Vascular Providers

Dr. Benjamin J. Herdrich

Dr. Benjamin J. Herdrich is a distinguished vascular surgeon at Surgical Associates, bringing a wealth of expertise and commitment to patient care. He began his medical journey at the University of Wisconsin Medical School in Madison, WI, and completed his residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. Certified by the American Board of Surgery, Dr. Herdrich's specialty lies in vascular surgery. His medical interests are particularly focused on vascular disease, limb salvage, and managing aortic aneurysms. His approach to these complex conditions is informed by his comprehensive training and a deep understanding of the latest surgical techniques.

Fellowship-trained in vascular surgery

Completing his fellowship in Vascular Surgery in 2013, Dr. Herdrich has since been a vital part of the Surgical Associates team. He is known for his dedication to offering advanced care and his passion for improving patient outcomes. Beyond his practice, he extends his expertise through outreach services in Rhinelander, and Iron River, demonstrating his commitment to making specialized vascular care accessible.

Dr. Ralph Fairchild, MD

Dr. Ralph Fairchild, MD, brings a unique blend of expertise to Surgical Associates, specializing in vascular, hepatobiliary, and pancreatic surgery. His extensive training and diverse medical interests make him an invaluable asset to our team and our patients. Dr. Fairchild's medical education commenced at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston, Texas, where he built a strong foundation in the medical sciences. He then completed his residency at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans, LA, further developing his surgical skills.

Fellowship-trained vascular surgeon

Dr. Fairchild's commitment to mastering his craft led him to pursue dual fellowship training. He specialized in Vascular Surgery at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN, and subsequently in Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. This unique combination of specializations equips him with a comprehensive understanding of complex surgical procedures.

Certified by the American Board of Surgery, Dr. Fairchild's specialties encompass a wide range of surgical procedures. His special medical interests include treating vascular disease, creating and maintaining dialysis access, and managing hepatobiliary diseases.

Completing his fellowship in vascular surgery in 2015, Dr. Fairchild has also trained extensively in dialysis access, adding another layer of specialization to his practice. His multifaceted training and expertise allow him to provide top-notch care to patients with diverse surgical needs.

Dr. Daniel Brown, MD

Dr. Daniel Brown, MD, is a skilled vascular surgeon at Surgical Associates, bringing expertise in complex aortic pathology and trauma surgery. He began his medical education at Ross University School of Medicine and completed his residency in General Surgery at Saint Louis University. Dr. Brown pursued his fellowship in Vascular Surgery at the University of Arkansas, where he refined his specialization in vascular procedures.

Fellowship-trained in vascular surgery

Dr. Brown joined Surgical Associates in 2024 and has quickly become a vital part of the team. With his educational foundation and training, he is Board Eligible in General and Vascular Surgery and is poised to further his journey of vascular excellence. Helping patients recover and return to the activities they enjoy is especially meaningful to him.

Dr. Sandra Cole, MD

Dr. Sandra Cole, MD, is a dedicated vascular surgeon at Surgical Associates, bringing advanced training and a strong foundation in research to patient care. She began her medical education at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, where she graduated with Distinction in Research. Dr. Cole completed her preliminary General Surgery training at the University of Rochester Medical Center, followed by an Integrated Vascular Surgery Residency at the Pennsylvania State College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Board Certified in Vascular Surgery by the American Board of Surgery, Dr. Cole specializes in comprehensive vascular care and is committed to building long-term relationships with her patients and their families.

Fellowship-trained in vascular surgery

Dr. Cole joined Surgical Associates in 2022 and has since become an essential part of the vascular surgery team. During her training, she was recognized for her commitment to education, receiving Exceptional Teacher Recognition awards in both 2020 and 2021. Her academic contributions include authoring book chapters, publishing peer-reviewed research, and delivering multiple podium and poster presentations. She remains actively involved in professional organizations, including the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum.

Dr. John P. Taaffe, MD

Dr. John P. Taaffe, MD, is a vascular surgeon at Surgical Associates who treats a wide range of vascular conditions, from carotid disease to aortic aneurysms, with an approach built around each patient’s individual needs. He earned his medical degree from the University of Missouri–Columbia School of Medicine, then completed an Integrated Vascular Surgery Residency at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, where he gained extensive experience treating complex vascular disease. Board Eligible in Vascular Surgery through the American Board of Surgery, Dr. Taaffe cares for a wide variety of patients and conditions, with special interests including carotid revascularization, aortic aneurysm repair, lower extremity revascularization, dialysis access, and venous disease. He is committed to building long-term relationships with his patients and their families.

Trained in vascular surgery at the Cleveland Clinic

As part of the vascular surgery team at Surgical Associates, Dr. Taaffe values the chance to care for patients over the long term and to guide them through every stage of their vascular health. His training reinforced the importance of approaching each patient as an individual with unique needs. He remains actively involved in professional organizations, including the Society for Vascular Surgery, the Vascular & Endovascular Surgery Society, the Midwestern Vascular Surgical Society, and the Eastern Vascular Society.