VSI Doctors in Top 7% of Physicians Nationwide in 2026

Excellence in spine surgery and sports medicine requires more than technical skill—it demands innovation, peer respect, and an unwavering commitment to patient outcomes. That’s why we’re thrilled to share that Dr. Niteesh Bharara, Dr. Christopher Good, and Dr. Colin Haines have once again earned Castle Connolly Top Doctor honors for 2026.

This achievement places them in the top 7% of board-certified physicians nationwide, a distinction reserved for those who consistently deliver exceptional care.

What is the Castle Connolly’s Selection Process?

Castle Connolly’s selection process is not self-nominated or based on popularity. The selection involves a comprehensive peer-review system where more than 50,000 healthcare professionals nominate physicians they trust with their own families’ care.

A physician-led research team then evaluates each candidate across multiple dimensions:

• Educational excellence including medical school, residency, and fellowship training
• Current board certifications and ongoing credential maintenance
• Clinical outcomes and professional track record
• Hospital affiliations and practice quality metrics

Only physicians who meet these exacting standards receive the designation. Castle Connolly has earned multiple eHealthcare awards for maintaining the most trusted physician directory in the country, giving patients confidence they’re finding truly exceptional doctors.

Your 2026 VSI Top Doctors

Dr. Niteesh Bharara: Pioneering Non-Surgical Recovery

Dr. Niteesh Bharara is the Director of Regenerative Medicine at VSI with a focus on helping patients heal without surgery. As a physiatrist specializing in regenerative treatments, he’s become a trusted resource for athletes and active individuals seeking alternatives to invasive procedures.

Dr. Bharara is a double-board certified physiatrist who earned his medical degree at University of Alabama. Leading the Mid-Atlantic region in regenerative therapies and injections such as stem cell therapy, PRP therapy, and adipose fat injections, he received training in physical medicine and rehabilitation with a fellowship in pain medicine at Temple University Hospital. His reputation for getting athletes and active individuals back to their passions has earned him the title of Face of Regenerative Medicine by Washingtonian Magazine and Top Doctor recognition in consecutive years.

By addressing the root cause of musculoskeletal injuries, Dr. Bharara helps patients return to the activities they love while avoiding the risks and recovery time associated with surgery.

Dr. Christopher Good: Redefining Surgical Precision

Dr. Christopher Good is a double-board certified spine surgeon and President of VSI who earned his medical degree at University of Rochester School of Medicine. With prestigious residency at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York and spinal surgery fellowship at Washington University School of Medicine, Dr. Good has pioneered using robotics, navigation, and augmented reality (AR) in spine surgery, resulting in improved outcomes and faster recovery for patients. Dr. Good recently made headlines for performing the world’s first Bertolotti resection using robotic technology. Over the past decade, Dr. Good has consistently been named Top Doctor by Washingtonian Magazine and Northern Virginia Magazine.

Dr. Good pioneered the integration of robotic assistance and augmented reality technology in spine procedures, enabling submillimeter precision during even the most challenging cases. Most recently, His approach combines technological innovation with meticulous surgical technique, consistently achieving outcomes that exceed national benchmarks.

Dr. Colin Haines: Advancing Minimally Invasive Spine Care

As VSI’s Director of Research and a board-certified spine surgeon, Dr. Colin Haines bridges cutting-edge clinical investigation with patient-centered treatment. His work has been featured on national platforms including The Today Show and in publications reaching millions of readers.

Dr. Haines is a board-certified spine surgeon and earned his medical degree at University of Buffalo, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Haines completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at The George Washington University Hospital and a spine surgery fellowship at the renowned Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Haines performed the world’s first combined endoscopic and robot-guided spine surgery. He also performed the world’s first Bertolotti resection surgery using AR.

Dr. Haines develops individualized treatment strategies that consider each patient’s unique anatomy, lifestyle, and recovery goals. Whether guiding non-surgical rehabilitation or performing minimally invasive procedures, he prioritizes long-term function over quick fixes, helping patients achieve lasting results.

What This Recognition Means for Your Care

When choosing a spine specialist, credentials matter. The Castle Connolly designation provides independent verification that these physicians have earned the trust and respect of their medical colleagues, the professionals who understand what truly separates exceptional doctors from the rest.

Patients who seek care from Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors benefit from:

• Peer-validated expertise confirmed through rigorous third-party evaluation
• Advanced training in the latest surgical and non-surgical techniques
• Proven outcomes that meet or exceed national quality standards
• Comprehensive care options from regenerative medicine to complex surgery

Experience Award-Winning Spine Care

VSI’s recognition extends beyond individual honors. Our entire team collaborates to deliver coordinated, evidence-based care tailored to each patient’s needs. From your initial consultation through recovery and beyond, you’ll work with specialists who combine clinical excellence with genuine compassion.

Whether you’re exploring non-surgical options, need a precise diagnosis, or require advanced surgical intervention, our Top Doctors are here to guide you toward your best outcome.

Ready to start your recovery? Schedule a consultation with one of our award-winning specialists and discover why patients throughout the region trust VSI with their spine and musculoskeletal health.