James Borchers, MD
Physician, Professor
Sports Medicine, Primary Care - Family Medicine
Accepting new patients
Conditions and expertise
- Back Injuries
- Athletic Performance
- Physical Endurance
- Asthma, Exercise-Induced
- Hip Injuries
- Sprains and Strains
Locations
- Jameson Crane Sports Medicine Institute
Academics and research
Department: Family Medicine
About
- Gender
- Male
Biography
I specialize in sports medicine at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, where I provide care for injuries and medical conditions that affect a patient’s ability to be active throughout his or her lifetime.
I played football at The Ohio State University from 1989 to 1993, and the physicians who cared for me when I was a student-athlete inspired me to pursue a career in medicine. As a former athlete, I enjoy helping patients of all ages recover from injuries and return to the activities they enjoy. I see patients for acute sports injuries, overuse sports injuries and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
I believe in working with patients to provide a comprehensive treatment plan for their individual health issues. I also enjoy helping people to remain active and healthy.
I love working in a place that provides a comprehensive, collaborative environment where everyone is dedicated to the personal health care of our patients.
When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling and running.
Highlights
- Ohio State Department of Athletics Head Team Physician
- Director, Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship
- Named to Castle Connolly's Regional Top Doctors list
- Best Doctors in America, 2017
- Fellow, American College of Sports Medicine
Conditions and expertise
- Ankle Injuries
- Arm Injuries
- Arthritis
- Asthma, Exercise-Induced
- Athletic Injuries
- Athletic Performance
- Back Injuries
- Brain Concussion
- Foot Injuries
- Hip Injuries
- Knee Injuries
- Leg Injuries
- Physical Endurance
- Platelet-Rich Plasma
- Primary Care
- Shoulder Pain
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Sports Medicine
- Sprains and Strains
Locations
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
Credentials
Education
- Fellowship - Family Medicine, Sports Medicine
- Toledo Children's Hospital, Toledo, OH, United States
7/1/2003 - 6/13/2004 - Residency - Family Medicine
- Toledo Children's Hospital, Toledo, OH, United States
7/1/2000 - 6/13/2003 - Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, United States
8/1/1998 - 5/13/2000 - Medical School
- St. George's University School of Medicine, St. George, Grenada
1/15/1996 - 4/24/1998
Certifications
-
American Board of Family Medicine/Sports Medicine
7/10/2004 -
American Board of Family Medicine
7/11/2003
Academics and research
The focus of my research has been on outcomes-based studies that affect the field of sports medicine. I have used my training from obtaining my MPH with a focus on clinical investigations to examine clinical outcomes in sports medicine topics such as ACL reconstruction, metabolic syndrome in collegiate football players and resource utilization among collegiate athletes. I have published on these efforts and continue work in these areas. I have worked with the Multicentered Orthopedic Outcomes Network (MOON) research consortium analyzing data regarding an ongoing prospective cohort regarding ACL reconstruction, outcomes, risk factors and risk factor modification. I have also published numerous studies on the prevention of injury in athletes and continue to study the epidemiology of injury and prevention of injury in collegiate athletes.
I have also focused scholarly work on instructing sports medicine fellows in writing systematic reviews and publishing and presenting original researching. In my years as director of the Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship, we have had multiple systematic reviews published with fellows. During this same time period, there have been an additional 30-40 publications and presentations at national meetings involving our fellows. Every fellow in our program since my time as director has had at least one per reviewed presentation at a national sports medicine meeting and at least one peer reviewed publication submitted or accepted.
I plan to continue outcomes based research in the future and will be collaborating with others in sports medicine on risk factor evaluation for injury based on pre-participation examination and interventions to decrease injury risk. I also have ongoing projects with MOON continuing to study long term outcomes following ACL reconstruction.
Research interests
- Sports Medicine
- ACL Reconstruction
- Metabolic Syndrome in Collegiate Football Players
- Resource Utilization among Collegiate Athletes
- Injury Prevention
- Epidemiology of Injury
Active Funding
- Co-investigator, NIH, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Functional evaluation to predict lower extremity musculoskeletal injury, 2013 – 2018
Editorial Activities
- Journal Editorial Board, The Physician and Sports Medicine, 2009 - present
- Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise, 2007 - present
- Journal reviewer, Sports Review Journal, 2015 - present
- Manuscript reviewer, Journal of Athletic Training, 2010 - present
- Associate editor, Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, 2009 - present
Professional Memberships
- American College of Sports Medicine
- American Medical Society of Sports Medicine
- American Academy of Family Physicians
- Ohio Academy of Family Physicians
Academic information
- Department:
- Family Medicine
- Division:
- Family Medicine / Sports Medicine
More about my research
News and media
My Videos
My news coverage
- Study: Cardiac MRI Effective in Detecting Asymptomatic, Symptomatic Myocarditis in Athletes
- 2018 OSU Sports Medicine Symposium To Focus on Athletes and Concussion Care
- Study Finds Athletes With ADHD More Likely To Choose Team Sports, Could Increase Injury Risk
- OSU Sports Medicine Symposium to Focus on Athletes and Concussion Care
- OSU Sports Medicine Hosts Inaugural ACL Meeting
- OSU Sports Medicine Symposium to Focus on Athletes and Concussion Care
Ratings and reviews
The overall patient satisfaction rating is an average of all patient responses to the six doctor communication related questions shown below from the Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey. For additional information about the patient satisfaction survey, please visit our Patient Satisfaction Survey page.
The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their view and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.
383 Patient Satisfaction Reviews
Patient Comments
Consulting and Related Relationships
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 11/3/2025 Dr. Borchers has reported relationships with the companies or entities listed below. If you have questions about the relationships listed below, please ask the faculty member. If you have questions about how these relationships are monitored by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, please contact our Compliance Office.
- U.S. Council for Athlete's Health
Felt rushed and unheard
He is very knowledgeable & seems to be kind
Dr. Borchers is excellent
Very good
Dr Borchers answered my questions clearly and fully. I left with specific directions for what to do next.
He remembers very specific details which I appreciate and he understands my concerns
Explained things clearly.
Excellent- very kind and knowledgeable
Very attentive.
I always have the best visits with Dr. Borchers even if it's not great news. I trust him, he takes excellent care of not just me but my husband as well.
I appreciate how quickly he is able to zero in on the cause of the problem. Very confident that he knows and understands my condition.
Kind
Dr. Borchers is excellent, thorough and deals with my issues
Dr. Borchers is the best! He keeps me moving and riding my bicycles by providing the best possible care.
The Fellow and the supervising physician were clueless to my surgical history. I was there for knee pain and apparently neither knew I had an ACL reconstruction although I told them both. When they reviewed my X-rays they acted like I was dumb and didn't know when they talked down to me "you've actually had your acl reconstructed not just a meniscus surgery!" Yeah, I know. I lived it. And I've told all 3 people who have been in this room the same thing- it's not my fault you don't listen or read my chart before seeing me. And then the audacity to tell me to go take an anti inflammatory for 6 more weeks and come back again, when I told you that's exactly what I have been doing for the past 3 months. Are you kidding me. From one medical professional to another, absolutely terrible experience.
Dr Borchers showed genuine caring and answered my questions thoroughly
All good. Thank you God
Excellent
Really enjoy Dr Borchers and the concern he shows patients
Right to the point and very respectful
All good
I like how friendly everyone in the clinicAnd helpful
He was great.
Dr BORCHER is the best!
Dr looked at my scans ahead of time. He knew immediately what I needed.
I look forward to seeing the doctor because of the pain I experience from 3 months time
The best-
Always excellent
Very knowledgeable & easy to talk with
Excellent, knowledgeable.
Nice and understanding
Exceptional doctor. I have sent several people to him. He takes great care of his patients.
Aleaysgood
I am always extremely confident that Dr. Borchers will make the right call in providing the services that best suit my needs.
Dr. Borchers is the best! He is patient, understanding, and empathetic about my medical discomfort. He offers advice and definitely makes me feel like I'm part of planning in determining how we best proceed with my medical needs. He asks to confirm my understanding of the situation and is very approachable.
Excellent interaction and care
Excellent
Expert in care
I really like Dr. Borchers. Every time I've seen him, he never makes me feel rushed, and always patiently answers my questions and gives useful information. He is honestly one of the best providers I've ever had.
Doctor is courteous and caring about my health. Gives me recommendations for health issue that I have.
Good experience
Great experience and honor to meet him and have him treat me. Felt very confident in next steps and ability to manage concern after visit
Dr Borchers Is a knowledgeable and caring doctor. I have recommended him many times.
He was great!
Good
Dr. Borchers is always a pleasure, he is caring, knowledgeable and compassionate. He takes very good care of me and my husband.
Dr. Birchers is always very polite and answers my questions.
Showed concern for my needs and is carefully planing out my course of diagnosing the issue and treatment plan.
Dr. Borcher is highly knowledgeable and professional, and I am so glad he administers my PRP to me. I have been his patient for over 4 years. I notify him when my knee needs an injection, and he is always able to see me.
Knowledgeable and caring
He's the best
Always friendly and smiling. Makes you feel at ease.
Takes time to listen. Understands my health goals.
Dr Borchers is fantastic. He listens to me, and if I ask him a question he answers in a manner that I can understand. No medical words that I would have to lookup. I grab his business cards when leaving so I can hand them out to friends and acquaintances that discuss knee pain to me. He is wonderful.
All good. Attentive n addressed concerns
I trusted him
Excellent specialist.
Very good experience!
Dr. Is caring and caring.
Everyone was on time and ready for me
Empathetic and listened to my concerns
My doctor is the reason I don't mind the visits!
I am extremely confident in his ability to make correct decisions concerning my treatment.
I would have liked more information about my injury, more time spent examining my foot and observing movements, better explanation of what I should and should not do as my injury heels. I felt provider rushed things a bit
Dr. Borchers is wonderful. He takes a conservative approach with my shoulder which is so important to me. Fantastic doctor.
All good
Dr. Borchers is excellent with his skill. He does move very quickly, so I need to always have ALL questions prepared so I get answers. Sometimes, my brain goes too slowly & he's gone before I've addressed additional issues.
Always listens, communicates clearly. Cares about me, is thorough.
Knowledgable and experienced, efficient
He is kind and very personable
Good Good
He was excellent, checked for muscle weakness around joint involved in this visit.
He was awesome made the procedure great I was so nervous and scared
All good
Dr. Bircher takes his time talking to you, explains everything very well and answers all questions.
Great personality. Knowledgeable and genuinely interested in helping me improve.
Great
Felt a little rushed and not as much connection. Had a discussion but did not feel like he was concerned
Very good
Knowledgeable, got straight to the root cause of the issue
He was very caring and listened to my concerns. Very professional. Did not have any wait time.
He spends less than 5 minutes with me and does nothing. Literally all he ever does is refer me to something else or tell me to come back in X weeks.One time he gave me a shot, but that's the most he's ever done.He never explains anything, doesn't answer questions, is super dismissive, and generally useless.
Good, very caring and helpful
No bad experience
Was able to get my xray right away and get the results before leaving my appointment
He's always taken a conservative approach, not rushed into any unnecessary surgeries and instead involved me in decision making. I really appreciate him and his skills as a doctor.
I've NEVER had a bad experience with Dr. Borchers. He is always on time, courteous, knowledgeable, and respectful.
All good
Dr. Is very skilled. Sometimes, he moves too quickly for me to digest what's been said so I can ask additional questions.
I love Dr Borchers! The fellow was good too. Dr Borchers explains everything clearly so I understand. He is kind, friendly, and he takes his time to listen to my concerns. I did not feel like he was rushing me. He has a good bedside manner. He is knowledgeable and he knows what he's talking about. I usually agree with his advice, guidance, and recommendations. I've already referred another coworker to him for her concerns.
Excellent
The best
Dr. Borchers was excellent, seemed very caring and knowledgeable, and to trat me as an Individual.
Excellent care
Dr. Borchers is the best!
Good experience..
Excellent listen. Though diangisstian and extremely compliant administer of appropriate treatment.
Dr. Borchers is a very caring kind doctor who asks about me and how I am doing every time.
Very good n
Dr. Borchers always shows compassion and listens to all my concerns
Dr. Borchers is efficient and explains well what he is doing and what I can expect during and after the procedure.
Always friendly and concerned
Understanding
Dr. Borchers is very busy. He checks frequently between his other cases to see how the prep progress is proceeding and if the assistance are having any difficulty, and how I am doing as his patient. He is a very kind, and patient physician. I would recommend him for my family or friend's , or otber's who may be looking for an excellent physician for the type of treatment that I receive.
Listened to my concerns and is sending me to the right provider I need
The provider spent very little time with me and I don't think understood my concerns. He focused on my next problems but I was primarily interested in getting help with my shoulder pain.
Very thorough, listened and ordered test asap
Excellent care from an experienced Doctor!
Professional, attentive, answered my questions
Cheerful, skilled
Dr. Borchers is always great. Timely and gives treatments that are spot on
Very professional
Caring
He was more engaged during this visit as compared to the last visit.
I arrive on time and I am serviced on time.
Jim is just fantastic.
Friendly, informative and addressed my needs
Listens to what I am telling him
Very good and professional
The best, along with Dr. Forrest! Very professional, answers questions thoroughly, super knowledgeable. Great doctor/patient professional relationship.
Remembered my situation from 2020 and clearly explained current situation and strategy to address.
Always kind, attentive to my questions and concerns
Dr. Borchers understands the health issues I present to him, and listens to my questions and thoughts.
Very short interaction, but seemed thorough enough.
Professional on all level
Interested and thoughtful
Dr. Borchers read my X-rays and took hardly any time to get to me with the results. I was very pleased with that since I like to know what is going on with my body as soon as possible.
Excellent
Everything was excellent.
He was extremely professional, nice and efficient
Same comment as the nurse........Professional, personable. Listens to concerns with an open mind, very helpful.
Insufficient time spent, incomplete answers to some questions.
Dr. Borcher is the BEST. He has provided me with an alternative to knee replacement and I so appreciate him.