Benjamin D. Umbel, DO

He says “I come from an athletic background and was raised in a blue-collar family. I understand firsthand the importance of minimizing missed playing time due to an injury or getting back to work in order to provide for your family. In most situations, non-operative treatment is my first recommendation. If non-operative treatment has failed or is not indicated, all reasonable surgical options are discussed and a joint decision to move forward with surgery can be made. My primary goal is to return patients to their sport, job, or any daily activities they enjoy.”

Dr. Umbel was born and raised in a small town outside of Youngstown, OH. He earned summa cum laude honors while completing his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Baldwin Wallace University. There he was a 3-year letter winner and team captain for the men’s varsity basketball team. He then completed his medical school education at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) in Blacksburg, VA. Following medical school, Dr. Umbel spent 5 years in Columbus, OH at OhioHealth where he successfully completed his residency in Orthopedic Surgery.

He then completed an Orthopedic Foot and Ankle fellowship at the prestigious Duke University Medical Center. During his time at Duke, he was trained and mentored by world leaders in the field of Orthopedic Foot and Ankle surgery. He had the unique privilege of training alongside pioneers in the topics of ankle replacement, bunion correction, custom 3D implants, flatfoot reconstruction, complex foot and ankle deformity reconstruction as well as surgical techniques in arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgery. He gained extensive knowledge, comfort and expertise in the non-operative and operative management of routine and complex foot and ankle conditions.

Dr. Umbel’s practice focuses on foot and ankle issues. He takes a holistic and comprehensive approach to caring for the following:

• Foot and ankle pain and arthritis
• Ankle instability and sports-related foot and ankle injuries
• Lower extremity fracture care
• Cartilage defects requiring restorative surgery
• Tendon/ligament repair/reconstruction
• Bunion deformities
• Achilles injuries and disorders
• Hammer toe deformities
• Diabetic foot reconstruction
• Flatfoot and high arch (cavovarus) deformities
• Pain and advanced deformity related to arthritic, neurologic, congenital, and acquired conditions

Dr. Umbel has helped author numerous academic research publications, textbook chapters, and surgical techniques on the topics of ankle arthritis, flatfoot reconstruction, foot and ankle fracture management, and diabetic fracture care. He is an active member of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and is currently a member of the AOFAS Young Physicians Committee (YPC). He is also a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics (AOAO), and the Piedmont Orthopedic Society.

Dr. Umbel is married to his wife, Amy, who works as a physician assistant and is a native of Statesville, NC. Together they have three children; Auburn, Lawson, and Monroe.

His interests outside of work include spending time with his family and friends, exercising, woodworking, and cooking. He and his family look forward to becoming involved with their local church and community.

Download Dr. Umbel’s CV