The Medical Opinion Marketplace

Jennifer L. Vanderbeck, MD, is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and elbow care. She provides comprehensive treatment for a wide range of conditions, with a subspecialty focus that includes arthroscopic procedures, shoulder and elbow joint replacement, and complex reconstruction. Dr. Vanderbeck is known for pairing advanced surgical expertise with individualized care plans to help patients return to work, sport, and daily activities. Dr. Vanderbeck earned her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College (Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University). She completed orthopaedic surgery residency training at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital through the Rothman Institute program, followed by fellowship training in shoulder and elbow surgery at the Rothman Institute. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Vanderbeck serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and is Medical Director for orthopaedics at VCU Health’s Short Pump Pavilion. Her research interests include innovative techniques for shoulder and elbow reconstruction and studying the impact of shoulder surgery on sleep. She is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, with membership in leading shoulder and elbow specialty societies.

Dr. James B. Wade is a clinical psychologist with specialized expertise in consultation-liaison psychiatry and clinical neuropsychology. He provides comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological services for patients with complex medical conditions, integrating assessment and evidence-based treatment to support both cognitive and emotional health. His clinical interests include chronic pain care, neuropsychological assessment, and individual and group therapy. Dr. Wade is board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology in Clinical Neuropsychology. He also serves as a Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology, reflecting his commitment to clinical care, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration within an academic medical center. His training includes a clinical internship at Erie County Medical Center and fellowship training at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. In addition, his educational background includes a post-graduate degree listed as Chicago Medical School. Dr. Wade has contributed to scholarly work in areas such as neurocognitive impairment associated with chronic liver disease, including hepatic encephalopathy. He is also experienced in professional education related to expert witness testimony and frequently provides expert witness testimony in civil proceedings.

Alan Towne, MD, is a neurologist with a clinical and academic focus in epilepsy. He serves as a Professor in the Department of Neurology, Division of Epilepsy, at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, where he contributes to patient care, teaching, and scholarship. Dr. Towne is also affiliated with the Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center and provides leadership as Director of the Northeast Epilepsy Center of Excellence in Richmond. In addition, he serves in a national role as Clinical Research Chair for the Department of Veterans Affairs Epilepsy Centers of Excellence. Dr. Towne’s research and clinical interests include epilepsy and seizure disorders, headache, and brain trauma, with particular attention to the evaluation and management of seizures and status epilepticus and the use of anticonvulsant therapies. He is board certified in neurology. His training includes a Bachelor of Arts from Hobart & William Smith Colleges, a medical degree, and a Master of Public Health from Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Towne is professionally involved with organizations such as the American Academy of Neurology, the American Epilepsy Society, and the American Headache Society.

Keyhill Sheorn, MD, is a psychiatrist specializing in outpatient care, with a clinical focus on the diagnosis and long-term treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia, where she is actively involved in education and clinical training. Dr. Sheorn serves as Director of Psychotherapy Training and Director of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Training, supporting the development of physicians’ skills in diagnostic interviewing, the mental status examination, psychodynamic psychotherapy, object relations, human psychological development, and group therapy. Her approach is informed by advanced training in psychodynamic psychotherapy through the Washington School of Psychiatry in Washington, D.C. In addition to clinical and academic work, Dr. Sheorn provides independent medical evaluations, record reviews, consultations, and expert witness services, offering objective psychiatric expertise when needed. She has also held leadership roles within professional organizations, including serving as President of the Virginia Psychoanalytic Society. Dr. Sheorn is a member of national medical organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association and the American Medical Association.

Richard D. Kunz, MD, is a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician focused on helping individuals recover function and independence after serious illness or injury. He serves as Chief Medical Officer of Sheltering Arms Institute in Richmond, where he helps guide clinical quality, patient safety, and the delivery of comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation services. Dr. Kunz is also an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and is listed with VCU Health. Board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dr. Kunz completed his medical degree at Virginia Commonwealth University, followed by postgraduate training in internal medicine and residency training in physical medicine and rehabilitation. His clinical interests include neurorehabilitation, with particular attention to traumatic brain injury and complex recovery needs. Dr. Kunz is active in advancing the field through research and collaborative studies, including serving as a site co–principal investigator on the NIH multicenter CARE4TBI study. He has contributed to publications in neurorehabilitation and traumatic brain injury–related areas and is a member of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

James L. Levenson, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adult psychiatry with a clinical focus on psychiatric consultation and consultation-liaison psychiatry, also known as psychosomatic medicine. He is experienced in evaluating and treating psychiatric disorders in medically ill patients, helping individuals and their care teams address the complex interactions between medical conditions, treatments, and mental health. Dr. Levenson’s work frequently involves supporting patients coping with serious illness, hospitalization, and recovery, and collaborating closely with medical and surgical teams to optimize both psychiatric and overall clinical outcomes. Dr. Levenson serves as a Professor at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine with academic appointments spanning Psychiatry, Medicine, and Surgery. He has held leadership roles within consultation-liaison psychiatry, reflecting a longstanding commitment to advancing integrated, hospital-based mental health care. In addition to his clinical and administrative contributions, he has a strong record of scholarly work in psychosomatic medicine, including publications on depression in medically ill populations and psychiatric consultation for general medical inpatients. He is also recognized for his dedication to education and mentorship for medical students, residents, and fellows.

William C. Walker, MD, is a physician specializing in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at VCU Health in Richmond, Virginia. He earned his medical degree from the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine and completed residency training in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at VCU Medical Center. Dr. Walker is a Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the VCU/Medical College of Virginia (MCV) School of Medicine and serves in key leadership roles supporting patient care and program development, including Associate Chair of Clinical Care and Medical Director of outpatient traumatic brain injury (TBI) programs. He also serves as Medical Director of the VCU Health Concussion Care Clinic and Brain Injury Rehabilitation Services. Dr. Walker’s clinical and research interests focus on concussion and the effects of repeated concussion, with a particular emphasis on outcomes among U.S. veterans and service members. He has led and contributed to multicenter, longitudinal research initiatives in this area and has published on TBI-related motor impairment in collaboration with regional VA and academic partners. Through his clinical work, academic leadership, and research, Dr. Walker is dedicated to advancing rehabilitation care for individuals living with concussion and traumatic brain injury.

William Benson, M.D., is an ophthalmology physician with VCU Health and a Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the VCU School of Medicine, where he is also recognized as an Eminent Scholar. He earned his medical degree from the West Virginia University School of Medicine. He completed an internship at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, followed by an ophthalmology residency at West Virginia University School of Medicine, and advanced fellowship training at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. Dr. Benson’s clinical interests include corneal diseases, ocular inflammation, cataracts, and refractive surgery. His work reflects a commitment to comprehensive eye care that integrates careful evaluation with individualized treatment planning, particularly for patients with complex corneal and inflammatory conditions. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Benson contributes to medical education and professional development, including serving in a leadership role for ophthalmology continuing medical education activities. He has also been recognized among VCU Health’s Richmond Top Docs in Ophthalmology and Ophthalmologic Surgery. His hospital affiliations include VCU Health Center and MCV Hospital and Physicians, the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Richmond, and additional regional surgical and hospital facilities.

James P. McGowan, MD, is a physician in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with VCU Health’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He provides comprehensive rehabilitative care for patients with a wide range of neurologic and musculoskeletal conditions, with an emphasis on restoring function, improving mobility, and supporting independence across the continuum of recovery. Dr. McGowan’s clinical interests include neuromuscular diseases and disorders, electromyography (EMG), and general rehabilitation. He also focuses on the rehabilitation needs of individuals recovering from brain injury and spinal cord injury, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized treatment plans. In addition, he has an interest in prosthetics and orthotics, helping patients optimize gait, safety, comfort, and functional performance through appropriate device selection and training. Dr. McGowan earned his medical degree from the VCU School of Medicine. He completed an internship at Roanoke Memorial Hospital and went on to complete his residency training at VCU Medical Center. His approach integrates diagnostic evaluation with patient-centered rehabilitation strategies tailored to each person’s goals and daily activities.

N. Douglas Boardman, MD, is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in adult reconstructive orthopedics, with a clinical focus on joint replacement and reconstruction. He serves as a Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine and provides patient care through VCU Health in Richmond, Virginia. Dr. Boardman’s clinical interests include hip and knee reconstructive surgery, and his professional interests also encompass shoulder and elbow conditions. He is board certified in Orthopaedic Surgery by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He earned his medical degree from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and completed residency training in Orthopaedic Surgery at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). He then pursued fellowship training in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedics at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Boardman has contributed to orthopaedic research with publications indexed in PubMed, reflecting engagement with topics spanning operative care and musculoskeletal conditions.