The Medical Opinion Marketplace

Richard Fischer, M.D., is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and elbow conditions, sports medicine, and general orthopedics. He brings decades of clinical experience to the evaluation and treatment of both acute injuries and chronic musculoskeletal problems, with an emphasis on helping patients return to activity safely and efficiently. Dr. Fischer completed an internship at the University of Arizona and pursued advanced fellowship training in shoulder surgery at The New York Orthopaedic Hospital at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. His commitment to education and mentorship has been recognized with multiple teaching honors, including being named Teacher of the Year by Mount Carmel Health System’s Department of Orthopaedics and earning Teacher of the Year recognition twice within The Ohio State University’s Division of Orthopaedic Surgery. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Ohio State Medical Association. Dr. Fischer has contributed to orthopaedic textbooks, including work on rotator cuff disorder evaluation and treatment, and he has been recognized for sports medicine research, as well as serving as an orthopaedic surgery consultant for the Arnold Classic. He sees patients in Hilliard and Grove City and performs surgery at Mount Carmel East Hospital and Mount Carmel Grove City Hospital.

Robert A. Durbin, MD, is a physician specializing in orthopaedic surgery. His clinical work has included general orthopedics, with experience evaluating and treating a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions affecting bones, joints, and soft tissues. He has been affiliated with Orthopedic ONE in Columbus, Ohio, where he cared for patients through a comprehensive orthopaedic practice environment. Dr. Durbin is also listed as an orthopaedic alumni with a fellowship or specialty focus in pediatric orthopaedics, reflecting additional training and interest in the musculoskeletal needs of children and adolescents. This background supports a thoughtful approach to orthopaedic care across different ages and activity levels. He has announced retirement from clinical practice. Patients previously under his care may continue their orthopaedic treatment within the Orthopedic ONE practice, helping ensure continuity and coordination of ongoing care. Dr. Durbin is an M.D. and has held medical licensure in Ohio.

Dennis J. Taylor, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon in Columbus, Ohio, affiliated with Orthopedic ONE. He provides comprehensive musculoskeletal care, with clinical interests that include shoulder and knee arthroscopy as well as total knee and total shoulder replacement. Dr. Taylor’s approach emphasizes careful evaluation, clear communication, and individualized treatment plans that range from nonoperative options to advanced surgical solutions when appropriate. Dr. Taylor earned his medical degree from Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine and completed internship training followed by an orthopaedic surgery residency at Mount Carmel Health System. He maintains hospital affiliations with Mt. Carmel East Hospital and Taylor Station Surgical Center. Committed to ongoing professional development and high standards of care, Dr. Taylor is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Ohio Orthopaedic Society. He provides care in English and works closely with patients to help restore function, reduce pain, and support a safe return to daily activities and recreation.

Dr. John Wolfe, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with a career dedicated to general orthopedics and advanced joint care. He has been affiliated with Orthopedic ONE in the Columbus-area community, where he cared for patients with a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and emphasized practical, patient-centered treatment plans. Dr. Wolfe earned his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and completed his orthopaedic surgery residency training at The Ohio State University Medical Center. Over the course of his practice, he developed a particular interest in hip and knee replacement, including total joint arthroplasty, and was recognized for helping patients restore mobility and return to daily activities with greater comfort and function. He has also been affiliated with OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital, supporting continuity of care across outpatient evaluation, surgical treatment, and recovery. Dr. Wolfe is retired from the practice of medicine.

Mark Triffon, MD, is an orthopaedic surgeon with a sports medicine-focused practice emphasizing shoulder, elbow, and knee disorders. He cares for patients with acute injuries and chronic conditions, working to restore function and support a safe return to work, daily activities, and athletic performance. Dr. Triffon is known for an approach that balances thoughtful evaluation with individualized treatment plans, including both surgical and non-surgical options when appropriate. Dr. Triffon has held academic appointments in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine, including service as an assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery at The Ohio State University and as a clinical instructor of orthopedics and rehabilitation at Vanderbilt University. Prior to returning to Ohio, he ran a private practice in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine in Tennessee. His experience also includes serving as a team physician for professional and competitive sports organizations, including the Columbus Blue Jackets and Rahal Letterman Racing, and assisting with care for the Columbus Crew. Dr. Triffon is affiliated with Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

Maria Varveris, M.D., is an internal medicine physician who provides comprehensive care for adult patients, with an emphasis on preventive health and the management of acute and chronic medical conditions. She earned her medical degree from Northeastern Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) and completed her internal medicine residency training at Riverside Methodist Hospital. Dr. Varveris is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Varveris is affiliated with Riverside Methodist Hospital and has contributed to physician leadership through service with the Primary Care Council, including a role as Chief of Committee. With more than two decades of experience in internal medicine, she is known for a thoughtful, patient-centered approach that supports long-term wellness and informed decision-making. Her commitment to high-quality care has been recognized with inclusion in Best Doctors in America. Dr. Varveris speaks English and partners with patients to create practical care plans that align with individual goals, focusing on continuity of care, clear communication, and evidence-based medicine.

Vahagn Zakaryan, M.D., is a nephrology physician with additional specialization in internal medicine. He is affiliated with Columbus Nephrology Inc. and Mount Carmel Health Partners, where he provides comprehensive kidney care for adults across a range of acute and chronic conditions. Dr. Zakaryan earned his medical degree from Yerevan State Medical University and completed residency training in internal medicine at Mount Carmel Health System. He pursued advanced fellowship training in nephrology at Ohio State University Hospital. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in both internal medicine and nephrology. In clinical practice, Dr. Zakaryan evaluates and manages kidney disease and related disorders, including chronic kidney disease, complex hypertension with renal involvement, and the medical needs of patients with advanced kidney failure. His care commonly includes longitudinal management for patients on dialysis, with support for both in-center and home-based modalities when appropriate. He is also a published co-author in the medical literature, reflecting ongoing engagement with clinical problem-solving and the evolving evidence base in nephrology. Dr. Zakaryan is known for an attentive, medically grounded approach that emphasizes careful evaluation, patient education, and coordinated care with primary care and specialty teams.

Brett Christopher Stefan, D.C., MS, is a sports physician chiropractor who focuses on helping patients restore function, improve performance, and manage pain through evidence-informed, patient-centered care. He works with individuals ranging from active adults and athletes to patients dealing with everyday musculoskeletal concerns, emphasizing movement quality, injury prevention, and long-term wellness. Dr. Stefan earned his Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) from Logan University and also completed a Master’s degree in Nutrition and Human Performance. He completed his undergraduate studies at Ohio University. His clinical perspective integrates chiropractic assessment and manual care with exercise-based strategies and nutrition-informed guidance to support recovery and overall health. In practice, Dr. Stefan is known for thorough evaluations, clear communication, and collaborative care planning tailored to each patient’s goals. He is affiliated with practices in the Columbus area, including Grandview Primary Care, and is also associated with Farabaugh Chiropractic Office. His approach prioritizes practical education and sustainable strategies so patients can return to the activities that matter most with confidence.

Bennie Upchurch, MD, is a gastroenterologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive and liver disorders, with particular expertise in gastrointestinal bleeding and advanced therapeutic endoscopy. He is board-certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine. Dr. Upchurch serves as an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology within the Department of Internal Medicine at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. He also provides leadership as Medical Director of the GI Bleeding Program and has held key roles supporting quality care and operational excellence, including Director of Coding and Compliance for the Gastroenterology Division and service on internal medicine and patient safety committees. His clinical interests include GI bleeding, developmental and therapeutic endoscopy, evaluation of medical technology, advanced endoscopic imaging, and practice management. Dr. Upchurch earned his medical degree from the University of Iowa, completed an internal medicine residency at Cleveland Clinic, and completed gastroenterology fellowship training at The Ohio State University, where he served as Chief Clinical Fellow. Recognized for professional leadership, he is a Fellow of multiple national societies and has contributed to national committee work related to practice management and professional standards. He is affiliated with University Hospitals and the UH Digestive Health Institute.

Joseph Edward Kearns, DO, MPH, is a Family Medicine physician in Worthington, Ohio, with additional expertise in Preventive and Occupational Medicine. He is board certified by the American Board of Preventive Medicine in Occupational Medicine and brings a broad clinical foundation informed by training in internal medicine, family medicine, and occupational medicine. Dr. Kearns provides comprehensive primary care for patients across the lifespan, emphasizing prevention, health maintenance, and the long-term management of common acute and chronic conditions. His occupational medicine background supports services such as workplace and fitness-for-duty evaluations and evidence-based guidance for injury prevention and return-to-work planning. Dr. Kearns also serves as an FAA Designated Senior Aviation Medical Examiner, offering first-, second-, and third-class pilot medical examinations by appointment, including Special Issuance and CACI evaluations when appropriate. He is affiliated with Adena Regional Medical Center and is listed as practicing within an occupational health setting. Telehealth visits are available for select appointment types when clinically appropriate.