New ranking compiled by Newsweek and Statista recognizes the nation’s top specialists in 15 critical medical fields.

COLUMBUS, Georgia – Three physicians at St. Francis - Emory Healthcare were recently named to Newsweek and Statista’s “America’s Leading Doctors 2025,” a data-driven list recognizing the most respected and high-performing specialists across the United States. The compilation recognizes fewer than 200 doctors in each of 15 key medical fields and provides a valuable resource for patients navigating life-altering or time-sensitive health decisions, from knee replacements to cataract surgery.

The three St. Francis physicians featured and their respective fields of excellence are:

• Dr. John Adams, General Surgeon, specializing in Colorectal Surgery;
• Dr. Juan Ayerdi, Vascular Surgeon, specializing in Vascular Surgery; and
• Dr. George McCluskey III, Orthopedic Surgeon, specializing in Shoulder Surgery.

“Earning a place among America’s Leading Doctors is a significant achievement and a proud moment for these physicians and for St. Francis,” said Bill Little, CEO of St. Francis - Emory Healthcare. “This national recognition reflects the exceptional caliber of care our physicians deliver every day and underscores the impact of their expertise and innovation. It’s an exciting affirmation that some of the best care in the country is being provided here in Columbus at our hospital.”

Specialties included in the Newsweek/Statista listing span a wide range of high-impact fields. The top 30 doctors in each specialty are ranked, with the remaining honorees listed in alphabetical order. Dr. Ayerdi was rated 12^th among Vascular Surgeons.

Physicians were selected through a rigorous evaluation process that included performance data from both Medicare and commercial sources, input from peer surveys, assessments of care quality, and verification of board certifications. This honor highlights their outstanding clinical skills, dedication to patient care, and leadership within their specialties.

“Whether you’re pursuing a sight-restoring eye procedure or a life-saving vascular operation, the right specialist can dramatically shape outcomes and recovery,” noted Alexis Kayser, Health Care Editor at Newsweek, in the company’s press release announcing the listing. “This ranking shines a light on the doctors whose clinical expertise, peer recognition, and proven track records set them apart.”

The America’s Leading Doctors 2025 ranking is designed to help patients make informed choices while recognizing excellence in specialized care. While inclusion in the list is a significant achievement, the rankings reflect available data and peer input from the past 12 months and should be considered in conjunction with other sources of information.

To explore the full list and learn more about the methodology, visit: rankings.newsweek.com/americas-leading-doctors-2025

About St. Francis - Emory Healthcare

Since opening our doors in 1950, the caregivers at St. Francis - Emory Healthcare have been committed each day to providing the highest quality care in West Georgia and East Alabama. With 376 beds on two campuses, more than 2,500 associates, and 300 physicians, we offer a full range of inpatient, outpatient, and emergency room services, including the only open-heart surgery program in Columbus and the Chattahoochee Valley. Learn more about St. Francis - Emory Healthcare at mystfrancis.com.

About Newsweek

Newsweek is the global digital news organization built around the iconic 93-year-old American magazine. Newsweek reaches 100 million people monthly with its thought-provoking news, opinion, images, graphics, and video delivered across a dozen print and digital platforms. Headquartered in New York City, Newsweek also publishes international editions in EMEA and Asia.