Finding a new physician feels a lot like trying to find a mechanic you can trust, only with much higher stakes. You aren’t just handing over keys to a car; you’re handing over your health, your worries, and your future well-being. Whether you just moved to the Hoosier State or you’re dealing with a complex diagnosis that requires a second opinion, the pressure to find the “right” person is real.
Indiana boasts some of the Midwest’s most rigorous medical schools and research hospitals, particularly around Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Bloomington. But having too many options can be just as paralyzing as having too few. You might ask yourself: Who actually listens? Who stays up past midnight reading about the latest treatments? Who will fight for my recovery?
Quick Takeaways: Finding Your Medical Match
- Specialization Matters: The “best” doctor depends entirely on your specific condition; a top-rated GP isn’t who you need for a knee replacement.
- Hospital Affiliation: Doctors connected to major research hubs (like IU Health or Ascension) often have faster access to clinical trials.
- Patient Rapport: Credentials look good on a wall, but a doctor’s ability to explain complex terms in plain English is what builds trust.
- Access is Key: The world’s greatest surgeon won’t help if they aren’t accepting new patients until 2026.
We’ve combed through the noise to highlight professionals who consistently rise to the top. These physicians represent the highest standards of care, blending technical brilliance with the human touch that makes all the difference.
How We Selected the Top Doctors
Ranking medical professionals isn’t about popularity contests. It requires looking at the data that actually impacts patient outcomes. To curate this list of the best doctors in Indiana, we analyzed several critical performance indicators.
Clinical Authority and Board Certification
Every physician listed here holds board certifications in their respective fields. This isn’t just a piece of paper; it represents years of voluntary testing and peer review beyond the basic medical license.
Peer Nominations and Reputation
Doctors know who the good doctors are. We looked for specialists whom other medical professionals would trust with their own families. This peer-review aspect often highlights skill sets that patient reviews might miss.
Patient Satisfaction History
While online ratings can be skewed, patterns don’t lie. We looked for consistent feedback regarding bedside manner, clarity of communication, and wait times. A brilliant diagnostician who ignores patient concerns didn’t make the cut.
List of 10 Best Doctors in USA
| SNO | Name | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. Richard Fogel | Patients dealing with complex atrial fibrillation or heart rhythm disorders requiring procedural intervention. |
| 2 | Dr. Laila Agrawal | Breast cancer patients seeking a compassionate partner for long-term treatment plans. |
| 3 | Dr. K. Donald Shelbourne | Athletes and active individuals needing ACL repair or complex knee surgery. |
| 4 | Dr. Naga Chalasani | Complex liver diseases and diagnostic dilemmas in gastroenterology. |
| 5 | Dr. Scott Shapiro | Patients facing high-risk brain or spinal surgery. |
| 6 | Dr. C. William Hanke | Skin cancer removal (Mohs surgery) and advanced laser reconstruction. |
| 7 | Dr. Francis Price | Corneal transplants and complex anterior segment eye reconstruction. |
| 8 | Dr. William Engle | High-risk newborns requiring NICU care. |
| 9 | Dr. Christopher Doehring | Comprehensive annual care and chronic disease management. |
| 10 | Dr. Arthur Rettig | Upper extremity injuries and sports-related trauma. |
Top 10 Doctors in Indiana
The following list represents a mix of highly specialized surgeons, attentive primary care physicians, and leaders in medical research across Indiana.
1. Dr. Richard Fogel – Electrophysiology
When it comes to the intricate rhythms of the human heart, Dr. Richard Fogel stands out as a titan in the field. Associated with Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis, he has spent decades mastering clinical cardiac electrophysiology. His work focuses on managing arrhythmias—those terrifying moments when a heart beats too fast, too slow, or erratically.
What sets Dr. Fogel apart isn’t just his technical skill with catheters and ablations; it’s his leadership. He has served in significant executive roles, shaping how cardiac care is delivered across the state. Patients often describe him as direct, incredibly knowledgeable, and reassuring during high-stress heart procedures.
Best For: Patients dealing with complex atrial fibrillation or heart rhythm disorders requiring procedural intervention.
2. Dr. Laila Agrawal – Hematology & Oncology
Receiving a cancer diagnosis stops time. Dr. Laila Agrawal, practicing with Norton Healthcare (serving the Southern Indiana/Louisville metro area), specializes in restarting the clock for her patients. Her focus lies heavily on breast cancer, where she combines aggressive treatment protocols with a deeply empathetic approach.
She understands that oncology isn’t just about chemotherapy; it’s about preserving quality of life. Dr. Agrawal is frequently recognized for her ability to break down terrifying medical jargon into manageable steps, empowering women to participate in their own care decisions.
Best For: Breast cancer patients seeking a compassionate partner for long-term treatment plans.
3. Dr. K. Donald Shelbourne – Orthopedic Surgery
If you follow sports in Indiana, you likely know the Shelbourne name. Based at the Shelbourne Knee Center, Dr. Donald Shelbourne is legendary for his work with ACL reconstruction. He didn’t just practice orthopedic surgery; he changed it. He developed the “Shelbourne focus,” a rehabilitation protocol that accelerated recovery times for athletes worldwide.
His approach challenges traditional rest-heavy recovery, favoring rapid rehabilitation. Thousands of athletes, from high school varsity players to professionals, credit their return to the field to his surgical precision and post-op philosophy.
Best For: Athletes and active individuals needing ACL repair or complex knee surgery.
4. Dr. Naga Chalasani – Gastroenterology
The liver is a complex, forgiving, yet often misunderstood organ. Dr. Naga Chalasani at IU Health University Hospital has dedicated his career to decoding its secrets. As a leading authority on hepatology, his research into drug-induced liver injury and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is cited globally.
Patients with rare or stubborn gastrointestinal issues often end up in Dr. Chalasani’s office after hitting dead ends elsewhere. He represents the intersection of academic research and clinical application, bringing tomorrow’s treatments to patients sitting in the exam room today.
Best For: Complex liver diseases and diagnostic dilemmas in gastroenterology.
5. Dr. Scott Shapiro – Neurosurgery
Few medical disciplines require the steady hand and steely nerves of neurosurgery. Dr. Scott Shapiro creates outcomes that seem miraculous. Practicing in Indianapolis, he has built a reputation for tackling difficult cases involving brain tumors and spinal cord injuries that other surgeons might deem too risky.
His longevity in the field provides him with a perspective that younger surgeons simply haven’t had time to acquire. Dr. Shapiro combines traditional surgical wisdom with modern imaging navigation to minimize invasiveness while maximizing tumor resection.
Best For: Patients facing high-risk brain or spinal surgery.
6. Dr. C. William Hanke – Dermatology
Skin health goes beyond aesthetics; it is the body’s first line of defense. Dr. C. William Hanke at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana is a heavyweight in Mohs micrographic surgery. This precise technique is the gold standard for removing skin cancer while sparing healthy tissue.
Beyond his surgical capability, Dr. Hanke is a mentor in the dermatology community. He has authored hundreds of publications, ensuring his patients benefit from the absolute latest evidence-based practices in dermatologic surgery and laser treatments.
Best For: Skin cancer removal (Mohs surgery) and advanced laser reconstruction.
7. Dr. Francis Price – Ophthalmology
Vision defines our experience of the world, and Dr. Francis Price of Price Vision Group fights to protect it. An international leader in corneal transplants, Dr. Price creates techniques that other eye surgeons fly in to learn. He was instrumental in advancing DSEK and DMEK transplants, which offer faster visual recovery than traditional methods.
People travel from outside Indiana to see him, specifically for corneal issues. His clinic is not just a practice; it’s a research hub where the boundaries of what’s possible in vision restoration are constantly pushed forward.
Best For: Corneal transplants and complex anterior segment eye reconstruction.
8. Dr. William Engle – Neonatology
Riley Hospital for Children is a beacon of hope in Indiana, and physicians like Dr. William Engle are the reason why. Specializing in neonatology, he cares for the most vulnerable patients imaginable: premature and critically ill infants.
His work involves the delicate balance of life support systems and developmental care. Parents often praise Dr. Engle not just for his medical expertise, but for his gentle guidance during the most terrifying weeks of a parent’s life. He focuses on sending healthy babies home, not just treating numbers on a chart.
Best For: High-risk newborns requiring NICU care.
9. Dr. Christopher Doehring – Family Medicine
While specialists get the glory, family doctors keep the community running. Dr. Christopher Doehring, associated with Franciscan Health, represents the ideal primary care physician. With a background in leadership and quality assurance, he applies a rigorous standard to preventative care.
He views the patient as a whole person, not a collection of symptoms. Finding a primary care doctor who is thorough, accessible, and proactive about preventing chronic disease is rare, and Dr. Doehring fills that gap for many Hoosiers.
Best For: Comprehensive annual care and chronic disease management.
10. Dr. Arthur Rettig – Sports Medicine
Another name synonymous with Indiana sports is Dr. Arthur Rettig. Having served as a team physician for the Indianapolis Colts for decades, he understands the unique demands placed on the musculoskeletal system.
However, you don’t need to be an NFL linebacker to benefit from his knowledge. He applies the same rigorous diagnostic standards to weekend warriors and high school athletes. His conservative approach—surgery only when necessary—resonates with patients who want to heal naturally whenever possible.
Best For: Upper extremity injuries and sports-related trauma.
What Makes a Great Doctor in Indiana?
Indiana offers a unique medical environment. We have massive research institutions like the IU School of Medicine sitting right next to rural health networks. A top-tier doctor in this state needs to navigate both worlds.
Adaptability to Modern Tech
The best physicians are embracing telehealth and electronic charting not as burdens, but as tools. They use MyChart or similar portals to answer questions quickly, saving you a trip to the office for minor clarifications.
Collaborative Mindset
Medicine is a team sport. Great doctors don’t hoard patients. If they don’t have the answer, they pick up the phone and call a colleague who does. In networks like Franciscan or Community Health, this cross-department collaboration is vital for accurate diagnoses.
Preventive Focus
Historically, healthcare was reactive—you break it, they fix it. The modern “top doctor” is obsessed with prevention. They want to manage your blood pressure before the stroke happens, not after.
How to Choose the Right Doctor for Your Needs
You have the list, but how do you narrow it down? A name on a “best of” list is a starting point, not the finish line.
Start by verifying insurance coverage. It sounds boring, but an out-of-network bill can ruin your financial health even as you fix your physical health. Call the office directly; online directories are often outdated.
Next, consider logistics. If a specialist is brilliant but located three hours away in South Bend while you live in Evansville, will you actually go to the follow-up appointments? Continuity of care often beats sheer prestige. If you live near the state border or need a specific specialist not found locally, you might even look at the top 10 doctors in Illinois for more options.
Finally, book a consultation. Treat it like an interview. Did they interrupt you? Did they explain the “why” behind their recommendation? If you leave the appointment feeling confused or dismissed, keep looking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a doctor’s board certification in Indiana?
You can verify a physician’s credentials through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) website or the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana. These public databases confirm if a doctor is active and in good standing.
Do I always need a referral to see a specialist?
This depends largely on your insurance plan (HMO vs. PPO) and the specialist’s office policy. While many insurance plans no longer strictly require referrals, many popular specialists require one from a primary care doctor to ensure your case is appropriate for their practice.
What if I want a second opinion?
Good doctors welcome second opinions. It confirms their diagnosis or offers you a new path. If your current doctor gets offended when you mention seeing someone else, that is a major red flag.
Are the doctors at university hospitals better?
Not necessarily “better,” but different. Doctors at university hospitals (like IU Health) are often involved in research and teaching. This gives them access to cutting-edge clinical trials, which is crucial for rare or complex conditions, but might be unnecessary for routine care.
Taking Charge of Your Health
Your health is your most valuable asset. The physicians listed above represent the pinnacle of care in Indiana, but the most important member of your healthcare team is you. Don’t settle for a provider who dismisses your pain or rushes through your appointment.
Take the next step today. Review your insurance network, read recent patient testimonials, and schedule that consultation you’ve been putting off. Whether it’s a routine check-up or a surgical consult, getting the right expert in your corner is the first step toward a healthier future.
