Mohawk Valley Living’s Second Annual Top Doctors
By Carrie Byrne Putelo
When we moved to the Mohawk Valley, finding doctors for my family was one of the first things I needed to figure out. I asked friends, neighbors and just about anyone willing to share a recommendation. Who do you see? Do they listen? Would you recommend them for someone you love?
Those conversations stayed with me when we introduced Top Doctors last year. A recommendation from someone you trust can make an unfamiliar decision feel a little easier, especially when it involves your health.
This year, the response to our reader poll was incredible. Readers from across the Mohawk Valley took the time to recognize the physicians and providers they turn to for care. Thank you for helping us celebrate the people who make a difference in your lives.
The physicians on these pages represent many different specialties and settings. Some care for families over many years. Others meet patients at a difficult or unexpected moment, when a diagnosis, injury or surgery changes what they need. Their work is different, but the relationship between doctor and patient matters in every one of those situations.
Our eight cover physicians were selected based on reader vote totals, while also representing a range of specialties. From pediatrics and primary care to cancer treatment and surgery, they reflect the care available here in the Mohawk Valley. You’ll meet them alongside many other physicians and advanced practice providers recognized throughout these pages.
These honors reflect our readers’ choices and experiences. They also give us an opportunity to introduce you to the people behind the names, learn more about their work and recognize what they contribute to the Mohawk Valley.
A special thank-you to our presenting sponsor, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, for supporting Top Doctors for a second year and helping us recognize the physicians and providers who care for the Mohawk Valley.
And to this year’s honorees, congratulations. Your patients took the time to put your names forward. That is something worth celebrating.
Meet Our Cover Physicians
From everyday checkups to complex surgery, these eight physicians care for the Mohawk Valley at different moments in life. Meet the people behind this year’s Top Docs cover.
Dr. Michelle Baker
Anesthesiology, Rome Health
Dr. Michelle Baker manages anesthesia and monitors patients throughout surgical procedures at Rome Health, bringing precision and steady judgment to vulnerable moments in their lives. Anesthesiology requires attention to the body’s response during a procedure, with care that adapts as a patient’s needs change in the operating room. Her commitment to others is shared at home: she and her husband, a firefighter, have dedicated their lives to serving others. Both work in roles where preparation, vigilance and a reassuring presence matter when people need them most.
Dr. Atul Butala
Hematology/Oncology, MVHS Hematology/Oncology Group
Dr. Atul Butala’s reputation begins with his caring bedside manner and the compassion he brings to patients facing serious diagnoses. Board certified in hematology and medical oncology, he treats cancer and blood disorders at the Faxton Campus in Utica. A serious illness can reshape daily routines and family life, making that sense of trust and familiarity an important part of the treatment experience. His combination of specialized expertise and personal connection offers a reassuring presence, helping patients receive care near home and the people who support them.
Dr. Karishma Circelli
Family Medicine, Mohawk Valley Health System
Dr. Karishma Circelli provides primary care for patients of all ages at MVHS’s East Utica Medical Office. She also serves as medical director of Primary Care for MVHS, connecting her work with individual patients to leadership across the health system. She graduated from University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and completed Family Medicine residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse. She has been practicing in Utica since 2016. She is passionate about preventative care, mental health, and supporting patients and families throughout the lifespan.
Dr. Keneth Halli
Cosmetic Surgery and Aesthetic Care | Escape Medical PC
Feeling comfortable in your own skin can change how you face the world. At Escape Medical PC, that belief shapes Dr. Keneth Hall’s approach to cosmetic surgery and aesthetic care. As founder and medical director, he leads a team offering liposuction, tummy tucks and breast augmentation, alongside nonsurgical options including body contouring, injectables, laser treatments and medical wellness services. Each personalized treatment plan begins with a conversation about the patient’s goals, bringing individual priorities and thoughtful guidance together. His focus: helping patients look their best and feel more confident. Dr. Hall also practices general and bariatric surgery at Rome Health
Dr. Nicholas Qandah
Neurosurgery, CNY Brain & Spine
Dr. Nicholas Qandah is a board-certified neurosurgeon and nationally recognized expert in minimally invasive & robotic spine surgery. Educated at the University of Michigan & Midwestern University, he trained at Virginia Tech Carilion Clinic and the University of Washington, later serving as Chair of Neurosurgery and senior MVHS leadership. An international lecturer and inventor with multiple patents, he is an AOBS board examiner and former Chair, LECOM professor, and leader in medical education and Technology advancements in healthcare. Through his family foundation, he supports medical education and a medical school scholarship for his community. He credits his wife, Dr. Juleen Qandah, and their four children as the foundation of his success.
Dr. Taryn Rio
Pediatrics, Slocum-Dickson Medical Group
Dr. Taryn Rio cares for children and adolescents at Slocum-Dickson Medical Group’s Business Park Campus. As part of the pediatric team, she supports families through routine checkups, childhood illnesses and questions about growth and development. Pediatric visits give families a place to discuss concerns as they arise, from a child’s everyday well-being to questions about what comes next. Her work spans the milestones and uncertainties of growing up, bringing together attention to each child’s health and support for families navigating changing needs from childhood into adolescence.
Dr. Richelle Takemoto
Orthopedic Surgery, Community Memorial
Dr. Richelle Takemoto is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in orthopedic trauma. As director of Robotic Technology at Community Memorial, her work includes robotic-assisted joint replacement, fracture care and treatment for injuries affecting everyday movement. An athlete herself, she appreciates the importance of staying active. She listens to patients’ goals, helping them work toward greater mobility, independence and the activities they enjoy. For patients, those goals may be as simple as walking comfortably, returning to work or participating more fully in daily life.
Dr. Daniel Welchons
Urology, Associated Medical Professionals of New York
Born and raised in the Mohawk Valley, Dr. Daniel Welchons returned home to care for the community that shaped him. The board-certified, Harvard-trained urologist treats conditions including urologic cancers, enlarged prostate, voiding dysfunction and sexual dysfunction. These conditions often prompt deeply personal questions, making clear explanations an important part of helping patients understand the choices ahead of them. He emphasizes explaining patients’ options and the reasons behind his recommendations, bringing clear communication to sensitive conversations and putting his training to work for the region he calls home.
