The Medical Opinion Marketplace

Dr. Duane Bryant is a board-qualified ophthalmology physician with decades of experience caring for patients with a wide range of eye conditions. He completed his medical education at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and has built a longstanding practice focused on preserving and restoring vision through thorough evaluation, evidence-based treatment, and patient-centered care. Dr. Bryant’s clinical interests include glaucoma-related care and retinal disease, and he works with patients to develop individualized plans that align with their diagnosis, visual goals, and overall health. He is affiliated with Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego and is associated with Castillejos Eye Institute in Chula Vista. Known for clear communication and careful attention to detail, Dr. Bryant supports patients across the spectrum of ophthalmic needs, from routine eye concerns to more complex conditions requiring ongoing monitoring. In addition to English, he speaks Spanish and French, helping him connect with a diverse patient community. Telehealth appointments are also available for appropriate visits, offering added flexibility and access to care.

Dr. Steven M. Wachs is a Doctor of Chiropractic who provides conservative, non-surgical care for musculoskeletal conditions. He focuses on evaluating and treating chronic neck and low back pain, as well as rehabilitation following injury or accident, including motor vehicle accidents and work-related injuries. His approach emphasizes restoring function, reducing pain, and supporting a safe return to daily activities through individualized care plans. Dr. Wachs incorporates therapeutic modalities as appropriate, including cold laser therapy (low-level laser therapy) as part of comprehensive care. He is also a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP), reflecting additional training in the evaluation and management of sports and activity-related injuries. In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Wachs is listed as a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) and Independent Medical Evaluator (IME), providing impairment and disability-related evaluations when indicated. He is an active member of the Pacific Coast Injury Group, a professional referral network in the San Diego region, and has contributed professional writing as an author published in Dynamic Chiropractic. Dr. Wachs offers care in both English and Spanish.

Jackie Reardon, D.O., is a board-certified emergency medicine physician who provides hospital-based emergency care at Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista and also serves patients at Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego. She is trained to evaluate and treat a wide range of urgent and emergent conditions, with a focus on timely assessment, stabilization, and coordinated care for adults in the emergency department setting. Dr. Reardon earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed an internship in family medicine at a Naval Hospital and went on to complete residency training in emergency medicine at Naval Medical Center San Diego. Her osteopathic background supports a whole-person approach to care, emphasizing careful clinical evaluation, clear communication, and patient-centered decision-making during high-acuity situations. She is board certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine and practices in English. In the emergency department, Dr. Reardon works closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure patients receive appropriate testing, treatment, and follow-up recommendations, with attention to safety, efficiency, and compassionate care.

Dr. Ujjala K. Moolani is a nephrology physician who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of adult kidney and electrolyte disorders. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology through the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Moolani earned her medical degree from Dow Medical College, completed an Internal Medicine residency at Beaumont Health (William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak), and went on to complete fellowship training in Nephrology at the University of California, San Diego. In clinical practice, Dr. Moolani provides comprehensive kidney care, including assessment of chronic kidney disease, hypertension with kidney involvement, fluid and electrolyte abnormalities, and other complex renal conditions. She emphasizes careful diagnostic evaluation, evidence-based management, and clear communication so patients understand their condition and treatment options. She sees adult patients for in-person visits. Dr. Moolani is affiliated with Mercy Physicians Medical Group and practices within the Scripps system, with hospital affiliations that include Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista, Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego, and Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. She also holds a hospital affiliation with Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center. Dr. Moolani speaks English, Hindi, and Urdu.

Abhilasha Tyagi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist who diagnoses and treats a wide range of conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. A San Diego native, Dr. Tyagi is committed to delivering thoughtful, patient-centered dermatologic care to her home community. Dr. Tyagi completed a joint baccalaureate and medical doctorate program at the University of Southern California, where she earned her MD. She then completed an internal medicine internship at Kaiser Los Angeles Medical Center, followed by dermatology specialty training at the University of California, Irvine. Her broad medical foundation and advanced dermatology training support a comprehensive approach to evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment planning. In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Tyagi is recognized as a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) in Dermatology through California’s Department of Industrial Relations. She brings a careful, evidence-based perspective to patient care, with attention to both medical and quality-of-life concerns, and strives to help patients understand their condition and treatment options clearly.

Gabriel G. Katz, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist providing comprehensive outpatient psychiatric care. He earned his medical degree from the University of California, Davis School of Medicine and completed postgraduate training at New York Medical College, including an internal medicine internship followed by a psychiatry residency. Dr. Katz further specialized through fellowship training in Psychosomatic Medicine at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, with an emphasis on the interface of medical illness and mental health. In his clinical practice, Dr. Katz offers both psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, tailoring treatment to each individual’s goals, symptoms, and life context. He works with adults across a range of concerns, including ADHD/ADD, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders. His approach integrates careful diagnostic evaluation, evidence-based treatment planning, and collaborative, ongoing follow-up to support sustained improvement and overall well-being. Licensed to practice in California and New York, Dr. Katz is committed to thoughtful, patient-centered care that emphasizes empathy, clarity, and practical strategies for recovery.

Elion Brace, MD, is an internal medicine physician who provides comprehensive adult primary care with an emphasis on prevention, long-term wellness, and the management of chronic and complex medical conditions. He is board certified in internal medicine and is affiliated with Sharp Community Medical Group. Dr. Brace partners with patients to address everyday health concerns, coordinate care across specialties when needed, and support informed decision-making through clear communication and individualized treatment plans. Dr. Brace earned his medical degree from the University of Tirana in Albania and completed his internship and residency training at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center in New York. He cares for patients in the Chula Vista area and is affiliated with Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center. Fluent in English and Spanish, Dr. Brace welcomes the opportunity to serve a diverse community and strives to make care accessible and culturally responsive. He chose a career in medicine to have a meaningful, positive impact on people’s health and lives. Outside of work, he enjoys beach walks, hiking, and short trips around San Diego.

Paul Schalch, M.D., is a California-licensed otolaryngology (ENT) physician providing comprehensive care for conditions of the ear, nose, throat, and related head and neck structures. He is board certified in otolaryngology and is also described in clinical profiles as double board-certified with a focus in sleep medicine. Dr. Schalch earned his medical degree from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) School of Medicine and completed residency training in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery at UC Irvine. He has used the professional designation Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). In practice, Dr. Schalch evaluates and treats a wide range of ENT concerns, with particular emphasis on breathing and sleep-related disorders. His clinical interests include the assessment of nasal obstruction and sinus conditions as well as obstructive sleep apnea, offering both surgical and non-surgical approaches when appropriate. He is known for a patient-centered, detail-oriented style that emphasizes careful diagnosis, individualized treatment planning, and collaboration with patients to support long-term symptom relief and quality of life. He is fluent in Spanish and German.

Samantha E. Nusbaum, OT, is an Occupational Therapist in San Diego, California. She provides patient-centered occupational therapy services focused on helping individuals improve functional independence and quality of life through meaningful, goal-directed activities. Her clinical approach emphasizes practical strategies that support performance in daily routines, promote safe participation at home and in the community, and address each patient’s unique priorities. In addition to clinical practice, Ms. Nusbaum has professional experience that blends an occupational therapy background with work in clinical research operations as a Clinical Research Associate. This experience includes familiarity with Good Clinical Practice principles and coordination activities such as site-level processes and regulatory and data oversight. Her combined perspective supports an evidence-informed mindset and a strong appreciation for outcomes, documentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Ms. Nusbaum’s professional interests include neurorehabilitation and stroke recovery, along with emerging themes in rehabilitation technology. She communicates in English and strives to create a supportive environment where patients and families feel heard, engaged, and empowered throughout the rehabilitation process.

Joseph R. Carney, MD, is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in orthopaedic sports medicine. He focuses on the evaluation and treatment of sports-related injuries involving the shoulder, knee, and hip, and also cares for patients with traumatic fractures. Dr. Carney earned his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine and completed an orthopaedic surgery residency at Naval Medical Center San Diego. He pursued additional subspecialty training through a sports medicine fellowship at Kaiser Foundation Hospital in San Diego. Before joining Kaiser Permanente San Diego Orthopedics, Dr. Carney served on active duty in the U.S. Navy as an orthopaedic surgeon. During his military career, he held leadership and teaching roles, including helping run an orthopaedic residency program and serving as a team orthopaedic surgeon for San Diego-based Naval Special Warfare teams. Dr. Carney is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in Orthopaedic Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. He is a faculty member in the Kaiser Permanente San Diego Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship and maintains active involvement in professional organizations including the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and the California Orthopaedic Association. His clinical interests include youth sports injury prevention.