Here’s the list you’ve been waiting for: Our annual curation of the best of the best doctors in our area. This year, nearly 900 winners represent more than 70 specialties, from cardiology to psychiatry to pediatric dermatology. Each and every one was selected by those with the highest of bars—their peers. A physician who goes above and beyond isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. And this is a great place to find one.

Edited by Christina Vercelletto
Stories by Niko Vercelletto
Photos by Tony Valainis

YOUR DOCTOR IS your guide to living your healthiest life. But that valued relationship is at its heart a partnership. Sometimes, you need to be your own advocate to navigate the healthcare landscape. Since that’s often not easy, we asked seven of our Top Doctors for their best advice. 

TOP DOCTORS 2026

Editor’s Note: Calling The Shots

Our editor-in-chief emphasizes self-advocacy as the theme of this year's Top Doctors cover feature in the November issue.

Top Doctors 2026: Caring For Loved Ones In Cognitive Decline

Neurologist Dr. Jared Brosch with Indiana University Health reflects on caring for loved ones who are experiencing cognitive decline.

Top Doctors 2026: Getting A Second Opinion

Pulmonary and critical care physician with Hancock Health Dr. Sumit Chawla speaks on seeking a second opinion.

Top Doctors 2026: Minding Your Mental Health

Psychiatrist with Dr. Heather Fretwell speaks on taking care of your mental health and the initial steps one must take.

Top Doctors 2026: Understanding Levels Of Care

General surgeon of Franciscan Health Indianapolis Dr. Kariuki Murage discusses how best to decide the care needed for a health concern.

Top Doctors 2026: Maximizing Your Annual Well Visit

Family Medicine Physician with Community Health Network touches on how best to get the most out of your annual well visit.

Top Doctors 2026: Choosing The Right Doctor

Obstetrician and gynecologist with Ascension St. Vincent, Dr. Tronya Hawkins, advises on the best practice of choosing the right doctor.

Top Doctors 2026: Navigating The Emergency Room

Emergency physician with Hendricks Regional Health, Dr. Jillian Murphy, gives advice on how to make your visit to the emergency room less stressful.

Editor’s Note: Women’s Health

In the latest editor's note, our editor-in-chief, Andrea Ratcliff, reflects on the hot topic that is menopause while detailing our cover feature, Top Doctors and Women's Health.

Women’s Health 2025: Breast Cancer Detection

Breast surgical oncologist Dr. Kristen Govert with Ascension St. Vincent Hospital reflects on the importance of breast cancer detection.

METHODOLOGY

The professionals listed—active physicians in Marion, Hamilton, Madison, Boone, Johnson, Hendricks, Hancock, Morgan, and Shelby counties in Indiana—were selected by their peers in a survey, conducted by Professional Research Services Company of Troy, Michigan, asking them which physicians they’d turn to for care. Professionals may be screened and selected through the verification of licensing and review of any infractions through various applicable boards, agencies, and rating services. For further information, visit prscom.com or email PRS at sshevin@hour-media.com. This list does not, of course, include every caring, knowledgeable, and responsible physician in Greater Indianapolis. Some physicians appear under more than one specialty. Not all listed physicians are accepting new patients.