Verified Surgeon of Quality

1. The goal of the ACHQC Verified Surgeon of Quality program is to recognize and distinguish participating surgeons for their dedication to improving the quality and value of health care for patients who suffer from hernia disease and diseases of the abdominal wall or abdominal core.  Improved quality and value are realized through the consistent entry of data in the ACHQC Registry and participation in ACHQC's continuous quality improvement programs. 

ACHQC leadership believes surgeons focusing on quality improvement efforts will perform at their highest level.  We hope that through this verification program, surgeons will be recognized by their peers and broader network for their dedication to improving the quality and value of patient care in their communities.

Join the ACHQC Verified Surgeon of Quality Program

For questions about the ACHQC Verified Surgeon of Quality program, email aileen@achcq.org.

ACHQC Verified Surgeons of Quality

Christopher Bailey, MD

Austin Regional Clinic - Austin, TX

As an extremely physically active person, facilitating early return to work and getting people back to 100% is my biggest priority. For this reason, I am most passionate about advancing my own practice and teaching other surgeons minimally invasive hernia repair techniques with the robotic platform. Being a part of the ACHQC since its inception has been a critical part of this mission worldwide.

Lucas Beffa, MD

The Cleveland Clinic Foundation - Cleveland, OH

I currently am the director of the Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Fellowship program at Cleveland Clinic, and have been specializing in hernia surgery for about 9 years now. I have a passion for teaching, research, and providing high quality hernia repairs to patients in order to improve the quality of their life. 

John Costin, MD

The Cleveland Clinic Foundation - Cleveland, OH

I graduated from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in 2002. I have been practicing general surgery in a community based setting at the Cleveland Clinic since 2007. My practice includes caring for a high volume of ventral and inguinal hernia patients. I perform numerous open and minimally invasive hernia repairs annually. My other area of interest is in endocrine surgery. I have demonstrated high quality outcomes.

David Coykendall, DO

Seaside Hernia Center - Palm Beach Gardens, FL

As a solo private practice surgeon in South Florida, I now exclusively repair inguinal and ventral hernias. Almost all inguinal defects are repaired from a laparoscopic trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal approach. Ventral hernias of appropriate size are repaired with abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) using bioresorbable mesh. I do a large volume of AWR, and results regarding recurrence and wound morbidity have been excellent. In 2025, I started using mesh suture for smaller primary ventral repairs. Patients thus far have been thrilled with this new innovation in hernia care. Being a part of the ACHQC, truly separates my practice in our community.

Aldo Fafaj, MD

University of Tennessee Medical Center - Knoxville, TN

My areas of expertise focus on complex abdominal wall reconstruction and the comprehensive management of the full spectrum of hernia disease. I take a holistic approach that considers not only operative technique, but also long-term function and quality of life. My work centers on tailoring an evidence-based surgical approach to each patient’s unique anatomy and comorbidities. Ultimately, my goal is to deliver durable repairs while improving patients’ quality of life.

Amitabh Goel, MD, FACS

University Hospitals Geneva Medical Center - Geneva, OH

Dr. Goel has an interest in high value surgical care with a focus on improved efficiency,  lower costs and improving the health care delivery process to rural and underserved areas. His clinical interests and expertise include Acute Care, General , Hernia, Laparoscopic, Breast Surgery and Endoscopy. In addition to the  ACHQC and AHS he is a member of SAGES, SCCM and ASBrS.

Matthew Goldblatt, MD

Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, WI

Dr. Matthew Goldblatt is a fellowship-trained minimally invasive surgeon with more than 20 years of practice. He currently serves as the Medical Director of the Robert E. Condon Hernia Center at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin. His clinical practice focuses on complex abdominal wall reconstruction and inguinal hernia repair. He is committed to advancing patient care through innovation, education, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Todd Harris, MD

California Hernia Specialists - Newport Beach, CA

My promise to you as your Hernia Surgeon is to provide you with the best surgical results for your hernia. Our patient outcome data validates this promise. I am dedicated to the diagnosis of, treatment for, and recovery from, all hernia types. Our practice will help guide you through learning the symptoms of hernias, the different types of hernias, and the options for treatment. Once you’ve decided to seek treatment, review our patient outcomes data to help you choose the best surgeon for your care and then schedule your appointment with us online.

Ivy Haskins, MD

University of Nebraska Medical Center - Omaha, NE

My clinical and academic interests focus on benign esophageal disease and complex abdominal wall reconstruction. In addition to my clinical work, I am actively engaged in clinical outcomes research aimed at improving surgical decision-making, optimizing patient outcomes, and advancing evidence-based care within these areas.

Rana Higgins, MD

Medical College of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, WI

As a minimally invasive and bariatric surgeon, I am interested in the management of hernias in patients with obesity. I have a clinical practice that focuses on both robotic and open approaches to hernia repair, including complex abdominal wall reconstruction, incisional and inguinal hernias. I am also interested in quality improvement research and the utilization of opioids in the hernia patient population.

William Hope, MD

Novant Health / New Hanover Regional Medical Center - Wilmington, NC

Clinical interest includes repair of complex and routine ventral and inguinal hernia utilizing minimally invasive and open techniques as well as in interest in hernia prevention and education.

Anthony Iacco, MD

Michigan Hernia Surgery / Corewell Health - Royal Oak, MI

Anthony Iacco MD, FACS is a partner at Michigan Hernia Surgery located in Royal Oak, MI.  He specializes in complex abdominal wall reconstruction as well as more routine core, parastomal and inguinal hernia surgery.  He is also on the faculty at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine as well as fellowship director for Surgical Critical Care at Corewell East William Beaumont University Hospital.  His practice is devoted to all aspects of hernia care, utilizing complex techniques from robotics to open.  

Kamrun Jenabzadeh, MD

Specialists in General Surgery - Maple Grove, MN

I am blessed to be a part of a group of outstanding surgeons who practice all of general surgery. I incorporated the use of robotics early in my practice in 2013 and perform most of my operations using the robotic platform. My specific interests are in all types of hernias and foregut surgery. I am passionate about the science of the materials used in hernia repairs and educating patients, residents and my partners on these materials.

Alexandra Maki, MD

Louisville Hernia & General Surgery, PLLC - Louisville, KY

I am passionate about hernia care and optimizing patients to be their best selves.  I enjoy doing repairs robotically, laparoscopically and open to provide the best option tailored to each unique hernia and patient.

Lindsee McPhail, MD

Mission Hospital - Asheville, NC

Benjamin Miller, MD

The Cleveland Clinc Foundation - Cleveland, OH

Dr. Miller is a general surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. His clinical interests include hernia and foregut disease, emergency general surgery, and sustainability in surgery.

Ratnakishore Pallapothu, MD

Prisma Health - Midlands - Columbia, SC

Dr. Pallapothu is a board certified and fellowship trained Hernia, Foregut and Bariatric surgeon has been in practice for over 16 years. He is the Medical Director of the Hernia program and an active participant of hernia quality registry for many years. Performs all types of hernia repairs including routine, recurrent and complex inguinal,ventral,incisional, paraesopahegal/hiatal , parastomal hernias and abdominal wall reconstruction with component separation. Believes in patient tailored minimally invasive approach and performs open, laparoscopic and Robotic procedures.

Ragnar Peterson, MD

Via Christi Comprehensive Hernia Center - Wichita, KS

Our multidisciplinary team treats the entire spectrum of abdominal wall disease.  This includes patients with simple spontaneous disease to recurrent disease, fistula, and loss of domain.  Our priorities of management include prehabiliation and optimization, tailored plans of therapy, use of minimally invasive techniques when possible, and close patient follow up.

Richard Pierce, MD, PhD

Vanderbilt University Medical Center - Nashville, TN

Dr. Pierce is a general surgeon at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) in Nashville, TN. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Duke University, he then attended medical school at the University of Virginia, where he completed a combined MD/PhD program. He performed his General Surgery Residency training at Washington University in St. Louis and then completed an advanced Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Surgery Fellowship in Portland, OR. In 2014 Dr. Pierce joined the faculty of the Vanderbilt University Department of Surgery and practices at both VUMC and the Nashville Veteran’s Administration Hospital. He performs all aspects of general surgery at the VA, including complex hernia repair, minimally invasive foregut surgery, robotic surgery, and surgical endoscopy. At Vanderbilt, Dr. Pierce has particular clinical and research interests in complex hernia repair, abdominal wall reconstruction, chronic groin pain and “sports hernias”, performing both open and robotic surgical procedures. He is currently the Director of the Vanderbilt Center for Hernia Care and Abdominal Core Health and also served as the Chair of Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC) Research Committee. He previously served for 10 years as a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy Reserve, and in his (minimal) spare time he enjoys good food paired with great wine, outdoor activities, travel, working out, and spending time with his wife Shannon and their daughter Rachel.

Benjamin Poulose, MD, MPH, FACS

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center - Columbus, OH

Benjamin K. Poulose, MD, MPH serves as the Robert M. Zollinger Lecrone-Baxter Chair and Chief, Division of General and Gastrointestinal Surgery at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.  His clinical and research interests focus on Abdominal Core Health.  He received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his medical degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.  Dr. Poulose completed his surgical training at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and fellowship training in abdominal wall reconstruction, interventional endoscopy, and minimally invasive surgery at University Hospitals Case Medical Center.  He served as faculty at Vanderbilt for ten years, founding and leading the Vanderbilt Hernia Center before arriving at Ohio State in 2018.  Dr. Poulose co-leads the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative, which has several ongoing research and quality improvement initiatives involving patients, hospitals, surgeons, industry, the United States Food and Drug Administration, and the United States Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.  He is a past President of the American Hernia Society.

Michael Reinhorn, MD, MBA

Boston Hernia - Wellesley, MA

Dr. Micki Reinhorn has dedicated the last two decades of his career to the science of inguinal hernia surgery. Dr. Reinhorn performs over 500 hernia surgeries each year. He is passionate about improving outcomes for his patients through teaching and research. He is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences on inguinal hernia surgery.

Chris Schneider, MD

Dayton Ohio Comprehensive Surgery, LLC - Dayton, OH

As a private practice surgeon with extensive background and experience in complex and straight forward hernia repair I am dedicated to patient centered answers for all hernia needs. Abdominal, ventral, groin/inguinal, and hiatal/paraesophageal hernias and their treatment via robotic, laparoscopic, or when necessary open surgery are all able to be offered. Continued collaboration with the ACHQC and quality collaboratives allow me to remain the most up to date and provide the most cutting edge solutions to all hernia concerns.

Hany Takla, MD, FACS

Orlando Health Medical Group, Inc. - Orlando, FL

Dr. Takla, a board-certified surgeon with expertise in minimally invasive robotic and laparoscopic techniques. Specializing in bariatrics, hernia repairs, and abdominal wall reconstruction, he is dedicated to delivering surgical excellence and personalized care. Dr. Takla has completed over 2000 robotic procedures and 500+ weight loss surgeries. Dr. Takla is a Fellow of both the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and an active member of the American hernia society as well as American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). Dr. Takla is awarded the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Focused Practice Designation (DABS-FPMBS), he combines precision and compassion to achieve life-changing outcomes for every patient. Dr. Takla received his medical training from Cairo University Medical School in Egypt. He completed his general surgery residency at the University of Massachusetts in Worcester and his fellowship in minimally invasive and robotic surgery at Banner -University Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona. He is fluent in English and Arabic.

JOSHUA TRUSSELL, MD

Surgical Associates of Mansfield - Mansfield, TX

I am a minimally invasive broad based general surgeon with focused interests in all hernia types from large complicated ventral hernias to routine inguinal and ventral hernias. I also have interest and good experience repairing small and large hiatal hernias.

Whitney Webb, MD

Piedmont Athens Regional Specialty Surgery - Athens, GA

I have been in a general surgery practice for 24 years in Athens, Georgia. My practice has become more specialized in hernia repair, with almost 80% of my cases now being hernia repairs. I specialize in inguinal hernias, ventral hernias, and incisional hernias. The majority of the hernia repairs are done robotically. I have been a member and participant of the ACHQC since 2017, which has allowed me to get accurate data on the quality of my practice. The ACHQC gives me confidence that I am doing quality surgery for my patients. I emphasize patient education to improve patient outcomes.

Jonathan Yunis, MD

Center for Hernia Repair - Sarasota, FL

I continue to enjoy a practice dedicated solely to hernias and hernia related problems. I am fortunate to have such excellent colleagues and teachers who share interest in our specialized world of the abdominal wall.

Samuel Zolin, MD

University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center - Cleveland, OH

I am a fellowship-trained abdominal wall surgeon practicing in Cleveland, Ohio. I perform open, laparoscopic, and robotic hernia repairs. The ACHQC allows me to follow my own outcomes and participate in meaningful research that will improve patient care.

Press

Whitney Webb, M.D. Recognized as a Surgeon of Quality for Hernia Surgery by ACHQC

Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative Celebrates Hernia Awareness Month With New Verified Surgeon of Quality Program

The innovative program distinguishes ACHQC participating surgeons’ dedication and commitment to improving the quality and value of patient care

CENTENNIAL, CO (PRWEB) - JUNE 03, 2023

The Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC) is celebrating Hernia Awareness Month with the launch of its new Verified Surgeon of Quality Program. The goal of the ACHQC Verified Surgeon of Quality program is to recognize and distinguish participating surgeons for their dedication to improving the quality and value of health care for patients who suffer from hernia disease and diseases of the abdominal wall or abdominal core.... Read More

Boston Hernia surgeons recognized by National Healthcare Collaborative

Boston Hernia surgeons were recognized as verified surgeons of quality during Hernia Awareness Month.

BOSTON, MA (PRWEB) - JUNE 29, 2023

The Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC) announced the Verified Surgeon of Quality Program this month, which is fitting as June is Hernia Awareness Month. The ACHQC is a non-profit organization gathering the world’s foremost experts on hernia and abdominal wall care all with significant commitment to improving the quality and value of care for patients with hernia or other abdominal wall diseases. This Verified Surgeon program distinguishes particular participating surgeons for their dedication to the organization’s mission.... Read More

Amitabh Goel, MD, FACS, Named Verified Surgeon of Quality by Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative

GENEVA, OH (NEWSWISE) - JUNE 29, 2023

Hernia Awareness Month occurs each year in June, and this year the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC) is celebrating with the launch of its new Verified Surgeon of Quality Program. Amitabh Goel, MD, FACS, Chair of the Department of Surgery at University Hospitals (UH) Geneva Medical Center, and clinical professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, has been recognized by the organization as a Verified Surgeon of Quality.... Read More

Small Fish, Big Pond: How a Hernia Surgeon Competes in Solo Private Practice

NASHVILLE, TN (GSN) - DECEMBER 29, 2025

As a hernia surgeon in solo private practice in Southern California, Todd Harris, MD, of California Hernia Specialists, faces formidable local competition. Without the support and structure of a hospital system, how can he get patients from their homes to his office? At the 2025 annual meeting of the American Hernia Society, Dr. Harris talked about what it takes to thrive as a small fish in a big... Read more