Top Doctors
The Top Doctors in Southwest Missouri
When your health or the health of a family member is on the line, where do you turn for help? All 556 experts on our annual Top Doctors list were nominated by their peers, and they represent the best in medical and surgical care.
Stories by Ettie Berneking and Jo Jolliff; listings Edited by Katie Pollock Estes
Jul 2022

Who would you turn to if you or someone you love needed medical care? This is exactly what we asked local physicians in our annual Top Doctors survey. Their responses become our annual Top Doctors list, an all-in-one resource for 417-landers looking for medical care. Read on to learn who placed on this year’s list (which is divided by city to help you find a physician near you), and to read stories of patients who found perfect care in local physicians.
Find a Doctor
How It Works
Top Doctors is an annual nomination-based project in which we ask physicians in the southwest Missouri area to vote for doctors in various specialties. We ask the doctors to vote for the physicians they would trust to care for their family and friends—experts who exemplify excellence in their specialties.
This list is a service to our readers, giving them a doctor’s perspective regarding the top doctors in dozens of specialty areas. The list is intended to allow patients to see and celebrate their doctors who make the list. It also gives health care seekers a place to see doctors highlighted for achievement and reputation and can be a great tool for finding the right doctors for their needs.
To complete this nomination project, 417 Magazine has contracted DataJoe Research to conduct nominations using an online ballot for collecting, vetting and tallying the votes. DataJoe Research is a survey/research company specializing in data collection and verification and conducts various nominations across the United States on behalf of publishers.
A Note About Board Certification
A physician’s placement in Top Doctors is not a guarantee of board certification in their listed specialty. Although we double check physicians’ practice areas when we fact check this list—and we encourage voting physicians to choose doctors with board certification—we cannot control who receives votes. It is possible that a physician was voted into a category in which he or she does not have board certification, despite practicing in that area. We encourage readers to do their due diligence when seeking medical professionals and to ask questions about qualifications and board certifications.
Final Note
We recognize that there are many good doctors practicing in 417-land who are not shown in this representative list. This Top Doctors list is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the region. Inclusion in the list is based on the opinions of responding doctors in the region and the results of our research campaign. We take time and energy to ensure fair voting, although we understand that the results of this survey nomination are not an objective metric. We certainly do not discount the fact that many, many good and effective doctors may not appear on the list.
Disclaimers
DataJoe uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. DataJoe does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. DataJoe does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from DataJoe.
Medical Stories
Along with our comprehensive list of the best local physicians as recognized by their peers, this year’s feature includes medical miracle stories and personal experiences you need to read.

Check Another City
Medical Specialties
Allergy Immunology
Winner
Minh-Thu Ngoc Le
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-3742
Runners Up
Brett William Hronek
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-3742
Silvia Huebner
Allergy and Asthma of Springfield
417-885-0823
Shang-Chiun Lee
Mercy Clinic Cardiology
417-820-3911
William Samuel Micka
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-3742
Aaron R. Morrison
Mercy Clinic Ear Nose and Throat
417-820-5750
Anesthesiology
Winner
David Meloy Delahay
Mercy Clinic Anesthesiology
417-820-2829
Runners Up
Shanna Ogden
Ozark Anesthesia Associates Inc
417-269-4550
Tim Swearengin
Ozark Anesthesia Associates Inc
417-269-4550
Breast Cancer Oncology
Winner
John W. Buckner
Hulston Cancer Center
417-875-3761
Runners Up
Brian Douglas Biggers
Hulston Cancer Center
417-875-3761
William Cunningham
Oncology Hematology Associates
417-882-4880
Jiantao Ding
Oncology Hematology Associates
417-882-4880
Robert John Ellis
Oncology Hematology Associates
417-882-4880
Brooke Gillett
Oncology Hematology Associates
417-882-4880
Roger Holden
Oncology Hematology Associates
417-882-4880
Dushyant Verma
Oncology Hematology Associates
417-882-4880
Burn Treatment
Winner
Robert Clay Johnson, Jr.
Mercy Clinic General and Trauma Surgery
417-820-7250
Runner Up
Kenneth W. Larson
Mercy Clinic General and Trauma Surgery
417-820-7250
Cardiac Electrophysiology
Winner
John Brian Garner
Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center
417-875-2624
Runners Up
Keesag Arsham Baron
Baron Cardiology Group PC
417-883-5500
Shang-Chiun Lee
Mercy Clinic Cardiology
417-820-3911
Sunthosh Venkata Parvathaneni
Mercy Clinic Cardiology
417-820-3911
Cardiovascular Disease
Winner
Stephen Cade Kuehn
Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center
417-875-2620
Runners Up
David S. Cochran
Mercy Clinic Cardiology
417-820-3911
John William Hawkins
Mercy Clinic Cardiology
417-820-3911
Robert F. Merritt
Mercy Clinic Cardiology
417-820-3911
Donald W. Myears
Mercy Clinic Cardiology
417-820-3911
James Briggs Rice, III
Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center
417-875-2621
Philipp Alexander Wiesner
Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center
417-875-2718
Dermatology
Winner
Craig W. Naugle
Ozarks Dermatology Specialists
417-889-3332
Runners Up
Joshua Dimmick
Dimmick Laughlin Dermatology
417-882-1818
Lesley Hawley
Ozarks Dermatology Specialists
417-889-3332
Jenifer D. Insley
Jennifer Insley MD
417-889-3332
Hope Elizabeth Misterovich
CoxHealth Skin Care
417-269-9060
Jay Lorance Pearcy
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-3664
Raffaele Pennella
Ozarks Dermatology Specialists
417-889-3332
Michael H. Swann
Swann Dermatology
417-888-0858
Direct Primary Care
Winner
Michael William Bauer
Freedom Health Systems
417-708-7010
Runners Up
Elizabeth A Lambird
Just the Doc
417-886-0362
Shelby Smith
Equality Healthcare
417-633-7020
Luke Van Kirk
Command Family Medicine
417-351-2900
Emergency Medicine
Winner
Howard E. Jarvis, III
CoxHealth Emergency Department
417-269-6583
Runners Up
Matthew Brandt
CoxHealth Emergency Department
417-269-6583
Bryan Andrew Finke
CoxHealth Emergency Department
417-269-6583
Jason Travis Greer
CoxHealth Emergency Department
417-269-6583
Mark Vincent Griesemer
Mercy Emergency Department
417-820-2115
Endocrinology Diabetes And Metabolism
Winner
JonBen Dale Svoboda
Adult Medicine & Endocrinology Specialists
417-269-4450
Runners Up
James Theodor Bonucchi
Adult Medicine & Endocrinology Specialists
417-269-4450
Nicola W. Gathaiya
Adult Medicine & Endocrinology Specialists
417-269-4450
Gregory A. Ledger
Mercy Clinic Endocrinology
417-888-5660
Linda Ruth MacGorman
Cox South Hospital
417-269-5158
Johnson Thomas
Mercy Clinic Endocrinology
417-888-5660
Family Medicine
Winner
Rachelene Middleton
Mercy Clinic Family Medicine
417-890-4135
Runners Up
Wm. Russell Detten
CoxHealth Center Steeplechase
417-269-1362
Mark Richard Ellis
CoxHealth East Battlefield Clinic
417-269-1499
Sean P. Tarsney
Mercy Clinic Family Medicine
417-890-4135
Fertility
Winner
Poppy Daniels
Dr Poppy Daniels
417-485-5700
Gastroenterology
Winner
Donald Herbert Mangum
Mercy Clinic Gastroenterology
417-820-5200
Runners Up
Daniel Edward Brady
Mercy Clinic Gastroenterology
417-820-5200
Jason Martin Haas
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-3250
Sarah Hossain
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-3760
Christopher David Knudsen
Mercy Clinic Gastroenterology
417-820-5200
Gregory Lloyd Lyford
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-3760
Peter James Ramsey
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-3250
Geriatric Medicine
Winner
Ovais Zubair
Medical South Building
417-269-9220
Runners Up
Melissa Ann Gaines
Medical South Building
417-269-9220
Nabil Shafik Kamel
Medical South Building
417-269-9220
Gynecologic Oncology
Winner
Molly Greenwade
Hulston Cancer Center
417-875-3065
Runners Up
Albert James Bonebrake
Hulston Cancer Center
417-875-3065
Jessica Gillen
Hulston Cancer Center
417-875-3065
Marcia Lynn Hernandez
Mercy Clinic Women’s Oncology
417-820-3554
Hematology/Oncology
Winner
Roger Holden
Oncology Hematology Associates
417-882-4880
Runners-Up
Jiantao Ding
Oncology Hematology Associates
417-882-4880
Robert John Ellis
Oncology Hematology Associates
417-882-4880
Brooke Gillett
Oncology Hematology Associates
417-882-4880
Rajesh R. Nair
Mercy Clinic Cancer and Hematology
417-820-8099
Srikant Nannapaneni
Hulston Cancer Center
417-875-2607
Jessica Nicole Snider
Mercy Clinic Cancer and Hematology
417-820-8099
Lavanya Tiriveedhi
Mercy Clinic Cancer and Hematology
417-820-8099
Dushyant Verma
Oncology Hematology Associates
417-882-4880
Karim Welaya
Hulston Cancer Center
417-875-2607
Hospitalist
Winner
Bala Sudhakar R. Allam
Mercy Clinic Hospitalists
417-820-2600
Runners Up
Aaron Carl Dolle
Cox South Hospital
417-269-7728
Mark Henry Entrup
Cox South Hospital
417-269-7728
Ian Lester Fawks
Cox South Hospital
417-269-7728
Nana Armah Gaisie
Cox South Hospital
417-269-7728
Reggie Lynn George
Cox South Hospital
417-269-7728
Sarah Elizabeth Smitherman
Cox South Hospital
417-269-7728
Hyperbaric Medicine Wound Care
Winner
Larry Keith Chase
Cox Hyperbaric Medicine and Wound Care
417-269-9950
Infectious Disease
Winner
Alastair D. Haddow
Mercy Clinic Infectious Disease
417-820-3905
Runners Up
Ryan Kevin Adkins
CoxHealth Infectious Diseases Specialty Clinic
417-269-7784
William W. Sistrunk
Mercy Clinic Infectious Disease
417-820-3905
Robert Lee Swords, Jr.
Mercy Clinic Infectious Disease
417-820-3905
Robin L. Trotman
CoxHealth Infectious Diseases Specialty Clinic
417-269-7784
Internal Medicine
Winner
Laura Beth Den Ouden
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-2740
Runners-Up
Rajamanikkam Anandarajah
Mercy Clinic Internal Medicine
417-820-3500
Mira Lee Choe
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-2750
Stephen Lee Holmes
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-3030
Dominic M. Meldi
Mercy Clinic Internal Medicine
417-888-5658
William Collins Moore
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-3270
Teresa A. Olsen
Mercy Clinic Internal Medicine
417-888-5658
Maternal And Fetal Medicine
Winner
Robert F. Fraser, II
Mercy Clinic Maternal and Fetal Medicine
417-820-3715
Runner Up
Patricia Dix
Regional Perinatal Center
417-269-4037
Neonatology
Winner
Laura Marie Cerny
Cox South Hospital
417-269-7728
Nephrology
Winner
Giselle Damien Kohler
Springfield Nephrology Associates
417-886-5000
Runners Up
Timi Ahmad Akins
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-3627
Samir Santiago Garcia
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-3150
Stephen E. Garcia
Springfield Nephrology Associates
417-886-5000
Ethan T. Hoerschgen
Springfield Nephrology Associates
417-886-5000
Sailesh Nayar
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-3150
David L. Sommerfeld
Springfield Nephrology Associates
417-886-5000
Susan A. Woody
Springfield Nephrology Associates
417-886-5000
Neurology
Winner
Benjamin Neil Lisle
Jared Neuroscience Center
417-875-3087
Runners Up
Tania Beltran Papsdorf
Jared Neuroscience Center
417-875-3087
Jennifer Kathryn Lynch
Jared Neuroscience Center
417-875-3087
Steven M. Otto
Jared Neuroscience Center
417-875-3087
Jenifer Huifang Zhai
Mercy Clinic Neurology
417-820-9123
Nuclear Medicine
Winner
Robert E. Sonnemaker
Mercy Clinic Nuclear Medicine
417-820-6850
Obstetrics And Gynecology
Winner
Geoffery L. Stanczyk
Mercy Clinic OB/GYN
417-885-0827
Runners Up
Mary Therese Duff
Ferrell Duncan Clinic OBGYN
417-269-7900
Tama L. Franklin
Physicians for Women
417-269-6850
Randy Carl Hill
Ferrell Duncan Clinic OBGYN
417-269-7900
P. Michael Kidder
CoxHealth Primrose OB/GYN
417-882-6900
Darren L. Lehnert
Mercy Clinic OB/GYN
417-820-3890
Daphne R. LeMon
Ferrell Duncan Clinic OBGYN
417-269-7900
Kristy Ann McCall
Ferrell Duncan Clinic OBGYN
417-269-7900
Jennifer Lee Wolf
Mercy Clinic OB/GYN
417-885-0827
Occupational Medicine
Winners (tie)
Randall Joseph Cross
The Bone and Joint Center
417-269-3319
Scott Aaron Galligos
Mercy Clinic Occupational Medicine
417-869-6191
Ophthalmology
Winner
Shachar Tauber
Mercy Clinic Eye Specialists
417-820-9393
Runners Up
James B. Mattax, Jr.
Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center
417-886-3937
Judd Lee McNaughton
Eye Surgeons of Springfield Inc
417-887-1965
Kenneth W. Neu
Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center
417-886-3937
Leo T. Neu, III
Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center
417-886-3937
Thomas G. Prater
Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center
417-886-3937
Wendell J. Scott
Mercy Clinic Eye Specialists
417-820-9393
Jacob K. Thomas
Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center
417-886-3937
Orthopedics Sports Medicine And Arthroscopy
Winner
Victor W. Wilson
Mercy Clinic Orthopedics
417-885-3000
Runners Up
David Christopher Hicks
The Bone and Joint Center
417-875-3800
John L. Putnam
Putnam Orthopaedic Center
417-447-1000
Richard Augustus Seagrave, III
Mercy Clinic Orthopedics
417-885-3000
Otolaryngology Ear Nose Throat
Winner
Jacob Edward Smith
CoxHealth Surgery Center
417-875-3600
Runners Up
Anthony A. Bentley
CoxHealth Surgery Center
417-875-3600
Jeffrey R. Fenwick
CoxHealth Surgery Center
417-875-3600
Benjamin Lucas Hodnett
Mercy Clinic Ear Nose and Throat
417-820-5750
Aaron R. Morrison
Mercy Clinic Ear Nose and Throat
417-820-5750
A. Daniel Pinheiro
Mercy Clinic Ear Nose and Throat
417-820-5750
Mark J. Van Ess
Mercy Clinic Ear Nose and Throat
417-820-5750
Pain Management
Winners (tie)
Sadie Ochs Giedd
Mercy Clinic Pain Management
417-820-2064
Aditya Bhaskar Pulikal
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-269-7246
Runner Up
Chukwudi Obiora Chiaghana
Mercy Clinic Pain Management
417-820-2064
Pathology
Winner
Christopher Michael Gilbert
The Turner Center- CoxHealth
417-269-4646
Runners Up
Shawn Barrett Jackson
The Turner Center- CoxHealth
417-269-4646
Jamie Lynn Odem
Mercy Clinic Pathology
417-820-2961
Jami R. Skrade
The Turner Center- CoxHealth
417-269-4646
David Matthew Smid
The Turner Center- CoxHealth
417-269-4646
Lori J. Wilson
Mercy Clinic Pathology
417-820-2961
Pediatric Allergy Immunology
Winner
Brett William Hronek
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-3742
Runner Up
Minh-Thu Ngoc Le
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-3742
Pediatric Cardiology
Winner
Alan Dare Tong
Pediatrix Cardiology of Springfield
417-447-4704
Pediatric Endocrinology
Winner
Katherine Quinn Hefner
CoxHealth Pediatric Specialties Clinics
417-269-1010
Pediatric Gastroenterology
Winner
Jody Nathaniel Hefner
CoxHealth Pediatric Specialties Clinics
417-269-1010
Pediatric General
Winner
Diane Nitta
Pediatric Center
417-269-2000
Runner Up
John M. Burson
Mercy Clinic Pediatrics
417-820-3535
Pediatric Psychiatry
Winner
Raymund Rabara Tan
Mercy Clinic Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
417-820-3128
Pediatric Pulmonary Disease
Winner
Sangita Trivedi
Cox South Hospital
417-269-4850
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Winner
Boyd David Crockett
The Bone and Joint Center
417-875-3800
Runners Up
Russell R. Bond
The Bone and Joint Center
417-875-3800
Jessica Anne Hanson
The Bone and Joint Center
417-875-3800
Ted A. Lennard
Jared Neuroscience Center
417-885-3888
Cary Marquis
The Bone and Joint Center
417-875-3800
Jeff L. Woodward
Jared Neuroscience Center
417-885-3888
Podiatry
Winner
Mark A. Seiden
The Foot Doctors
417-883-1881
Runners Up
Rhett B. Lakin
Mercy Clinic Podiatry
417-888-6708
Dan D. Park
Mercy Clinic Podiatry
417-888-6708
Psychiatry
Winners (tie)
Nagib Husain Chowdhury
Cox North Hospital
417-269-6891
Alok Jain
Eustasis Psychiatric & Addiction Health
417-322-6622
Pulmonary Disease
Winner
Terrence David Coulter
Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center
417-875-3160
Runners Up
Anees Fatima Afroze
Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center
417-875-3160
Mitchell Amos Ahrens
Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center
417-875-3160
Uma Kalyani Edupuganti
Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center
417-875-3160
Amy Ruth Ford-Turner
Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center
417-875-3160
Madhu Kalyan Pendurthi
Mercy Clinic Pulmonology
417-820-8161
Vimal Ravi
Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center
417-875-3160
Sadaf Sohrab
Mercy Clinic Pulmonology
417-820-8161
Radiation Oncology
Winner
Kimberly M. Creach
Mercy Clinic Radiation Oncology
417-820-2468
Runners Up
Ibrahim I. Abdalla
Hulston Cancer Center
417-269-6115
Anees Fatima Afroze
Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center
417-875-3160
Mitchell Amos Ahrens
Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center
417-875-3160
Mittie Matthew Dragosljvich
Hulston Cancer Center
417-875-2607
Christopher Fleighton Estes
Mercy Clinic Radiation Oncology
417-820-2468
Nicholas Andrew Madden
Hulston Cancer Center
417-269-6115
Nathan Yennumi Tonlaar
Mercy Clinic Radiation Oncology
417-820-2468
Radiology
Winner
Craig Lee Boswell
Cox South Hospital
417-269-4056
Runners Up
Martin M. Anbari
Cox South Hospital
417-269-4056
Christine Wester
Cox South Hospital
417-269-4056
James R. Wolski
Cox South Hospital
417-269-4056
Michael John Workman
Jared Neuroscience Center
417-885-3888
Rheumatology
Winner
David Gregory TRUE
417 Rheumatology
417-501-2644
Runners Up
Jo Ellen Feugate
Mercy Clinic Rheumatology
417-888-5664
Timothy Joseph Hayes
Mercy Clinic Rheumatology
417-888-5664
Joseph L. Mayus
The Bone and Joint Center
417-875-3555
Robotics
Winner
David Allan Anderson
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-3381
Runners Up
Marcus Alan Henderson
Mercy Clinic General and Specialty Surgery
417-820-3800
Marcia Lynn Hernandez
Mercy Clinic Women’s Oncology
417-820-3554
Sports Medicine
Winner
Shannon Lee Woods
The Bone and Joint Center
417-875-3800
Runners Up
Landon D. Hough
Mercy Clinic Sports Medicine
417-885-3000
Royce David Moore
Mercy Clinic Sports Medicine
417-885-3000
Urgent Care
Winner
Jess LaVerne Lyon
The Turner Center- CoxHealth
417-269-9812
Runners Up
Cory John Bethmann
The Turner Center- CoxHealth
417-269-9812
Jamie Jones
The Turner Center- CoxHealth
417-269-9812
Urology
Winner
David Allan Anderson
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-3381
Runners Up
Eric Paul Guilliams
Mercy Clinic Urology
417-820-0300
Mark Joseph Milne
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-3381
Andrew David Schultz
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-3381
Peter Joseph Trinca
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-3381
Did You Know?
Care Finder
CoxHealth added a Care Finder tool to their website in January 2022 to enable patients to find care that is best for their situation. “It was originally created to prevent waits and improve access to care during a COVID-19 surge and it is now something that our patients use regularly to learn information and determine where they should seek care,” says Randy Berger, CoxHealth’s System Director of Corporate Communication. Care Finder virtually directs patients to resources and recommended next steps based on their needs. “In just one month, more than 890 patients were quickly directed to the appropriate level of care for their symptoms through the Care Finder tool,” says Berger.
Surgical Specialties
Bariatric Surgery
Winner
Matthew Earl Simpson
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-3593
Runners Up
Christopher A. Edwards
Mercy Clinic General and Specialty Surgery
417-820-3800
Timothy David Woods
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-2796
Cardiovascular Surgery
Winner
David Zolfaghari
Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center
417-875-2622
Runners Up
Kuo Fon Huang
Mercy Clinic Cardiothoracic Surgery
417-820-3960
David C. Lee
CoxHealth Emergency Department
417-269-6583
John B. Steinberg
Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center
417-875-2622
Colon And Rectal Surgery
Winner
Jose M. Dominguez
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-3276
Runners Up
Rakesh Hegde
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-3276
Jennifer Kristi Lu
Mercy Clinic General and Specialty Surgery
417-820-3800
Brian Richard Swenson
Mercy Clinic General and Specialty Surgery
417-820-3800
John Matthew Trombold
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-3276
General Orthopedic Surgery
Winner
William Hayward Duncan
The Bone and Joint Center
417-875-3800
Runners Up
Pierre Laurent Clothiaux
The Bone and Joint Center
417-875-3800
J. Peter Crites
Mercy Clinic Orthopedics
417-885-3000
William T. Wester
The Bone and Joint Center
417-875-3800
General Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery
Winner
Carl I. Price
The Center for Plastic Surgery
417-875-3246
Runners Up
Conner William Barnes
The Bone and Joint Center
417-875-3246
Rosellen S. Meystrik
Mercy Clinic Plastic Surgery
417-820-9330
William R. Reynolds
Reynolds Plastic Surgery
417-823-9777
Bharat Shah
Shah Plastic Surgery
417-742-7424
Robert Bruce Shaw, Jr.
The Bone and Joint Center
417-875-3246
General Surgery
Winner
Marcus Alan Henderson
Mercy Clinic General and Specialty Surgery
417-820-3800
Runners Up
John R. Bumberry
Mercy Clinic Breast Surgery
417-820-9340
Daniel Ray Cardwell
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-3230
Kevin Clay Christian
Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center
417-875-3846
Matthew Earl Simpson
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-3593
Timothy David Woods
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-2796
Laparoscopic Surgery
Winner
John Robert Hornick
Mercy Clinic General and Specialty Surgery
417-820-3800
Runner Up
Christopher A. Edwards
Mercy Clinic General and Specialty Surgery
417-820-3800
Neurological Surgery
Winner
Sami Khoshyomn
Mercy Clinic Neurosurgery
417-820-5150
Runners Up
Chiazo Shirley Amene
Mercy Clinic Neurosurgery
417-820-5150
Brenton Raval Coger
Mercy Clinic Neurosurgery
417-820-5150
Mayur Jayarao
Jared Neuroscience Center
417-885-3888
Sunghoon Lee
Mercy Clinic Neurosurgery
417-820-5150
J. Charles Mace
Jared Neuroscience Center
417-885-3888
Chad Jason Morgan
Jared Neuroscience Center
417-885-3888
Salim Rahman
Jared Neuroscience Center
417-885-3888
Angela Nicole Spurgeon
Jared Neuroscience Center
417-885-3888
Robert Duane Strang
Jared Neuroscience Center
417-885-3888
Ophthalmologic Surgery
Winner
X. Kathy Sun
Mercy Clinic Eye Specialists
417-820-9393
Runners Up
James B. Mattax, Jr.
Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center
417-886-3937
Thomas G. Prater
Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center
417-886-3937
Zachary Dale Seagrave
Mercy Clinic Eye Specialists
417-820-9393
Shachar Tauber
Mercy Clinic Eye Specialists
417-820-9393
Jacob K. Thomas
Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center
417-886-3937
Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery
Winner
J. David Gipson
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Group
417-887-8800
Runners Up
George E. Arquitt
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Group
417-887-8800
Julie Becker
The Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center of the Ozarks
417-882-0948
Matthew Allen Kienstra
Mercy Clinic Facial Plastic Surgery
417-887-3223
Christopher M. Meyer
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Group
417-887-8800
A. Daniel Pinheiro
Mercy Clinic Ear Nose and Throat
417-820-5750
Steven P. Quinn
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Group
417-887-8800
Robert Bruce Shaw, Jr.
The Bone and Joint Center
417-875-3246
Orthopedics Foot And Ankle Surgery
Winner
David Christopher Hicks
The Bone and Joint Center
417-875-3800
Runner Up
Darin Lee Talley
Mercy Clinic Orthopedics
417-885-3000
Orthopedics Hand Surgery
Winner
Erin Kent Greer
The Bone and Joint Center
417-875-3800
Runners Up
Jonathan Foster Cook
The Bone and Joint Center
417-875-3800
Victoria Diane Kubik
Mercy Clinic Orthopedics
417-885-3000
David Schippert
The Bone and Joint Center
417-875-3800
John S. Swango
Mercy Clinic Orthopedics
417-885-3000
Robert B. Wyrsch
Mercy Clinic Orthopedics
417-885-3000
Orthopedics Joint Replacement Surgery
Winner
Robert Benjamin Jones
Mercy Clinic Orthopedics
417-885-3000
Runners Up
Pierre Laurent Clothiaux
The Bone and Joint Center
417-875-3800
William Hayward Duncan
The Bone and Joint Center
417-875-3800
Robert F. Mahnken
Mercy Clinic Orthopedics
417-885-3000
William T. Wester
The Bone and Joint Center
417-875-3800
Orthopedics Trauma Surgery
Winner
Daniel Allen Bravin
Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center
417-875-3846
Runners Up
David Joshua Merriman
Mercy Clinic Orthopedics
417-885-3000
David Andrew Volgas
Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center
417-875-3846
Otolaryngology Head And Neck Surgery
Winner
Jacob Edward Smith
CoxHealth Surgery Center
417-875-3600
Runners Up
Jeffrey R. Fenwick
CoxHealth Surgery Center
417-875-3600
A. Daniel Pinheiro
Mercy Clinic Ear Nose and Throat
417-820-5750
Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery
Winner
Jeremy David Onnen
Mercy Clinic Orthopedics
417-885-3000
Plastic Abdominoplasty
Winner
Arthur S. Hawes
The Center for Plastic Surgery
417-875-3246
Editor’s note: Although Dr. Hawes was voted a Top Doctor winner in this category, he is in fact no longer performing surgeries.
Runners Up
Raghu Nandan
Mercy Clinic Plastic Surgery
417-820-9330
Carl I. Price
The Center for Plastic Surgery
417-875-3246
Bharat Shah
Shah Plastic Surgery
417-742-7424
Robert Bruce Shaw, Jr.
The Bone and Joint Center
417-875-3246
Plastic Breast Augmentation
Winners (tie)
Carl I. Price
The Center for Plastic Surgery
417-875-3246
Bharat Shah
Shah Plastic Surgery
417-742-7424
Runners Up
Conner William Barnes
The Bone and Joint Center
417-875-3246
Arthur S. Hawes
The Center for Plastic Surgery
417-875-3246
Editor’s note: Although Dr. Hawes was voted a Top Doctors runner up in this category, he is in fact no longer performing surgeries.
Rosellen S. Meystrik
Mercy Clinic Plastic Surgery
417-820-9330
Robert Bruce Shaw, Jr.
The Bone and Joint Center
417-875-3246
Plastic Facial Surgery
Winner
Matthew Allen Kienstra
Mercy Clinic Facial Plastic Surgery
417-887-3223
Runners Up
Arthur S. Hawes
The Center for Plastic Surgery
417-875-3246
Editor’s note: Although Dr. Hawes was voted a Top Doctors runner up in this category, he is in fact no longer performing surgeries.
Andrew James Kochevar
Mercy Clinic Plastic Surgery
417-820-9330
Carl I. Price
The Center for Plastic Surgery
417-875-3246
Bharat Shah
Shah Plastic Surgery
417-742-7424
Robert Bruce Shaw, Jr.
The Bone and Joint Center
417-875-3246
Podiatric Sugery
Winner
Dan D. Park
Mercy Clinic Podiatry
417-888-6708
Surgical Oncology
Winners (tie)
Brian Douglas Biggers
Hulston Cancer Center
417-875-3761
Charles Ezekiel Woodall, III
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
417-875-3525
Runner Up
John R. Bumberry
Mercy Clinic Breast Surgery
417-820-9340
Trauma Surgery
Winner
Kevin Clay Christian
Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center
417-875-3846
Runners Up
Kenneth W. Larson
Mercy Clinic General and Trauma Surgery
417-820-7250
Joshua Aaron McElderry
Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center
417-875-3846
Tessa Norene Woods
Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center
417-875-3846
Vascular Surgery
Winner
J. Randolph Mullins
Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center
417-875-2626
Runners-Up
Jon A. Reese
Mercy Clinic Vascular Specialists
417-820-3912
Grant Robert Scott
Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center
417-875-2632
Zachary Charles Schmittling
Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center
417-875-2626
Robert W. Vorhies
Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center
417-875-2627

Check Another City
Medical Specialities
Anesthesiology
Winner
Andrew Hummel
Citizens Memorial Hospital
417-326-6000
Breast Cancer Oncology
Winner
Leonid Shunyakov
Carrie J Babb Cancer Center
417-326-7200
Cardiovascular Disease
Winner
John Best
CMH Heart Institute Clinic
417-328-6040
Runners Up
Stephen Davis
CMH Heart Institute Clinic
417-328-6709
Haris Riaz
CMH Heart Institute Clinic
417-328-6040
Emergency Medicine
Winner
Jeffrey Smieshek
Citizens Memorial Hospital
417-326-6000
Runner Up
Juan Nix
Citizens Memorial Hospital
417-326-6000
Endocrinology Diabetes And Metabolism
Winner
Heather Corn
CMH Endocrinology Center
417-328-7000
Family Medicine
Winner
Kristopher Kaufmann
Butterfield Park Medical Center
417-326-7676
Runner Up
Louis Harris
Bolivar Family Care Center
417-326-6021
Gastroenterology
Winner
Ryan Denney
CMH Gastroenterology Clinic
417-326-8700
Geriatric Medicine
Winner
Christina Capps
Butterfield Park Medical Center
417-326-7676
Gynecologic Oncology
Winner
Ashley Lane
CMH OB/GYN and Pediatric Clinic
417-777-8131
Hematology/Oncology
Winner
Leonid Shunyakov
Carrie J Babb Cancer Center
417-326-7200
Hospitalist
Winner
Garrett Alderfer
CMH Hospitalist Group
417-328-6300
Runners Up
Brian Guhl
CMH Hospitalist Group
417-328-6300
Sean Larimore
CMH Hospitalist Group
417-328-6300
Hyperbaric Medicine Wound Care
Winner
Martin Tyson
CMH Wound and Hyperbaric Center
417-326-8700
Infectious Disease
Winner
Eric Fulnecky
CMH Infectious Disease Clinic
417-328-7985
Neurology
Winner
Curtis Schreiber
CMH Neurology and Headache Center
417-327-3530
Obstetrics And Gynecology
Winner
D. Shelly Meents
CMH OB/GYN and Pediatric Clinic
417-777-8131
Runners Up
Sarah Kallberg
CMH OB/GYN and Pediatric Clinic
417-777-8131
Ashley Lane
CMH OB/GYN and Pediatric Clinic
417-777-8131
Ophthalmology
Winner
Chetan Soni
CMH Eye Specialty Center
417-328-7000
Orthopedics Spinal
Winner
Troy Morrison
CMH Orthopedic & Spine Center
417-777-2663
Orthopedics Sports Medicine And Arthroscopy
Winner
Juris Simanis
CMH Primary Care Sports & Occupational Medicine Clinic
417-777-2663
Otolaryngology Ear Nose Throat
Winner
Matthew Ericksen
CMH ENT Clinic
417-328-7000
Pain Management
Winner
Seong Seo
CMH Institute of Pain Management
417-326-7246
Pathology
Winner
Christina Otterness
Citizens Memorial Healthcare
417-328-6031
Runner Up
Craig Dunseth
Citizens Memorial Healthcare
417-328-6031
Pediatric General
Winner
James Liesen
CMH OB/GYN and Pediatric Clinic
417-777-2121
Runners Up
Shannon Calvert
CMH OB/GYN and Pediatric Clinic
417-777-2121
Angela Collins
CMH OB/GYN and Pediatric Clinic
417-777-2121
Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation
Winner
Christoffer Weber
Butterfield Park Professional Building
417-328-6535
Podiatry
Winner
Brad Jones
CMH Podiatry Clinic
417-328-7000
Runner Up
Creighton Woolsey
CMH Podiatry Clinic, 417-328-7000
Psychiatry
Winner
Bryan Flueckiger
Parkview Geriatric Wellness
417-328-6305
Pulmonary Disease
Winner
Michael Loggan
CMH Pulmonology Clinic
417-328-6055
Radiation Oncology
Winner
Walter Watts
Carrie J Babb Cancer Center
417-326-7200
Radiology
Winner
Chad Potter
Citizens Memorial Hospital
417-326-6000
Runner Up
Jana Horner
CMH Breast Care Center
417-328-7866
Rheumatology
Winner
Anthony Tay
CMH Rheumatology and Osteoporosis Center
417-328-7000
Robotics
Winner
Mark Walterskirchen
CMH Urology Surgical Clinic
417-326-2550
Runner Up
Sarah Kallberg
CMH OB/GYN and Pediatric Clinic
417-777-8131
Sports Medicine
Winner
Juris Simanis
CMH Primary Care Sports & Occupational Medicine Clinic
417-777-2663
Urology
Winner
Mark Walterskirchen
CMH Urology Surgical Clinic
417-326-2550
Did You Know?
Getting Volunteers Back into Hospital
With the decline in COVID-19 cases, hospitals have been able to accept volunteers back into their doors, but numbers remain low. Local hospitals rely on volunteers to help provide an excellent patient experience, both to the visitor and their families. To help hospitals maintain that goal, fill out an application on their website, attend their meeting and/or educational class and become a volunteer.
Surgical Specialities
General Orthopedic Surgery
Winner
Jonathan Gray
CMH Orthopedic & Spine Center
417-777-2663
Runners Up
Troy Morrison
CMH Orthopedic & Spine Center
417-777-2663
David Rogers
CMH Orthopedic & Spine Center
417-777-2663
General Surgery
Winner
Brent Bartgis
CMH Surgical Services
417-326-8700
Runners Up
John C. Crighton
CMH Surgical Services
417-326-8700
Wayne Wolf
CMH Surgical Services
417-326-8700
Laparoscopic Surgery
Winners (tie)
Brent Bartgis
CMH Surgical Services
417-326-8700
Wayne Wolf
CMH Surgical Services
417-326-8700
Ophthalmologic Surgery
Winner
Chetan Soni
CMH Eye Specialty Center
417-328-7000
Orthopedics Joint Replacement Surgery
Winner
Jonathan Gray
CMH Orthopedic & Spine Center
417-777-2663
Otolaryngology Head And Neck Surgery
Winner
Matthew Ericksen
CMH ENT Clinic
417-328-7000
Podiatric Sugery
Winner
Brad Jones
CMH Podiatry Clinic
417-328-7000
Trauma Surgery
Winner
Martin Tyson
CMH Wound and Hyperbaric Center
417-326-8700

Check Another City
Medical Specialties
Cardiovascular Disease
Winner
Prasert Vijitbenjaronk
CoxHealth Cardiology
417-336-4112
Runner Up
Suthipong Soontrapa
CoxHealth Cardiology
417-336-4112
Emergency Medicine
Winner
Erik L. Snyder
Cox Medical Center Branson
417-335-7218
Runners Up
Kristoffer Bylow
Cox Medical Center Branson
417-335-7218
Timothy Costello
Cox Medical Center Branson
417-335-7218
Endocrinology Diabetes And Metabolism
Winner
Anju Susan Prasad
CoxHealth Diabetes & Endocrinology
417-348-8990
Family Medicine
Winner
Jeremy Mabe
CoxHealth Family Medicine Hwy 248
417-348-8964
Runner Up
Maria Catherine Spurling
CoxHealth Center Branson
417-335-2299
Hospitalist
Winner
Cody B. Hoeflicker
Cox Medical Center Branson
417-335-7128
Runners Up
Sheny Alex
Cox Medical Center Branson
417-335-7128
Sabera Shabnam
Cox Medical Center Branson
417-335-7128
Templeton Smith, III
Cox Medical Center Branson
417-335-7128
Hyperbaric Medicine Wound Care
Winner
John Joseph Moll, Jr.
CoxHealth Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine
417-335-7792
Nephrology
Winner
Dwight Zabel
Branson Nephrology & Dialysis
417-335-5797
Runner Up
Michael Grant Selby
Branson Nephrology
417-334-8288
Otolaryngology Ear Nose Throat
Winner
James Travis Brawner
Ozark Mountain Ear Nose and Throat
417-335-3636
Did You Know?
Children's Emergency Room
Mercy Springfield has been using the region’s first emergency room for kids since its opening in June 2021. This ER has created a child-friendly environment that prevents children from witnessing traumatic injuries in typical ER rooms. “Seeing adults in crisis or with traumatic injuries can be really frightening for kids,” said Dr. Anna Grimes, Mercy Kids emergency physician. The 6,300-square-foot project helps eliminate that with a child-friendly waiting area, 11 exam rooms and a sensory room for children with autism or anxiety. “The new design improves our workflow and the care path for our adult patients as well,” says Vicki Good, executive director of nursing for the ER at Mercy Springfield. “So all our patients, young to old, will benefit.”
Surgical Specialties
General Orthopedic Surgery
Winner
Chad Douglas Efird
CoxHealth Orthopedics
417-348-8100
General Surgery
Winner
Dirk McMurray
Cox Medical Center Branson
417-348-8080

Check Another City
Medical Specialties
Allergy Immunology
Winner
Michael E. Joseph
Midwest Regional Allergy Asthma Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center
417-624-0050
Runner Up
Larry McIntire
Freeman Ear Nose & Throat Center417-347-6767
Anesthesiology
Winner
Kalaichelvi R. Huff
Mercy Clinic Anesthesiology
417-556-3570
Runners Up
Donita Ki Boan
Freeman Hospital West
417-347-1078
Brandon Fordham
Freeman Hospital West
417-347-1078
David Joseph Gooden
Mercy Clinic Anesthesiology
417-556-3570
Michael Hill
Freeman Hospital West
417-347-1078
Mark L. Kerr
Mercy Clinic Anesthesiology
417-556-3570
Michael McDonald
Freeman Hospital West
417-347-1078
Breast Cancer Oncology
Winner
David W. Croy
Mercy Clinic Oncology and Hematology
417-782-7722
Burn Treatment
Winner
Clinton J. Pace
Mercy Clinic General and Specialty Surgery
417-781-4404
Cardiac Electrophysiology
Winner
Rafael J. Gaytan
Mercy Clinic Cardiology
417-781-5387
Runner Up
John Swartz
Freeman Heart & Vascular Institute
417-347-5000
Cardiovascular Disease
Winner
C. Ryan Longnecker
Freeman Heart & Vascular Institute
417-347-5000
Runners Up
AJ Caine, Jr.
Mercy Clinic Cardiology
417-781-5387
William R. Craig
Mercy Clinic Cardiology
417-781-5387
Jose C. De Hoyos
Mercy Clinic Cardiology
417-781-5387
Darwin Jeyaraj
Freeman Heart & Vascular Institute
417-347-6400
W. John Nicholas
Freeman Heart & Vascular Institute
417-347-6400
Robert Stauffer
Freeman Heart & Vascular Institute
417-347-5000
David Zuehlke
Freeman Heart & Vascular Institute
417-347-5000
Dermatology
Winner
Derek S. Towery
US Dermatology Partners Joplin
417-624-0440
Runners Up
Ahmed Badawi
Freeman Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center
417-347-8066
Nate Phelan
Phelan Dermatology & Aesthetics
417-622-0293
Direct Primary Care
Winner
Samuel R. Carter, III
Samuel R Carter MD
417-659-4661
Runners Up
Troy R. D’Amour
D’Amour Family Medicine
417-782-4100
Charlie Scott Rasmussen
Mercy Emergency Department
417-358-8121
Emergency Medicine
Winner
John Richard Coleman
Mercy Emergency Department
417-556-2300
Runners Up
Mark Leslie Brown
Mercy Emergency Department
417-556-2300
Zachary Winsor Dalton
Mercy Emergency Department
417-556-2300
Matthew Grounds
Freeman Hospital West
417-347-3377
Kyle Kennedy
Freeman Hospital West
417-347-6670
Coye McMillan
Freeman Hospital West
417-347-1111
Craig Michael Randall
Mercy Emergency Department
417-358-8121
Alisha Wright
Freeman Hospital West
417-347-1111
Endocrinology Diabetes And Metabolism
Winner
Naser Gharaibeh
Mercy Clinic Endocrinology
417-556-8555
Runners Up
Allison Galloway
Freeman Diabetes & Endocrine Institute
417-347-8740
Sean Hamlett
Freeman Diabetes & Endocrine Institute
417-347-8740
Gretchen Denise Shull
Mercy Clinic Endocrinology
417-556-8555
Family Medicine
Winner
Glen W. King
Mercy Clinic Family Medicine
417-781-0408
Runners Up
Maria F. Bruce
Mercy Clinic Primary Care
417-556-3400
James W. Dailey
Mercy Clinic Family Medicine
417-556-3158
Russell L. Kennedy
Mercy Clinic Family Medicine
417-781-0408
Stephen Thomas
Freeman Family Practice
417-347-8525
Gastroenterology
Winner
Xujun Wu
Mercy Clinic Gastroenterology
417-556-8455
Runners Up
Sudhakar Ancha
Ozark Gastroenterology
417-623-5250
Geoffrey Graham
Gastroenterology of the Four States LLC
417-222-3434
David Seidl
Freeman Gastroenterology
417-347-8025
Geriatric Medicine
Winner
Henry Petry
Freeman Center for Geriatric Medicine
417-347-4374
Gynecologic Oncology
Winner
Heath Ross Merkley
Mercy Clinic Women’s Health
417-623-6056
Hematology/Oncology
Winner
Samir Mukundray Dalia
Mercy Clinic Oncology and Hematology
417-782-7722
Runners-Up
David W. Croy
Mercy Clinic Oncology and Hematology
417-782-7722
Irving E. LaFrancis
Mercy Clinic Oncology and Hematology
417-782-7722
Pamela Landon
Freeman Cornell-Beshore Cancer Institute
417-347-4000
Matthew Miller
Freeman Cornell-Beshore Cancer Institute
417-347-4000
Atman Shah
Freeman Cornell-Beshore Cancer Institute
417-347-4000
Hospitalist
Winner
Justin Wilberding
Freeman Hospital West
417-347-1111
Runners Up
Adam Fahrenholtz
Freeman Hospital West
417-347-4570
Julie A. Hoffmann-Janisch
Mercy Hospital Joplin
417-781-2727
Emily Keeslar
Freeman Hospital West
417-347-1111
William D. Kessler, Jr.
Mercy Clinic Hospitalists
417-359-8121
Robert McNab
Freeman Hospital West
417-347-1111
Ian Smith
Freeman Hospital West
417-347-1111
Hyperbaric Medicine Wound Care
Winner
Joseph Newman
Freeman Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine
417-347-4800
Infectious Disease
Winner
Eden M. Esguerra
Mercy Clinic Infectious Disease
417-556-6813
Runner Up
Uwe Schmidt
Freeman Infectious Diseases
417-347-8322
Internal Medicine
Winner
Bernard Bettasso
Freeman Southwest Internal Medicine
417-347-8318
Runners Up
Amanda Harrell
Freeman Southwest Internal Medicine
417-347-8318
Clint Dunkle
Freeman Southwest Internal Medicine
417-347-8318
Brandon Gibson
Freeman Southwest Internal Medicine
417-347-8711
Neonatology
Winner
Deborah L. Pickens
Mercy Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
417-556-6428
Runner Up
Rahul Oberoi
Freeman Hospital West
417-347-1111
Nephrology
Winner
Nadine Aboul-Magd
Joplin Nephrology Consultants
417-782-5000
Runners Up
Ahmed Aboul-Magd
Joplin Nephrology Consultants
417-782-5000
Leslie Hamlett
Freeman Kidney Center
417-347-8310
Muhammad Muneeb
Freeman Kidney Center
417-347-8570
Abdul Nagaria
Freeman Kidney Center
417-347-8570
Neurology
Winner
Gulshan Uppal
Freeman Neurology
417-347-7300
Runners Up
Robert S. Duff
Mercy Neurology
417-359-1820
Anna Wojcicka-Mitchell
Freeman Neurology
417-347-7300
Nuclear Medicine
Winner
Chance Matthiesen
Freeman Radiation Oncology at Freeman East
417-347-2200
Obstetrics And Gynecology
Winners (tie)
Elizabeth M. Barlet
Mercy Clinic Women’s Health
417-623-6056
Heath Ross Merkley
Mercy Clinic Women’s Health
417-623-6056
Runner Up
Angela M. Langer
Ozark Obstetrics & Gynecology
417-347-2525
Occupational Medicine
Winner
Rick Haggard
Freeman OccuMed
417-347-6625
Ophthalmology
Winner
Heeral R. Shah
Ramesh R Shah MD
417-781-2616
Orthopedics Sports Medicine And Arthroscopy
Winner
Todd Twiss
Freeman Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
417-347-5400
Runners Up
Jonathan L. Grantham
Mercy Clinic Orthopedics
877-783-4441
Thomas L. Sanders, Jr.
Freeman Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
417-347-5400
Robert F. Stringer
Mercy Clinic Orthopedics
877-783-4441
Otolaryngology Ear Nose Throat
Winner
Kent McIntire
Freeman Ear Nose & Throat Center
417-347-6767
Runners Up
Scott McClintick
Freeman Ear Nose & Throat Center
417-347-8301
Larry McIntire
Freeman Ear Nose & Throat Center
417-347-6767
Pain Management
Winner
Rebecca Sanders
Freeman Institute for Pain Management
417-347-8055
Runner Up
Anthony Casanova
Freeman Pain Management Center
417-347-8355
Pediatric General
Winner
Beth Garrett
Freeman Children’s Clinic
417-347-8750
Runners Up
Amanda Dickerson
Freeman Children’s Clinic
417-347-8750
Kelly Gorman
Freeman Children’s Clinic
417-347-8750
Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation
Winner
Rebecca Jeyaseelan
Freeman Physical Rehabilitation Unit
417-347-1234
Runners Up
Laurie Behm
Freeman NeuroSpine
417-347-7200
Melvin D Karges
Melvin D Karges MD
417-782-1700
Podiatry
Winner
Jared Alan Stanton
Mercy Clinic Podiatry
417-556-2278
Runners Up
Elizabeth Mary Barnica
Mercy Clinic Podiatry
417-556-2278
Shelly D. Sedberry
Shoal Creek Foot & Ankle Center
417-622-0648
Psychiatry
Winner
James Orlando, III
Mercy Clinic Behavioral Health
417-781-7337
Runners Up
Jeffrey Bradley
Freeman Hospital East
417-347-7580
Tamon B. Paige
Mercy Clinic Behavioral Health
417-781-7337
Allison Smith
Freeman Hospital East
417-347-5800
Pulmonary Disease
Winner
Ricky L. Scacewater
Mercy Clinic Pulmonology
417-556-8377
Runners Up
Syed A. Ahmed
Mercy Clinic Pulmonology
417-627-8377
Adnan Khan
Freeman Hospital West
417-347-1111
Yasser Mokhtar
Freeman Hospital West
417-347-4570
Festus Anayo Ndukwu
Mercy Clinic Pulmonology
417-556-8377
Grant Pierson
Freeman Lung Institute
417-347-8315
Phil Slocum
Freeman Lung Institute
417-347-8315
Yashwanth Yerramalla
Freeman Lung Institute
417-347-8315
Radiation Oncology
Winner
Chance Matthiesen
Freeman Radiation Oncology at Freeman East
417-347-2200
Radiology
Winner
Joshua Ball
Freeman Hospital West
417-347-1111
Runner Up
Jane Seto
Freeman Radiology
417-347-6611
Rheumatology
Winner
Melinda Renee Reed
Mercy Clinic Rheumatology
417-359-2675
Runners Up
Mark J. Jarek
Mercy Clinic Rheumatology
417-359-2675
Michael E. Joseph
Midwest Regional Allergy Asthma Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center
417-624-0050
Anne E. Winkler
Mercy Clinic Rheumatology
417-359-2675
Sports Medicine
Winner
Robert Lieurance
Freeman Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
417-347-5400
Urgent Care
Winner
Jimmy Morgan
Freeman Urgent Care
417-347-2273
Urology
Winner
Mark Frogge
Freeman Urology Associates
417-347-3703
Runner Up
Roger Schoenfeld
Midwest Urology Center PC
417-347-1111
Did You Know?
Sue Dalton Chemotherapy Infusion Center
The Sue Dalton Chemotherapy Infusion Center opened in January 2022 to expand treatment options for cancer patients in 417-land. The new center has a total of 44 treatment chairs, five private suites for patients with immunocompromising conditions, access to a rooftop garden and plenty of much-needed space for the average of 60–75 patients they treat daily. “It is one of the most difficult things they (patients) are ever going to go through. Giving them the support and care they need and treating them like our family is what we do. Patients are typically apprehensive when they visit, and while our staff are experts at putting them at ease, I feel like this updated space will strongly contribute to helping our patients feel calmer and more relaxed,” says Nurse Manager Michelle Jackson.
Surgical Specialties
Bariatric Surgery
Winner
Danny Tien-Hao Liu
Mercy Clinic General and Specialty Surgery
417-781-4404
Runners Up
David Baker
Freeman General & Vascular Surgical Group
417-347-7272
T. Brad Coy
Freeman General & Vascular Surgical Group
417-347-7272
Cardiovascular Surgery
Winner
Raymond Vetsch
Freeman Heart & Vascular Institute
417-347-5001
Runner Up
Jeffrey Lee
Freeman Heart & Vascular Institute
417-347-5000
General Orthopedic Surgery
Winner
David Black
Freeman Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
417-347-5400
Runners Up
Jon C. Banwart
Mercy Clinic Orthopedics
877-783-4441
Robert Lieurance
Freeman Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
417-347-5400
Mark E. McNemar
Mercy Clinic Orthopedics
877-783-4441
Derek Miller
Freeman Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
417-347-5400
General Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery
Winner
W. Steven Hughes
Dr. Steve Hughes
417-347-8210
General Surgery
Winner
Charles Y. Ro
Mercy Clinic General and Specialty Surgery
417-781-4404
Runners Up
Brock Carney
Freeman Surgical Associates
417-781-6844
Kurtis S. Cox
Freeman Surgical Associates
417-347-4177
T. Brad Coy
Freeman General & Vascular Surgical Group
417-347-7272
Kenneth L. Watts
Mercy Clinic General and Specialty Surgery
417-781-4404
Laparoscopic Surgery
Winner
Kurtis S. Cox
Freeman Surgical Associates
417-347-4177
Neurological Surgery
Winner
Brian Curtis
Freeman NeuroSpine
417-347-7200
Runners Up
Barry Irving Katz
Mercy Clinic Neurosurgery
417-556-6875
Margaret Nichols
Freeman NeuroSpine
417-347-7200
Joshua Sweaney
Freeman NeuroSpine
417-782-5500
Ophthalmologic Surgery
Winner
Heeral R. Shah
Ramesh R Shah MD
417-781-2616
Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery
Winner
Bradley R. Burnett
Oral & Facial Surgery Center of Joplin
417-621-0500
Runner Up
Frank W. Shagets
Frank W Shagets Jr MD PC
417-623-5111
Orthopedics Hand Surgery
Winners (tie)
W. Steven Hughes
Dr. Steve Hughes
417-347-8210
Todd Twiss
Freeman Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
417-347-5400
Orthopedics Joint Replacement Surgery
Winner
Derek Miller
Freeman Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
417-347-5400
Orthopedics Trauma Surgery
Winner
Adam Kessler
Freeman Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
417-347-5400
Otolaryngology Head And Neck Surgery
Winner
Frank W. Shagets
Frank W Shagets Jr MD PC
417-623-5111
Runners Up
Scott McClintick
Freeman Ear Nose & Throat Center
417-347-8301
Kent McIntire
Freeman Ear Nose & Throat Center
417-347-6767
Plastic Breast Augmentation
Winner
Talon Maningas
Maningas Cosmetic Surgery
417-437-0303
Plastic Facial Surgery
Winner
Talon Maningas
Maningas Cosmetic Surgery
417-437-0303
Podiatric Sugery
Winner
Valarie L. Ikerd
Valarie L. Ikerd DPM
417-659-9395
Runner Up
Shelly D. Sedberry
Shoal Creek Foot & Ankle Center
417-622-0648
Trauma Surgery
Winner
Clinton J. Pace
Mercy Clinic General and Specialty Surgery
417-781-4404
Runner Up
Brock Carney
Freeman Surgical Associates
417-781-6844
Vascular Surgery
Winner
Raymond Vetsch
Freeman Heart & Vascular Institute
417-347-5001

Check Another City
Medical Specialties
Dermatology
Winner
Leslie A. Marshall
Ozarks Healthcare Dermatology
417-505-7114
Emergency Medicine
Winner
Curtis Horstman
Ozarks Healthcare Emergency Department
417-257-6789
Endocrinology Diabetes And Metabolism
Winner
Nashmia Riaz
Ozarks Healthcare Endocrinology
417-505-7113
Family Medicine
Winner
Jen Lambert
Ozarks Healthcare Family Medicine
417-257-5911
Hematology/Oncology
Winner
Charles H. Morgan
Ozarks Healthcare Cancer Treatment Center
417-257-5900
Hospitalist
Winner
Kendell C. Clarkston
Ozarks Healthcare Hospitalist Team
417-257-5800
Runner Up
Priscilla A. Frase
Ozarks Healthcare Hospitalist Team
417-257-5800
Infectious Disease
Winner
Ritu Kathuria
Ozarks Healthcare Hospitalist Team
417-257-5800
Internal Medicine
Winner
Christopher D. Cochran
Ozarks Healthcare Internal Medicine
417-257-5989
Neurology
Winner
Clara N. Applegate
Ozarks Healthcare Neurology
417-257-6777
Obstetrics And Gynecology
Winner
Reah M. Kurian
Ozarks Healthcare Women’s Health
417-256-1838
Orthopedics Sports Medicine And Arthroscopy
Winner
Edwin M. Roeder
Ozarks Healthcare Orthopedics and Spine
417-256-1745
Pain Management
Winner
Ryan D. Roberts
Ozarks Healthcare Pain Management
417-256-1761
Pediatric General
Winner
Ashish Risal
Ozarks Healthcare Pediatrics
417-257-7076
Runner Up
Carolyn A. Ellsworth
Ozarks Healthcare Pediatrics
417-257-7076
Podiatry
Winner
Tyler Rex Goodman
Ozarks Healthcare Podiatry
417-256-1745
Psychiatry
Winner
Jesse Rhoads
Ozarks Healthcare Behavioral Health Center
417-257-6762
Pulmonary Disease
Winner
Biplab Saha
Ozarks Healthcare Heart and Lung Center
417-257-5950
Runner Up
Praveen B. Datar
Ozarks Healthcare Heart and Lung Center
417-257-5950
Radiology
Winner
Beth Cooper
Ozarks Healthcare Imaging
417-257-6713
Did You Know?
Dr. Shaw Included in NHK Japan Documentary
Dr. Robert Shaw’s research has been featured across CNN to USA Today and is now being included in a documentary done by the Japanese version of PBS, NHK Japan. Shaw is the only plastic surgeon in the country they are including in the documentary due to the influence his research has had on facial rejuvenation. He started his research as a med student at Stanford and then continued it throughout his residency and practice at CoxHealth. It then received media attention due to how it changed the way people approach cosmetic surgery on the face by focusing on adding volume back to the facial skeleton instead of just tightening skin. “When you do a traditional facelift, you’re really just tightening up the skin and never really rejuvenating them to how they looked when they were younger, so we started looking at CT images and bone density images and it showed that facial bones change a lot as you age,” says Shaw. “So, to appropriately add rejuvenation back to the face you need to add volume.” The NHK Japan documentary aired in May 2022 and shared how this research has now become the standard for cosmetic surgery.
Surgical Specialties
Cardiovascular Surgery
Winner
William A. McGee
Ozarks Healthcare Heart and Lung Center
417-257-5950
General Orthopedic Surgery
Winner
Edwin M. Roeder
Ozarks Healthcare Orthopedics and Spine
417-256-1745
General Surgery
Winner
Antony Joseph
Ozarks Healthcare General Surgery
417-256-1774
Runners Up
Bryan D. Eck
Burton Creek Rural Clinic
417-256-2111
Magdy Giurgius
Ozarks Healthcare General Surgery
417-256-1774
Ophthalmologic Surgery
Winner
Robert W. Jones
Jones Eye Center
417-256-4111
Podiatric Sugery
Winner
Tyler Rex Goodman
Ozarks Healthcare Podiatry
417-256-174
Did You Know?
Savi Scout Technology
New technology at Mercy Springfield has made lumpectomies for small breast cancer tumors an easier and more precise surgery than ever before. They use SAVI SCOUT®, which is a small reflector about the size of a grain of rice, that is implanted in the breast to mark the exact spot of the tumor. The SCOUT then guides the surgeon with an infrared light and radar signal to detect and remove the lump as precisely as possible. “This is a huge step forward, both for accuracy and our patients’ comfort,” says Dr. John Bumberry, Mercy breast surgeon

Find a Doctor
Springfield
Cox Medical Center South
3801 S. National Ave., Springfield
417-269-6000
Cox North Hospital
1423 N. Jefferson Ave., Springfield
417-269-3000
Mercy Hospital Springfield
1235 E. Cherokee St., Springfield
417-820-2000
Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital Springfield
5904 S. Southwood Rd., Springfield
417-227-9000
Meyer Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Hospital
3535 S. National Ave., Springfield
417-269-9800
Branson
Cox Medical Center Branson
525 Branson Landing Blvd., Branson
417-335-7000
Mercy Clinic Internal Medicine—Branson
448 State Hwy 248, Suite 140, Branson
417-337-9808
Joplin
Freeman Health System
1102 W. 32nd St., Joplin
417-347-1111
Mercy Hospital Joplin
100 Mercy Way, Joplin
417-781-2727
Bolivar
Citizens Memorial Healthcare
1500 N. Oakland Ave., Bolivar
417-326-6000
Lebanon
Mercy Hospital Lebanon
100 Hospital Dr., Lebanon
417-533-6100
West Plains
Ozarks Healthcare
1100 Kentucky Ave., West Plains
417-256-9111