Celebrate Osteopathic Medicine Week

Dr. Poage is extensively trained in orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, evaluation and management of musculoskeletal disorders. He has a passion to see patients restored back to their “pre-injury” state, whether that refers to an acute activity-related injury, or dealing with the pain and dysfunction that accompanies a chronic disease like arthritis. Being an Osteopathic physician, Dr. Poage believes in the principles of Osteopathy, including that the structure of the body is closely related to its function, and that the body has the innate, God-given ability to heal itself. At Comeback Orthopedics, the goal is to tailor treatments towards helping each patient heal their body back to a healthy, pain-free state.

Dr. Poage attended medical school here in Lewisburg at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. From there he completed his residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Western Reserve Hospital in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. He then completed a fellowship with world-renowned sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews in Gulf Breeze, FL, where he had the opportunity to care for world-class athletes while learning from the best in the business. His training and experience has made him well equipped to provide care to the people of his state.

Dr. Poage is a native of Greenbrier County, born and raised here. As a local, he understands the unique needs that our patient population has, and is not unaware of the struggles that plague our state. Having battled addiction himself and come out on the other side into recovery, he understands the vital role that mental health and self-care play in our overall well-being. He is also empathetic to people who have struggled, and is passionate about seeing others take the journey into recovery towards a happy, healthy life.

Dr. Poage shares “I believe that the principles of recovery can be applied to any situation in life. From battling addiction, to dealing with the depression that comes from having daily pain, or dealing with loss, whether it be a loved one or the ability to do the things that bring us joy, God wants to see each of us really and truly free. There is a path to recovery for each and every person.”

Deborah Schmidt, D.O., is a respected physician and educator who specializes in osteopathic manipulative medicine. A native of Lewisburg, W.Va., she completed undergraduate studies at the Ohio State University before earning a D.O. degree from WVSOM in 1988.

In a career spanning more than three decades, Schmidt has made significant contributions to clinical practice, medical education and the advancement of osteopathic principles. As a longtime WVSOM faculty member, she has played a key role in training and mentoring future osteopathic physicians, with a focus on hands-on diagnosis and treatment.

Known for a thoughtful, patient-centered approach, Schmidt combines clinical expertise with a deep respect for the body’s natural healing abilities.

Outside her professional responsibilities, she enjoys gardening and spending time outdoors in the Appalachian region.

Andrew Yuan, D.O., graduated from the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1987 and currently works as a physiatrist in Fairfield, Connecticut. Physiatrists are physicians who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Dr. Yuan primarily treats patients with disabilities, helping them overcome physical and psychological challenges to lead fuller lives.

Born in Hong Kong, Dr. Yuan immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of 10. Encouraged by his mother to pursue medicine, his path was dramatically altered by a life-changing accident in which he lost an arm and a leg. The experience challenged his confidence but ultimately deepened his commitment to the medical profession. Inspired by the care he received during his recovery, he chose to specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Dr. Yuan currently operates a private practice and serves as a clinical assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, as well as assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University. He is an emeritus trustee with the Connecticut Osteopathic Medical Society. Previously, he served as chief of physical medicine and rehabilitation at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and was named a top doctor in the state by Connecticut Magazine in 2013.

He earned his B.S. from Union College and his D.O. from the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Yuan completed a one-year osteopathic internship at Doctors Hospital of Stark County in Massillon, Ohio, and served as chief resident in the physical medicine and rehabilitation residency program at Albany Medical Center in New York.