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UF Health University of Florida
Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Florida College of Medicine
New Appointments (352) 273-6990
Patients Overview

Patient Testimonials
UF Pediatric Neurosurgery

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  • “I’d highly recommend Dr. Governale. He was very informed, and showed genuine concern for our daughter. He was incredibly friendly and funny. He eased our nerves, and made us feel completely confident in him. “
  • “Dr. Blatt is awesome! My son loves him and appreciates the way he talks directly to him about his condition and treatments. We could not ask for a better doctor!”
  • “Dr. Governale successfully removed two brain tumors. To say that this was a terrifying experience would be an understatement. Dr. Governale was patient, understanding, compassionate and answered our questions, often the same question more than once, and he never got impatient. I feel that we could not have asked for a better doctor and he was without question an answer to prayer! I highly recommend him!!!”
  • “Dr. Blatt is amazing. Great at explaining where our daughter is and in-depth about her diagnosis.”
  • “I had to have brain surgery about a month ago. I work at a hospital and I have a health science major so I am always very picky about who is treating me and I always have a ton of questions. Dr. Governale was extremely kind and patient (also knowledgeable) when it came to me asking questions. He saved my life and the surgery went better than imagined. I am forever grateful for his efforts and his kindness. I highly, highly recommend him.”
  • “Dr Jason Blatt is a top shelf person and surgeon. Very down to earth. He truly cares about his patients.”
  • “Our son was born @ UF Health needing 2 brain surgeries in the first week of his life and had another within the first 3 months of his life. We have been blown away by Dr. Governale. He has exceeded all of our expectations. His bed side manners are incredible and beyond what we ever imagined; we feel as though he treats our son and us as a friend. Along our journey, he has patiently comforted us and answered any questions each step of the way! Honestly, Dr. Governale has been an answered prayer, and we call ourselves blessed to be in his care!”
  • “Excellent experience. Dr. Blatt took time to explain everything to me and my family. Great surgeon.”
  • “Our son (16) was emergently brought to Children’s Hospital needing a tumor removed and hydrocephalus from the obstruction of the tumor. We were led every step of the way on what to expect and what our options were. The outcome is amazing and our son is home and getting stronger every day! Thank you!!”
  • “Every person was incredibly sensitive and caring. Extremely helpful.”
  • “I just wanted to thank Dr. Blatt again for looking into my daughter. You have lifted a big weight off of my shoulders as I was worried about what her life may hold. I appreciate you and your staff listening and taking care of things for me. I wish there were a lot more doctors like you in the world. Thank you for being a doctor and all you do for people.”
  • “No wait time. Was actually early, but taken right in. Was amazed. Thanks.”
  • “Dr. Governale took the time to explain my condition and what to expect.”
  • “Dr. Blatt is always friendly and concerned about my son and his wellbeing.”
  • “Dr. Governale was amazing. We didn’t have any questions afterwards and left the office feeling confident.”
  • “Today marks two years that Dr. Blatt saved my daughter’s life, there really aren’t words. A simple thank you really isn’t enough, she is doing fantastic with a few limitations which is fine… she’s here. You will always hold a special place in our hearts. Thank you so much for what you did for our family.”
  • “You made a very difficult situation one I’ll fondly remember for the rest of my life! We are truly thankful for the excellent care at UF and finding you!”
  • “Will recommend friends to Dr. Blatt.”
  • “Dr. Governale and Dr. Ching both make us feel very comfortable with our child in their care.  They are knowledgeable, professional, and personable.”
  • “Talked about the situation, listened to our frustration of wishing we knew years ago, and even followed up on college choices and future job stuff.  AMAZING provider.”
  • “Dr. Governale went above and beyond in caring for my family.”
  • “Dr. Blatt is the best.”
  • “Dr. Governale and the staff have been great throughout my child’s issues. It’s been over a year and I have no complaints. Thank you!”
  • “Dr. Blatt was well informed of my child’s recent seizures as well as her visit with peds surgery.  I am always impressed when a doctor takes the time to be prepared to see my child before coming in for her visit.  I value the fact that Dr. Blatt considers me an expert on my child and addresses any concerns I have.  I also value that he is a team player and is willing to help our daughter in whatever ways he can.”
  • “Dr. Governale is very kind and patient. He answered all of our questions and helped us with our concerns.”
  • “Dr. Blatt is fantastic, phenomenal bedside manner.”
  • “Dr. Governale was tremendous! There are not enough positive adjectives to describe his interactions!”
  • “Absolutely pleased with Dr. Blatt.”
  • “To find a doctor as knowledgeable and informative as Dr. Governale was an extreme blessing.
    We are extremely lucky to have Dr. Governale as our provider.”
  • “Would recommend to everyone.”
  • “We love the whole team.”
  • “Dr. Governale was wonderful”
  • “Dr. Blatt is one in a million.”
  • “Dr. Governale, thanks so much for everything you’ve done for me!  Getting my surgery was the best graduation present I could’ve asked for!”
  • “Dr. Blatt has been amazing with my daughter. Always making sure to answer any questions she has. He even made sure her stuffy was well taken care of during surgery.”
  • “Dr. Governale, I cannot thank you enough for being the most caring, understanding, and professional doctor that you are.”
  • “Love love love Dr. Blatt. You won’t find another surgeon with a better bedside manner.”
  • “Dr. Governale, you are truly a blessing.  I’m so thankful for what you have done for my daughter.  You are the best!”
  • “Dr. Blatt, our family can’t thank you and your team enough for the attention, care and outcome for my child yesterday. We are all in awe of the expertise of you and your group and we will be forever grateful.”
  • “Thank you for everything, Dr. Governale!!  I hope your blessed hands continue to save children.  May God always give you good instincts to make the right decisions.”
  • “On a personal note we are very thankful for Dr. Blatt having taken exceptional care of our child. His always being available for consultation has been a great comfort to us. We sincerely want to thank him for his support.”
  • “Dr. Governale is a very special kind of doctor, and we are thankful that he’s taking care of our girl!”
  • “Dr. Blatt & Team: We would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You gave us our son back. In our darkest times we had faith in you & in God. May God bless you & your team every day. You are all miracle workers. To the world you are a doctor. To us you are our HERO. Thank you.”
  • “Dr. Governale and his PA were great.  They instilled tremendous confidence in us, so we decided to trust them to do our son’s brain surgery.  The confidence came from the doctor’s credentials, explanation of the problem and surgery, and the manner in which he dealt with us.  Very important to feel comfortable and confident in the person that is going to operate on your child.”
  • “A letter can never convey the gratitude I have for Dr. Blatt and his team. The smile I see on a daily basis here is thanks to you.  You not only did neurosurgery but you took excellent care of my kid as if she were yours. I could see in your eyes the true care and understanding of the grave situation. You are a blessed human. God gave you a talent and a gift. You saw my fear and concern and always approached the situation with great care. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do.”
  • “I cannot overstate how wonderful it is to be cared for by such a compassionate and competent physician.  We are very fortunate to have Dr. Governale in Florida.”
  • “Dr. Jason Blatt…my family is forever grateful to him.  Our now six year old son had a brain tumor (medulloblastoma) last year and Dr. Blatt performed his surgery to remove the tumor.  He has since been through chemo and a stem cell transplant and is doing very well now.  His outcome could have been much different if he hadn’t had such a successful surgery. Thank you so very much.”
  • “Drs. Governale and Ching work really well together and that really provided me a great sense of peace throughout my son’s care.  Please keep your wonderful professionalism and bedside manner because it is a lost art in many places.”
  • “Dr. Blatt is a very patient and kind doctor.  He remembered my situation and explained what happened to me.  He took his time to answer all my concerns and explained my next procedure.  I love my Doctor.  He is part of the team that saved my life.  So grateful.”
  • “We wanted to take the time to say thank you and compliment Dr. Governale.  We have dealt with many providers and have rarely offered any compliments.  However, we sincerely appreciate Dr. Governale’s bedside manner and the visit we had today.  We felt as though all of our concerns were heard and that we were treated exceptionally well.”
  • “Dr. Blatt is a compassionate and amazing doctor.  One of the best doctors we have ever met.”
  • “Dr. Governale, we are so thankful to you, Dr. Ching, and your amazing team for the love, care, and well being of our son.  Thank you for using your gifts to bless us and so many.  We are praying for you and appreciate everything!”
  • “Dr. Blatt and his team did an awesome job on me. Thank God for Dr. Blatt!”
  • “Thank you for performing surgery on me.  You saved my life.  Thank you.”
  • “I would just like to say that this man, Dr. Governale, is absolutely amazing along with his staff at UF Shands.  I did a lot of research before finding this man.  In fact we were referred to someone in Orlando whom we met with three times.  After doing research on the doctor in Orlando, there were some not so good reviews along with some good reviews.  Neurosurgery on anyone, let alone a child, is incredibly scary and could be life-threatening.  I did extensive research and found Dr. Lance Governale.  He is absolutely amazing.  Beautiful bedside manner.  I had to trust him with shaving the bone around my daughter’s brain.  I had to trust him with her life.  I was in shambles and couldn’t breathe the whole time she was in surgery (hours).  I was so terrified of the what ifs…  He did such a good job with my ray of sunshine.  I will forever be thankful, and there’s no way to repay him for the kind hand he had with her.  I just want everyone to know what an amazing neurosurgeon he is and what an exceptional team he has.  May God always bless you Lance Governale.”

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Appointments/Referrals

At UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, every child diagnosed with a condition requiring neurosurgical expertise is cared for with an individualized treatment plan. We see patients within just a few days for non-emergency cases and within 24 hours for urgent cases.

Phone Numbers

  • New Patient Appointments
    352-273-6990
  • Main Office
    352-273-9000