Who do doctors trust when their own patients or family members need medical care?

Today, Offcall and the Columbus Medical Association (CMA) announced the inaugural 2026 Columbus Most Trusted Physicians recognition, honoring 113 local physicians nominated by their peers, alongside 13 other healthcare professionals recognized for the trust they’ve earned among Columbus doctors.

The initiative celebrates an often-overlooked part of healthcare: the professional relationships that help physicians make decisions about where to send their patients, whom to consult on difficult cases, and whom to turn to when they need care for someone they love.

Unlike traditional physician rankings based on patient reviews or institutional reputation, the Columbus Most Trusted Physicians initiative centers on the perspectives of physicians themselves — the colleagues who work alongside one another, collaborate on patient care, and make referrals every day.

“When physicians need to find the right specialist for a patient, they don’t start with a ranking or a star rating. They start with someone they know and trust,” said Dr. Graham Walker, emergency medicine physician and co-founder of Offcall. “Those relationships are fundamental to how medicine works, yet they’re largely invisible to the broader healthcare system. We wanted to recognize the physicians who have earned that trust from their colleagues and help make those connections more visible.”

Celebrating the physicians behind great patient care

The 113 recognized physicians represent a range of medical specialties across the Columbus region, reflecting the many different ways physicians contribute to their colleagues’ ability to deliver excellent care.

The initiative invited local physicians to nominate colleagues they trust, including specialists they would recommend to their own patients or family members.

“Being trusted by your colleagues is one of the most meaningful forms of recognition a physician can receive,” said Tracy Davidson, CEO of the Columbus Medical Association & Affiliates. “Physicians understand firsthand the expertise, judgment, compassion, and dedication that excellent care requires. This initiative is an opportunity to celebrate those qualities while strengthening the connections that make our medical community so special.”

Among the physicians recognized are Dr. Basil Kahwash, an allergy and immunology specialist at Ohio ENT & Allergy, and Dr. Krishna Rayapudi, a gastroenterologist at Gastro Office.

“I’m honored that this recognition came from physicians who trust me with the care of their patients,” said Dr. Basil Kahwash, “Every referral creates a relationship between physicians. Those relationships require a foundation of trust and respect, which we work to earn every day.”

“Medicine is a team effort, even when the physicians caring for a patient work in different practices or health systems,” said Dr. Krishna Rayapudi. “Knowing which colleagues you can rely on — and being someone other physicians feel comfortable turning to — makes a real difference in how we care for our patients.”

Building a more connected physician community

The recognition is part of a broader collaboration between Offcall and the Columbus Medical Association to strengthen connections among physicians throughout Central Ohio.

Offcall is building a verified physician network that helps doctors discover trusted colleagues, communicate securely, participate in professional communities, and coordinate patient referrals across practices and health systems.

As part of the partnership, CMA and Offcall are creating a dedicated physician community where members can connect with colleagues, share knowledge, and coordinate care through secure communication tools.

“Healthcare is built on relationships between physicians, but those relationships have historically lived in people’s heads, personal contact lists, and informal conversations,” added Walker. “We believe physicians should have a better way to discover, build, and maintain those trusted connections. This recognition program is a celebration of the relationships that already make healthcare work.”

The initiative also supports the Columbus Medical Association’s commitment to creating a connected, collaborative medical community where physicians can build relationships, support one another, and improve care for patients throughout Central Ohio.

Recognition and celebration

The Columbus Medical Association will also host its annual celebration, Illuminate – A Celebration of Physicians & Community Care, on Thursday, October 22, starting at 6:00pm, at the Columbus Museum of Art. The event will bring together physicians, healthcare leaders, and community partners to honor service, celebrate physician leadership, and recognize those making a difference in Central Ohio healthcare. As part of the evening’s celebration, a select group of this year’s Most Trusted Physicians honorees will receive special recognition.

About Offcall

Offcall is a private, verified network built for physicians to connect with the colleagues they know and trust. Through Trusted Colleagues, secure messaging, physician communities, and referrals, Offcall helps doctors build professional relationships and coordinate patient care across practices and health systems. Co-founded by Dr. Graham Walker, founder of MDCalc, and Jake Horowitz, Offcall is building the relationship infrastructure for medicine.

Learn more at www.offcall.com.

About the Columbus Medical Association

The Columbus Medical Association is a physician-focused organization dedicated to connecting, supporting, and advocating for physicians across Central Ohio. Through community-building, professional development, advocacy, and collaborative initiatives, the CMA works to create a home for all physicians and strengthen the health of the communities they serve.

Learn more at www.columbusmedicalassociation.org.

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