Mary Welker, MD
Physician, Professor
Primary Care - Family Medicine
Make an appointment
614-293-4980Conditions and expertise
- Primary Care
- Family Practice
Locations
- Primary Care New Albany
Academics and research
Department: Family Medicine
About
- Gender
- Female
Biography
I have been a practicing family physician for more than 30 years. As chair of the Department of Family Medicine at The Ohio State University, I believe in shared decision-making so that patients are engaged in their health care.
I love family medicine because it allows me to have a long-term doctor-patient relationship with a variety of individuals with different ages, different diseases, and different perspectives and experiences.
I enjoy the people that I work with at Ohio State and the fact that we look forward to making things better for our patients. I also like that we’re an integrated health care system, where all records are in the same place with computer access from any of our sites. This allows doctors to view a patient’s records and communicate electronically, which supports patient engagement.
Highlights
- Chair of Ohio State’s Family Medicine Department for 14 years
- American Academy of Family Physicians Board of Directors
- Past President of American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation
- Best Doctor in America 2017
Conditions and expertise
- Family Practice
- Primary Care
Locations
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
Credentials
Education
- Residency - Family Medicine
- Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
6/1/1976 - 6/30/1979 - Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
7/1/1973 - 6/1/1976
Certification
-
American Board of Family Medicine
7/8/1979
Academics and research
In addition to my clinical work, I am a member of the Cancer Control Program at the OSUCCC – James, where my research focuses on education, clinical practice and administration.
I was the principal investigator on a Health Resources and Services Administration grant to work on interprofessional education with the College of Medicine, the College of Nursing, the College of Pharmacy, the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, and the College of Social Work. I am also the co-investigator on a nursing grant that was recently submitted to develop a residency program for advanced practices nurses in primary care.
I have co-authored numerous articles in well-respected publications, including the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine and Journal of Family Practice.
Having been in private practice for 16 years before joining the faculty full time, my primary interests are education, clinical practice and administration. At the state level, I have been very active in organized medicine through the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians and the Ohio State Medical Association. Nationally, I served three years on the board of directors for the American Academy of Family Physicians and 10 years on the AAFP Foundation’s board of trustees. I participated in their Physicians With Heart program and, most recently, in their Family Medicine Cares program, including three trips to Haiti.
Research interests
- Thyroid Nodule
- Thyrotoxicosis
Professional honors
- Board Certification: American Board of Family Medicine, 1979
- Recertification: 1985, 1991, 1997, 2004-2014; 2014-2024
- Philanthropist of the Year: American Academy of Family Physician Foundation, 2016
- Family Physician of the Year – Ohio Academy of Family Physicians, 2015
- Health Care Heroes Manager Award, 2008, central Ohio
- American Academy of Family Physicians Robert Graham Award for outstanding executives, 2007
- “Local Legend” – American Medical Women’s Association, 2004
- OSU Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award, 2001
- The Notre Dame Alumnae Association of St. Joseph Academy, Distinguished Alumnae, 2000
- Fellow: American Academy of Family Physicians, 1981
- Best Doctors in America, 2001-present
Grants
Funded-
7/1/2016 - 6/30/2021 - HRSA: Primary Care Training and Enhancement (PCTE) program
Expanding, Enhancing, and Enriching the Primary Care Workforce through Clinical Transformation Education, $2,495,068
Role: Co-Investigator (PI: Rundell)
Academic information
- Department:
- Family Medicine
- Division:
- Family Medicine
More about my research
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.
352 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. Welker has reported no relationships with companies or entities.
She is excellent
Dr Welker covered all my questions in a professional and caring way.
Very informative, helpful
She took as much time as I needed to answer my questions. Was pleasant and explained when I could expect my test results. She put comments in my chart concerning those tests!
Very good ,very patient listening to me Given accurate diagnosis and also detail explanations
Listens and hears what I'm saying.
VERY GOOD
Very good
Excellent experience.
Professional friendly and knowledgeable
Dr Welker is superb. She is thorough and easy to understand. Every interaction has been positive.
All good
Cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr Welker. She is caring and knowledgeable. Dr Welker is very accessible. If you send a message via My Chart she gets back to you quickly. In the office she listens and spends time with you. It is like a concierge doctor and I fear wen she decides to retire
Dr Welker is as professional as can be, never alarm in her composure when describing health concerns, calming demeanor
Listens attentively and always asks questions
Dr. Welker has been my provider for 25 years now and I believe I've gotten the best service that one could ask for
I am so grateful to have Dr Welker looking after my health. She is informed and caring.
Very kind , patient , professional and flexible to my concerns which in turn put me more at ease . Really appreciated !!
Always good
Professional and knowledgeable-wise.
The clinic staff knows me by name and are always efficient and freindly.
Appreciate the easy to understand answers to my questions. Always gives me options for me to consider and never pushes me to do something I am not comfortable with. Excellent doctor.
Dr. Welker has been my care provider for over 37 years; in all that time I can only think of 1 time I wasn't pleased, however, part of that was on me, also.She tried to accommodate my wishes re: big toenail problem; She kept trying to numb my toe, and it kept hurting with each attempt. We both finally agreed I couldn't take anymore needles & we stopped. Not thinking I should've gone to a Podiatrist outright, which would've known by at least the 2nd needle how much to use to numb it fully.
Comprehensive, steady, knowledgeable. She was also managing a medical intern.
She, sit down and explain what was going on in what to help me with.
So glad I was able to seen last minute!
I have been a patient of Dr Welker for more than 30 years. She is excellent.
As always she addressed the problem in a kind and honest way
Good
I appreciated that she did not prescribe antibiotics when they weren't necessary. Reassured me that I was doing all the right things to manage my symptoms.
She is always well inform on my medical chart including appointments with specialists so we can talk about everything.
Dr. Welker is excellent. Professional, caring, thorough and personable.
Dr. Welker is a super star
Extremely attentive and interested in my health and background. Took a long time with me more than any previous PCP I have used.
Excellent
Good
Always listens to my concerns and answers my questions.
Caring polite
Everyone in the office is very nice and professional.
Dr. Welker is the best! Over 40 years of care....the BEST care!
Very knowledgeable, friendly and professional.
My Provider:Doctor listen to me and discussing all my medicines every appointment she listens carefully to me and addresses each issue or question I ask . I feel like she actually cares about her patients which is rare.
She is wonderful. Efficient, friendly, knowledgeable and answers all mychart questions quickly.
She was wonderful, very attentive and professional and kind !!!
My provider for many years. I have no higher praise.
She is very good at what she does
Dr. Welker is great. I told her when she retires, I'll freak out.
She's been my doctor for 42 years. We chat for awhile before talking about meds and an exam . Again very professional
Dr. Welker is always on top of things. Professional, courteous and caring
Dr Welker is a very good Dr. She asks questions and listens to my concerns. She refers to my past tests and current medications before coming up with a plan. I would not hesitate to be seen by her again.
I trust Dr. Welker. I appreciate the care I received from her this time and other times.
All takes extra time very polite. She listens to all my concerns
Diagnosed a sinus infection very quickly.
My doctor, she is amazing! She is the most knowledgeable and professional and she understands very much the best ways to help me with any and all problems I've addressed.
She is the Best
Very good at what she does. I have a lot of respect for her. I trust her.
The good Doctor Welker has been my attending physician for 25 years now. During that 25 years, she has been an exceptional doctor.
Always treats me like a a person and not just another patient.
She's been my Doc for for over 30 years and I'd have it no other way; she's the greatest
Best Doctor! She is very helpful and cares about and for me
She is the very best/ just excellent
Dr. Welker is very personable, remembers my history, and always gives the best advice and care. I have been seeing her for about 12 years and I wouldn't trust anyone else with my health.
Good
Always good - answering questions, listens attentively, never hurries
Very good
Dr Welker is a caring, knowledgeable, kind provider. She makes sure all my vaccinations are up to date and all health care needs are addressed. She answers online questions immediately even on weekends.
The most responsive doctor ever. Answers my chart messages almost immediately. Even responds when she is on vacation.
Personable, concern for my health, pro active trying to find answers.
Dr. Welker is the BEST, hands down!
Listens and answers all my concerns and issues. Always follows up with blood test results and stays on top of my prescriptions.
Dr. Welker was Professional and answered any questions I had.
Excellent doctor
Reliable
Dr. Welker is excellent. She is a good listener, thoughtful, and conservative in her care which I appreciate.
The doctor also helped when needed.
She is always very professional and courteous
Very best experiences
All good, no bad...
Smiled, friendly, knowledgeable, listened, offered suggestions
Dr. Welker is the best Dr at OSU. She has been my doctor for over 25 years, maybe more. Very good at what she does.
Dr. Always asks questions Asks how I'm feeling What if anything is bothering meAsks about each medicine
She was also excellent as always
She was very thorough in her exam and treated me with respect.
All good
Friendly, thorough, and very knowledgeable
Always great care.
Dr Welker is a treasure. She always takes the time to listen and always demonstrates her concern for my wellbeing. She is thorough, patient and responsive.
Dr. Welker is great.
If there was a rating beyond 10 I would have rated the Doctor higher
I think Dr Welker is thoughtful and considerate always checks on my medication
Excellent. Listened when I described my condition. Explained what needed to be done.
She always listens to everything I have to say. She is very familiar with my medications and health.
It always has been very good with Dr.Welker it always is not the same with your other offices.
She really listens!
Professional helpful
Dr Welker is always wonderful to work with
Always good!
Was my doctor from 1987 till late 90s glad to be back with her happy with the care
She has been my Dr. For over 35 years! We have a very good relationship!
Very good
She's a great listener and problem solver.
Dr.Welker is the BEST! She cares very much for my overall health.
Dr. Welker has been our physician for 40 yrs and has slways been there for me. Unferstanding, compassionate and helpful.
Good
Excellent
She spent time with me and listened to me.
She is always takes her time , answers all questions, very knowledgeable .
Dr. Welker has been my provider for 39 years. She knows my history and always takes the best care possible.
She always listens and offered a couple of solutions to try.
Good
All good
Dr Welker and staff have always been available, knowledgeable and helpful.
Doctor was excellent giving care and advise
Knowledgable
Outstanding doctor
She didn't raise the possibility of Lyme's disease, which my regular doctor, during my next visit, suggested and ordered a blood test for.
She knows my history
Always GREAT !!!
My appointment was scheduled via the message system with Dr Welker for a follow up for cellulitis from a cat bite that got infected while I was on a business trip out of state. Dr Welker wrote a script for me while I was on the trip. I ended up with a 2 night stay in a local hospital for IV antibiotics. I kept in touch with Dr Welker throughout and when I requested a follow up with her, DR Welker was most accommodating.
Dr Welker has always kept me informed about the medication I am on and will ask questions of me for follow up. The comfort level of being able to talk over with her my situation being assurance of well being.
Always helpful, professional, listens to my concerns. Explains all issues well and answers all questions
My Dr. Welker is the Best Doctor and I'm very fortunate to have her taking care of my health! She knows and understands all my problems and Heath issues.
Excellent
Good
Didn't have any bad experience, all was good?
She's always very friendly and listens to all of my concerns.
Listen, supportive,and efficient
I think she's the best medical provider I've ever had in my life.
The most professional person I know, and exceptional knowledge of medicine
Dr Welker responds very quickly to My Chart questions. In office she is very attentive and engaged
Well.. Dr.Welker is awesome.. She is smart, caring and a very tentative listener! Very good traits for you Doctor to possess.. She deeply wants myself, wife and mother-in-law to be our best.. Medically AND emotionally..
Very attentive
Dr Welker is just right for me. Listens carefully, is reassuring but never over-reacts. Positive and realistic.
Dr. Welker is always very caring. She knows me well and I trust her.
Mary Jo Walker is outstanding!
Everything was excellent as usual.
Always excellent
Doctor Welker is an excellent physician. She is very knowledgeable and caring. I completely trust her medical decisions.
She is the best always very through
Best doctor I have had.
Decades with Dr. Welker = extremely satisfied. She is so knowledgeable and intelligent.Med Student with her, Matthew, also very pleasant and had some good information!
Very direct about health concerns
Dr. Welker always addresses my concerns and answers all my questions during the visit and on my chart
Thorough
Dr Welker is so patient and thoughtful. She is an excellent listener and always seeks my thoughts about her recommendations
Pleasant, thorough
She is a great dr
This was a very good visit with question answered and what test will be done next
As always, Dr. Welker has my health care as top priority.
I always have a good experience with this provider. She went over my options regarding my medical accommodation and we came to a mutual agreement.
Great experience
All good
Dr. Welker is AWESOME!
Dr Welker has been my Dr for over 40 years and is the best! She genuinely cares about me as a patient and she has a wonderful disposition. I will be lost when she retires .
Although not my regular PCP, the doctor seemed to be acquainted with my medical history.
Professional, highly knowledgeable
Always attentive
Same very good
Fair
Dr Welker listened carefully, recorded m comments and provided possibilities for condition and ordered exrays
Very good ! Because o my provider, my headaches are feeling better.
Very good and did all that was required to help me.