Since its founding in 1974, Nirschl Orthopaedic Center (NOC) has been consistently rated one of the top orthopaedic and sports medicine centers in the Washington metropolitan area. Our board certified physicians, with their extensive experience, are at the forefront of treating disorders of the hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, foot and ankle.
Many have graduated from leading fellowship training programs and are regularly named as the area's top doctors in Norther Virginia and Washingtonian Magazine. The tradition of quality care and innovation originally instilled by our founder, Dr. Robert P. Nirschl, continues today with new treatments in hip preservation surgery, minimally invasive and rapid recovery joint replacements.
Many have graduated from leading fellowship training programs and are regularly named as the area's top doctors in Norther Virginia and Washingtonian Magazine. The tradition of quality care and innovation originally instilled by our founder, Dr. Robert P. Nirschl, continues today with new treatments in hip preservation surgery, minimally invasive and rapid recovery joint replacements.
Services
Nirschl Orthopaedic Center (NOC) and our physical therapy clinic, Virginia Sportsmedicine Institute (VSI) were founded in 1974. We were one of the first sports medicine facilities on the east coast. Our founder, Dr. Robert P. Nirschl, is a renowned innovator and mentor in the field of orthopaedic sports medicine.
Dr. Derek Ochiai is a graduate with honors from Cornell University. He attended Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, where he received several awards, and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Medical Honor Society. Dr. Ochiai is fellowship trained in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery.
Dr. Cassie Root is a Northern Virginia native and attended Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. After graduating from Princeton University with Honors, Dr. Root attended Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, where she was awarded the prestigious, merit-based Canby Robinson Scholarship.
Dr. Clay Wellborn completed his undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, where he lettered all four years in swimming. He obtained his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York. He completed his residency at George Washington University in Washington, DC, where he was Chief Resident.
For the convenience of patients, NOC accepts most medical PPO insurance plans. Please contact our office to check on a specific plan, ask questions or make appointments. We are happy to see patients with orthopedic problems out-of-network and will make every effort to keep costs reasonable. Please call our office for details.
Reviews (10)
Jae Kim
Jan 16, 2022
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Not sure why the staff ignored my follow-ups for months with no acknowledgement, but I’ve never seen such lack of professionalism from a practice. One doctor in this practice referred me for an operation to another in the practice, and that doctor’s staff lied repeatedly and became non-responsive for months. Maybe they’re good if you can get through, but I had to find someone else.
Peyton Sky
Jan 08, 2022
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Nora Boles
Jan 05, 2022
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Giselle Lp
Dec 27, 2021
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Ellen
Nov 27, 2021
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He is so popular and so busy he needs two receptionists. On my first visit he was extremely patient and listened to my history and concerns. I feel very confident about having him do my surgery. However his office thinks they can always call you back rather than answer the phone because they are so busy. They need to understand other people have the same problem they do and may be difficult to reach that way
Christina Shaw
Aug 18, 2021
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I waited about an hour and 15 minutes before seeing the doctor, Dr. Buchanan. Once I was able to see him, it was a wonderful experience. While in the waiting room I heard another patient check in after me with the exact same appointment time as me. And she was brought back and seen before me. The wait time was the only unpleasant thing about the experience. All
The staff were great and the doctor was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I have hope that my ankle will be healing soon!
The staff were great and the doctor was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I have hope that my ankle will be healing soon!
Mark Bayer
Apr 05, 2021
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I really appreciated Dr. Buchanan’s expert and thorough exam and specific, practical recommendations. It was the first time in the many years since I’ve been bothered by my chronic ankle sprain that I felt it was treated fully - from x-ray assessment to immediate, short and long-term plans to improve it. I didn’t feel rushed, all my questions, were answered, and Dr. Buchanan clearly is both an expert and passionate about his work. Highly, highly recommend.
Sandy Chacko
Mar 03, 2021
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Dr. Buchanan showed me on the x-ray my ankle injury and clearly explained the injury and the treatment. He provided a printout of instructions and emphasized and highlighted the most important points. He thoroughly answered my questions. The medical assistants were very helpful in suggesting a way to get positioned for the x-ray with minimal discomfort and showing me how to put on the boot and then had me actually do it for practice. Great care.
Juliet Jewett
Dec 01, 2020
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I write this note from a place of deep gratitude for my treatment as Dr. Buchanan's patient.
This time last year, I was seeing Dr. Buchanan to overcome a bad high ankle sprain in a D.C. theatre. The thought of losing my ability to do my job well and live life without a persistent injury was intensely painful. I grew up and trained as a dancer and actress, so using my full range of movement is of the utmost importance to me. Recently, I’ve been living in Massachusetts and realizing just how far I’ve come. I’ve hiked a great many miles in the mountains up here, and have been practicing yoga
This time last year, I was seeing Dr. Buchanan to overcome a bad high ankle sprain in a D.C. theatre. The thought of losing my ability to do my job well and live life without a persistent injury was intensely painful. I grew up and trained as a dancer and actress, so using my full range of movement is of the utmost importance to me. Recently, I’ve been living in Massachusetts and realizing just how far I’ve come. I’ve hiked a great many miles in the mountains up here, and have been practicing yoga
Nithya Jayakumar
Jul 03, 2020
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