Lowcountry Orthopaedics

David Jaskwhich, MD

Adam Schaaf, MD

Adam Schaaf, M.D., is a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy, Shoulder Reconstruction, Joint Replacement, and Fracture Care. A graduate of Ohio State University College of Medicine, he completed his orthopedic residency at Summa Health System and a fellowship in Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine at Orthopaedic Research of Virginia. Recognized for excellence by Healthgrades and Vitals, Dr. Schaaf has also been a Charleston Choice Awards finalist for Best Orthopedic Surgeon. Passionate about helping patients stay active, he enjoys running, hiking, and spending time with his four children. Dr. Schaaf is dedicated to providing exceptional orthopedic care.

David Johannesmeyer, MD

Dr. David C. Johannesmeyer, a board-certified Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in sports medicine, joined Lowcountry Orthopaedics in 2018 after completing a fellowship in Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery. A Summerville, SC native, he graduated with honors from the University of South Carolina and earned his medical degree from MUSC. He completed his residency at the University of Alabama-Birmingham and a sports medicine fellowship at the University of New Mexico. With experience as an SEC student-athlete and team physician, Dr. Johannesmeyer brings a well-rounded perspective to treating athletes of all ages. Outside of work, he enjoys running, triathlons, and beach time with his four children.

Don Stovall, Jr, MD

Dr. Stovall, a board-certified Orthopaedic Surgeon, specializes in neck and back disorders and Spinal Surgery. Practicing at Lowcountry Orthopaedics since 1998, he completed a Spine Fellowship at the Leatherman Spine Institute in Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Stovall is an expert in robotic and minimally invasive spine surgery, using advanced techniques like the ExcelsiusGPS™ system to treat conditions such as degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and spinal deformities. He provides comprehensive care alongside the Spine Specialists team, offering medical management, physical therapy, pain management, and surgical solutions—all under one roof with in-house diagnostic and treatment facilities.

Christopher Battista, MD

Dr. Christopher Battista is a fellowship-trained Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon specializing in minimally invasive and robotic spine surgery. He completed his residency at the Boonshoft School of Medicine and advanced training at the Spine Institute of Arizona. Dr. Battista expertly treats conditions such as sciatica, herniated discs, neck and back pain, stenosis, and vertebral compression fractures. His surgical expertise includes tubular decompressions, disc replacements, fusions, and spinal reconstructions, providing patients with innovative, effective care.

Shailesh Patel, MD

Dr. Shailesh Patel, a fellowship-trained pain management specialist, focuses on conservative treatments like spinal injections, physical therapy, and medications. Board-certified in Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation, and Pain Medicine, he trained at Baylor College of Medicine and UCLA, specializing in spinal interventions and nerve diagnostics. Dr. Patel prioritizes holistic care and patient hope.

Christopher Merrell, MD

Dr. Christopher Merrell joined Lowcountry Orthopaedics in 2012 after five years at MUSC’s Orthopaedic Surgery Department. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, he earned his medical degree at Ohio State University and completed his residency at Virginia Commonwealth University. Specializing in non-surgical orthopedics, EMG testing, and pain management, Dr. Merrell works alongside his wife, Kelly Merrell, NP.

Richard Zimlich, MD

Dr. Richard H. Zimlich is a board-certified Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in hip and knee joint replacement, including Mako robotic-assisted procedures. Since joining Lowcountry Orthopaedics in 1998, he has performed numerous joint replacements and revisions, addressing complex cases and helping patients regain mobility. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Dr. Zimlich enjoys golf, water activities, and spending time with his family in Charleston.

Eric Stem, MD

Dr. Eric Stem, a hip and knee specialist at Lowcountry Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, has been with the practice since 2009. He earned his medical degree and dual bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Chemistry from the University of North Carolina. Before joining Lowcountry Orthopedics, Dr. Stem worked at South Carolina Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center. His diverse experience includes roles in occupational, urgent, and emergency medicine. Dr. Stem also served as a flight surgeon at Altus Air Force Base, OK, where he held leadership positions in aeromedical care, occupational medicine, infection control, and quality assurance.

Neal Huang, MD

Dr. Neal Huang is a fellowship-trained hip and knee replacement surgeon specializing in minimally invasive procedures with rapid recovery. He uses techniques like the “bikini” anterior hip replacement and tailored kinematic total knee replacement. Dr. Huang earned his medical degree from the University of Texas and completed his residency at the University of Tennessee. He also completed fellowship training with Atlanta Total Joint Specialists. His goal is to help patients return to an active, pain-free lifestyle through both non-operative treatments and surgery. Outside of work, Dr. Huang enjoys BBQ, SCUBA diving, snowboarding, and jogging with his family.

Keith Santiago, MD

Dr. Keith Santiago is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand and upper extremity surgery. He treats conditions involving bones, tendons, nerves, and muscles of the upper extremity and practices general orthopedics. Trained in fracture management, reconstruction, and microvascular surgery, Dr. Santiago emphasizes patient collaboration to achieve tailored treatment plans. He is a member of the AAOS and ASSH. Outside of work, Dr. Santiago enjoys family time, movies, ice hockey, and beach outings. He also promotes academic excellence by awarding the Harvard Book Prize to outstanding local high school students.

Patterson Owings, MD

Dr. F. Patterson Owings is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand and upper extremity surgery. He completed his surgical residency at Emory University and a fellowship in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery at the Campbell Clinic in Memphis. Certified in Advanced Trauma and Cardiac Life Support, Dr. Owings enjoys family time, running, skiing, mountain biking, and outdoor activities.

William Corey, MD

Dr. Corey, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, specializes in Foot and Ankle surgery. A graduate of Wake Forest University, he completed medical school and residency at West Virginia University, followed by a fellowship at Union Memorial Hospital. Dr. Corey treats patients of all ages, addressing injuries, arthritis, and foot and ankle conditions. He offers arthroscopy, ankle replacement, fusions, cartilage restoration, ligament and tendon repair, and bunion and flat foot treatments. Based in Charleston, SC, with his wife and two sons, Dr. Corey enjoys sports, boating, and fishing, passionately helping patients return to active lifestyles through personalized care.