Finding a new physician can feel a lot like dating—except the stakes are infinitely higher, and you can’t just “swipe left” if things get awkward during a check-up. You need someone who actually listens, understands your history, and possesses the technical skill to keep you healthy.
Living in Winston-Salem, we are spoiled for choice. Between Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Novant Health, the Twin City has transformed into a legitimate medical hub for the Southeast. But having hundreds of options can sometimes feel more paralyzed than having none. How do you sift through the noise to find the best doctors in Winston-Salem?
You might be looking for a general practitioner to manage your annual physicals, or perhaps you need a specialist who understands the intricacies of a specific condition. Regardless of the need, the goal remains the same: finding a partner in your health. We’ve analyzed patient feedback, credentials, and peer reputation to narrow down the field.
Quick Takeaways: Finding Your Match
- Hospital Affiliation Matters: Most top physicians here align with either Novant or Atrium Health; check which network your insurance prefers.
- Wait Times vs. Quality: The most popular specialists often have longer lead times for new patient appointments. Plan ahead.
- Sub-Specialization: Many doctors on this list are “super-specialists,” focusing on very specific areas like hand surgery or complex heart failure.
- Patient Rapport: Technical skill is the baseline; the best doctors are those who explain “why” and “how” without talking down to you.
How We Selected the Top Doctors
Ranking medical professionals isn’t like reviewing restaurants. A five-star meal is subjective, but medical outcomes rely on hard data and proven expertise. To compile this list of top-rated physicians in Winston-Salem, we looked beyond simple star ratings on review sites, which can often be skewed by parking complaints or front-desk issues rather than medical care.
We prioritized Board Certification as a non-negotiable baseline. This ensures the physician hasn’t just finished medical school but has completed rigorous residency training and passed standardized exams in their specialty. Beyond that, we looked at tenure. Experience often correlates with the ability to spot rare conditions that newer physicians might miss.
Peer recognition played a significant role in our analysis. Doctors know who the good doctors are. We looked for physicians often cited in regional “Top Doctor” lists and those holding leadership positions within their hospital departments. Finally, we considered the “human factor.” We looked for consistent patterns in patient feedback regarding listening skills, empathy, and clarity of communication.
List of 10 Best Doctors in Winston-Salem
| SNO | Name | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. Julie A. Freischlag | Patients with complex vascular conditions requiring high-level surgical intervention. |
| 2 | Dr. David A. Katz | Individuals with a family history of heart disease or those managing chronic cardiac issues. |
| 3 | Dr. L. Andrew Koman | Patients needing reconstructive surgery or management of congenital limb differences. |
| 4 | Dr. Stephen Tatter | Patients diagnosed with brain tumors or vascular malformations needing advanced, minimally invasive options. |
| 5 | Dr. Steven Block | Anyone needing a trustworthy GI specialist for screenings or chronic digestive management. |
| 6 | Dr. Sarah Berga | Women facing fertility challenges or complex hormonal imbalances. |
| 7 | Dr. Timothy Collins | Sufferers of chronic migraines, cluster headaches, or unexplained neurological symptoms. |
| 8 | Dr. Joseph Aloi | Patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes requiring advanced insulin management strategies. |
| 9 | Dr. Kevin High | Older adults with compromised immune systems or complex infections. |
| 10 | Dr. Richard McQuellon | Cancer patients and families navigating the mental and emotional toll of serious illness. |
3️⃣ Top 10 Doctors in Winston-Salem
Here are ten standout medical professionals serving our community, ranging from primary care leaders to world-class surgeons.
1. Dr. Julie A. Freischlag – Vascular Surgery Expert
You can’t talk about Winston-Salem healthcare without mentioning Dr. Freischlag. As a vascular surgeon and a prominent leader at Wake Forest Baptist Health, she brings a level of prestige to the region that is hard to match. Her career has been defined by breaking barriers in surgery and medical leadership.
Area of Expertise: Vascular Surgery (Thoracic Outlet Syndrome)
Best Suited For: Patients with complex vascular conditions requiring high-level surgical intervention.
Patients often seek her out for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, a difficult condition where her expertise is nationally recognized. While she holds significant administrative roles, her clinical acumen remains sharp. If you need a surgeon who wrote the book on vascular care (figuratively and literally), she is the go-to.
2. Dr. David A. Katz – Cardiology & Heart Health
Heart health requires a mix of aggressive prevention and precise intervention. Dr. Katz has built a reputation for balancing both. Practicing within the local cardiology networks, he is frequently praised for his ability to explain complex heart mechanics in plain English.
Area of Expertise: Cardiovascular Disease
Best Suited For: Individuals with a family history of heart disease or those managing chronic cardiac issues.
What sets Dr. Katz apart is his thoroughness. He doesn’t just treat the symptom; he investigates the lifestyle factors contributing to the issue. Patients appreciate that appointments don’t feel rushed, which is a rarity in modern cardiology.
3. Dr. L. Andrew Koman – Orthopedic Hand Specialist
When you lose function in your hands, you lose your independence. Dr. Koman is a heavyweight in the world of orthopedic surgery, specifically focusing on the hand and upper extremities. His work with pediatric orthopedics and congenital hand differences has changed lives across North Carolina.
Area of Expertise: Orthopedic Surgery (Hand & Upper Extremity)
Best Suited For: Patients needing reconstructive surgery or management of congenital limb differences.
His approach combines surgical precision with a deep understanding of rehabilitation. He knows that the surgery is only half the battle; getting the hand moving again is where the real work begins.
4. Dr. Stephen Tatter – Neurosurgical Precision
Brain surgery is the ultimate high-stakes field. Dr. Tatter is known for his work with Gamma Knife radiosurgery, a non-invasive method for treating brain tumors. His association with the Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center puts him at the cutting edge of neurological care.
Area of Expertise: Neurosurgery & Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Best Suited For: Patients diagnosed with brain tumors or vascular malformations needing advanced, minimally invasive options.
Dr. Tatter is the physician you see when precision is the only option. His adoption of advanced technology allows for treatments that preserve quality of life, minimizing the damage to healthy brain tissue.
5. Dr. Steven Block – Gastroenterology
Digestive health issues can be debilitating and embarrassing. Dr. Steven Block has cultivated a practice where patients feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics. His experience covers the full spectrum of GI issues, from routine colonoscopies to managing Crohn’s disease.
Area of Expertise: Gastroenterology
Best Suited For: Anyone needing a trustworthy GI specialist for screenings or chronic digestive management.
Patients frequently note his calming demeanor. Procedures like endoscopies can be anxiety-inducing, and having a doctor who reassures you before sedation makes a massive difference in the patient experience.
6. Dr. Sarah Berga – Women’s Health & Endocrinology
Dr. Berga is a powerhouse in the field of reproductive endocrinology and women’s health. She looks at the intersection of stress, hormones, and reproductive health, offering a holistic view that many standard OB/GYNs might miss.
Area of Expertise: Reproductive Endocrinology / OB-GYN
Best Suited For: Women facing fertility challenges or complex hormonal imbalances.
Her research-backed approach is ideal for patients who want to understand the “why” behind their symptoms. She represents the investigative side of medicine, refusing to settle for easy answers when complex hormonal interactions are at play.
7. Dr. Timothy Collins – Neurology & Headache Management
Chronic migraines and headaches can ruin lives. Dr. Collins has dedicated much of his career to Neurology, helping patients find relief when over-the-counter meds fail. His diagnostic skills are sharp, often identifying triggers that patients hadn’t considered.
Area of Expertise: Neurology
Best Suited For: Sufferers of chronic migraines, cluster headaches, or unexplained neurological symptoms.
He is known for persistence. If the first treatment protocol doesn’t work, he pivots to the next option rather than giving up. That tenacity is exactly what chronic pain patients need.
8. Dr. Joseph Aloi – Endocrinology & Diabetes Care
With diabetes rates climbing, having a specialist like Dr. Aloi in Winston-Salem is a major asset. He focuses on metabolism and endocrinology, helping patients manage complex diabetes cases that general practitioners might struggle to control.
Area of Expertise: Endocrinology / Diabetes Metabolism
Best Suited For: Patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes requiring advanced insulin management strategies.
Dr. Aloi is a proponent of using technology—like continuous glucose monitors—to give patients freedom. He moves away from rigid, old-school restrictions and toward flexible, data-driven management.
9. Dr. Kevin High – Infectious Disease
In a post-pandemic world, we all value infectious disease experts a little more. Dr. High is a leader in Internal Medicine with a focus on infectious diseases and immunology in aging populations. His work is crucial for older adults trying to maintain robust immune health.
Area of Expertise: Infectious Disease / Geriatrics
Best Suited For: Older adults with compromised immune systems or complex infections.
His dual focus on aging and infection makes him a rare find. He understands that an infection in an 80-year-old behaves very differently than in a 30-year-old, tailoring his care accordingly.
10. Dr. Richard McQuellon – Psychosocial Oncology
Healing isn’t just physical. Dr. McQuellon brings a vital perspective to the list, focusing on the psychological aspects of cancer care and bone marrow transplants. While not a surgeon, his role in the healing process for severe illnesses is irreplaceable.
Area of Expertise: Medical Psychology / Hematology Support
Best Suited For: Cancer patients and families navigating the mental and emotional toll of serious illness.
He helps patients navigate the “dark night of the soul” that often accompanies a major diagnosis. His inclusion here highlights that the best healthcare treats the mind alongside the body.
What Makes a Great Doctor in Winston-Salem?
Geography influences healthcare. In Winston-Salem, a “great” doctor is one who leverages the massive resources of our local hospital systems while maintaining a small-town bedside manner. The unique advantage here is the Innovation Quarter.
Physicians in this area have access to clinical trials and research that doctors in rural areas simply don’t. A top-tier doctor here isn’t just prescribing medication; they are often part of the teams developing those medications. However, technology should never replace touch. The best medical specialists in Winston-Salem are those who look you in the eye rather than staring at their tablet the entire visit.
Accessibility is also key. The most brilliant diagnostician is useless to you if they are booked out for eight months. Great practices here employ Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants to ensure you can be seen quickly for acute issues, reserving the lead physician for complex decision-making.
How to Choose the Right Doctor for Your Needs
Selecting a doctor is a personal decision, but you can systematize it. Don’t just rely on a neighbor’s recommendation—their health needs might be completely different from yours.
Start with logistics. Verify hospital privileges. If you prefer Novant Health facilities, ensure your doctor admits patients there. If you have a complex condition, check if they are part of a multidisciplinary team. For example, if you have cancer, you want your surgeon talking to your oncologist and your radiologist. In Winston-Salem’s integrated systems, this is usually standard, but it’s worth confirming.
Also, look at their communication style. Do you want a doctor who gives you orders, or one who offers options? Read the “bad” reviews with a grain of salt, but look for patterns. If five people say, “He didn’t listen to me,” believe them.
It can also be helpful to see how medical standards compare across different regions if you are relocating or managing care for family members elsewhere. For instance, reviewing criteria for doctors in Tulsa or other mid-sized cities can give you a benchmark for what qualifications to prioritize, regardless of location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these doctors accept all insurance plans?
Most of the physicians listed are affiliated with major networks like Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist or Novant Health, which accept most major insurance plans. However, coverage varies wildly. Always call the billing department before your first visit to confirm they are “in-network” for your specific policy.
How long is the wait time for a new patient appointment?
For highly rated specialists like Dr. Freischlag or Dr. Koman, wait times can range from several weeks to a few months. For urgent matters, ask to be put on a cancellation list or see if a specialized Nurse Practitioner in their office can see you sooner.
Can I see these doctors for a second opinion?
Absolutely. Seeking a second opinion is a standard patient right. Most top doctors welcome it because they are confident in their diagnosis. If you are bringing records from another provider, ensure they are transferred before your appointment to make the visit productive.
Are these doctors involved in medical research?
Many of the doctors on this list, particularly those associated with Wake Forest, are active researchers. This is a benefit to you, as it means they are likely aware of the newest treatments before they become mainstream.
What if I need a primary care doctor, not a specialist?
While this list leans heavily toward specialists, internal medicine experts like Dr. High or Dr. Katz (Cardiology) often work closely with primary care networks. The hospital systems in Winston-Salem have robust “Find a Doctor” tools to match you with a PCP who can refer you to these experts if needed.
Taking Charge of Your Health
Your health is your most valuable asset, and the doctor you choose is the portfolio manager. The professionals listed above represent the pinnacle of care in Winston-Salem, blending decades of experience with modern medical advancements. But a list is just a starting point.
Don’t be afraid to interview your doctor. Ask questions. If a relationship doesn’t feel right, make a switch. We are fortunate to live in a city with such deep medical talent—use it to your advantage. Call a few offices, check your insurance coverage, and book that appointment you’ve been putting off. Your future self will thank you.
