very kind. Helpful, They will go out of their way to help anyone. ??

1/15/2023 Very good coordination between various related departments

1/13/2023 Every visit with Dr. Ruffolo is outstanding. Him and his staff provide the best care that I have ever experienced.

1/12/2023 SUPERB experience! Dr Ruffolo is The Man!!

1/12/2023 No complaints, everyone was friendly, informative and efficient. I have dealt with other orthopaedics practices and by far, this group is the best that I have been a patient of.

1/7/2023 Hardly any wait time, but I didn't feel rushed at all!

1/4/2023 The whole visit was very good. Everyone was highly competent and took their time with me. I felt that I was listened to and that Dr Ruffalo and staff care about my well-being.

1/2/2023 Everything

1/1/2023 The concern and explanation of my up coming surgery that Dr Ruffolo shared was very informative