Celebrating Excellence in Orthopaedic Care
Nirschl Orthopaedic Center is proud to announce that Dr. Clay Wellborn, Dr. Cassie Root, and Dr. Matthew Buchanan have been recognized among Washingtonian Magazine’s Top Doctors of 2025.
This distinguished award highlights the top physicians across the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia region, nominated by their peers for clinical excellence, compassionate care, and leadership in advancing medicine.
At Nirschl Orthopaedic Center, this recognition reaffirms our long-standing commitment to providing the highest quality orthopaedic and sports medicine care for our community.
Dr. Clay Wellborn, MD
Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon – Joint Reconstruction & Sports Medicine Specialist
Dr. Clay Wellborn is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in joint reconstruction and preservation of the hip, knee, and shoulder. His expertise includes arthroscopic surgery, ligament repair, and sports injury rehabilitation.
At Nirschl Orthopaedic Center, Dr. Wellborn works with athletes and active patients of all levels to restore movement and reduce pain using cutting-edge, minimally invasive techniques. His inclusion in the Top Doctors 2025 list highlights his dedication to precision surgery, innovative treatment, and long-term patient success.
Dr. Cassie G. Root, MD
Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon – Hand, Wrist & Elbow Specialist
Dr. Cassie Root specializes in upper extremity orthopaedics, focusing on the hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow. She treats a full range of conditions including carpal tunnel syndrome, tendon injuries, fractures, and complex nerve and ligament disorders.
Her approach combines advanced microsurgical skill with patient-centered care, ensuring every treatment plan is tailored to restore function and comfort. Dr. Root’s recognition as a Washingtonian Top Doctor underscores her leadership in helping patients regain confidence and mobility in their everyday lives.
Dr. Matthew Buchanan, MD
Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon – Foot & Ankle Specialist
Dr. Matthew Buchanan is a foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon known for his expertise in both surgical and non-surgical management of foot deformities, tendon injuries, ankle instability, and sports-related trauma. He employs modern reconstructive and minimally invasive surgical techniques to help patients return to an active, pain-free lifestyle. Dr. Buchanan’s recognition as a Top Doctor of 2025 reflects his commitment to innovation, compassionate care, and excellence in his subspecialty.
Why This Recognition Matters
Every year, Washingtonian Magazine surveys thousands of physicians across the region, asking one key question: “If you or a family member needed care, whom would you choose?”
The doctors listed represent the most trusted and respected medical professionals in the community. For Nirschl Orthopaedic Center, having multiple physicians recognized reflects our decades-long legacy of excellence in orthopaedics, sports medicine, and rehabilitation.
About Nirschl Orthopaedic Center
Since 1974, Nirschl Orthopaedic Center has set the standard for expert orthopaedic care in Arlington, Virginia. Our board-certified physicians and physical therapy partners provide comprehensive treatment for conditions involving the shoulder, elbow, spine, wrist, hand, hip, knee, foot, and ankle. Our team has been recognized by Washingtonian Magazine, Arlington Magazine’s Best Of, and other regional publications for outstanding patient outcomes and innovation in care.
Whether you’re an athlete recovering from injury or managing chronic joint pain, Nirschl Orthopaedic Center combines clinical excellence with compassionate care—right in the heart of Northern Virginia.
If you’re seeking expert orthopaedic care, request an appointment with one of our Top Doctors of 2025 at Nirschl Orthopaedic Center today. Book online here or call us at 703-525-2200 to learn more about our physicians and specialties.
