Thanks to an international upbringing, Dr. Wardell has competed in and followed just about any sport you could name: tennis, basketball, baseball, cricket, cycling, hockey, equestrian, football, golf, rugby, soccer and sailing.
Dr. Wardell underwent shoulder surgery at 14 and had stress fractures in his back and foot in high school and college. His two brothers and many friends also are dedicated athletes who have experienced injuries; his wife, a fellow Division I college tennis player, tore her ACL twice. “As a doctor now, I focus on what we all wanted to know when we were hurt: how serious is this injury or condition, and why?” Dr. Wardell says. “I love that I’m able to explain a problem to my patients and understand exactly what it will take to heal them.” Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine, Dr. Wardell has experience in a broad spectrum of basic to advanced treatments, including hip and shoulder arthroscopy and surgery for complex knee injuries including multiligamentous injuries and patellar instability. He also is committed to individualized care. “Each patient’s goals are different,” he notes. “It’s important to remember that the same injury in two people may not lead to the same treatment plan for both.”
Born in California to parents from New Zealand, Dr. Wardell spent five years in England as a child due to his dad’s teaching career. He and his wife, Lauren, met as tennis players at the College of William & Mary – where he was co-captain for two years and won awards for his work ethic – and have two young daughters. Dr. Wardell’s hobbies include wakeboarding, biking, skiing and binge watching recorded sporting events from around the world on his DVR.
“As a huge sports-lover and a former college athlete, I truly understand the frustration of being forced to the sidelines. I like to be straightforward with my patients, sharing all information so we can reach a treatment decision together. It’s so rewarding to help them get better.” Richard M Wardell, M.D.
EDUCATION
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2020–2021Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship - University of New Mexico - Albuquerque, New Mexico
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2015–2020Orthopaedic Surgery Residency - West Virginia University - J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital - Morgantown, West Virginia
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2011–2015Medical Degree - University of Central Florida College of Medicine - Orlando, Florida
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2006–2010B.S. Neuroscience magna cum laude - College of William and Mary - Williamsburg, Virginia
PUBLICATIONS AND CURRENT RESEARCH
- Nelson J, Wardell R, Richter DR, Schenck RC, Wascher D. Review of Knee Mechanics in the Golf Swing and the Potential Risk for Injury to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Other Structures (accepted for publication to the Western Journal of Orthopaedics)
- Curtis W, Fine R, Moya A, Blackstone R, Wardell R, Treme G, Richter DR. The “Top 10” Psychosocial Factors Affecting Orthopaedic Outcomes. JBJS Journal of Orthopaedics for Physician Assistants. 2022 Apr-Jun; 10(2) - e21.00038 doi: 10.2106/JBJS.JOPA.21.00038
- Wardell RM, Hanselman AE, Daffner SD, Santrock RD. Posterior Tibialis Tendon Rupture in a Closed Bimalleolar-Equivalent Ankle Fracture: Case Report. Foot Ankle Spec. 2017 Dec; 10(6):572-577.
- Wardell R, Homan B. “The effect of using an abduction sling vs a simple sling following rotator cuff surgery.” University of Central Florida College of Medicine Focused Individual Research Experience (FIRE) Mini Conference Poster Presentation (2013)
- Hubbard D, Bravin D, Bramer M, France J, Wardell R, Ryan L. “Immediate Weight Bearing on Distal Femur Fractures, a Prospective Randomized Trial.” West Virginia Orthopaedic Society Meeting Podium Presentation (2017)
- Wardell R. “Concussions.” West Virginia University Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2018)
- Wardell R. “ACL Reconstruction with Quadriceps Tendon Autograft.” West Virginia University Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2019)
- Wardell R. “Meniscal Ramp Lesions.” University of New Mexico Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2021)
- Wardell R. “Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures.” West Virginia University Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2019)
PRESENTATIONS
- Wardell R, Homan B. “The Effect of Using an Abduction Sling vs a Simple Sling Following Rotator Cuff Surgery.” University of Central Florida College of Medicine Focused Individual Research Experience (FIRE) Mini Conference Podium Presentation (2013)
- Hubbard D, Bravin D, Bramer M, France J, Wardell R, Ryan L. “Immediate Weight Bearing on Distal Femur Fractures, a Prospective Randomized Trial.” West Virginia Orthopaedic Society Meeting Podium Presentation (2017)
- Wardell R. “Concussions.” West Virginia University Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2018)
- Wardell RM, Hanselman AE, Daffner SD, Santrock RD. “Posterior Tibialis Tendon Rupture in a Closed Bimalleolar-Equivalent Ankle Fracture: Case Report.” 7th Annual Extremity Summit Podium Presentation (2018)
- Wardell R. “Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures.” West Virginia University Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2019)
- Wardell R. “ACL Reconstruction with Quadriceps Tendon Autograft.” West Virginia University Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2019)
- Wardell R. “Meniscal Ramp Lesions.” University of New Mexico Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Rounds (2021)
- Wardell R. “Review of Knee Mechanics in the Golf Swing and the Potential Risk for Injury to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Other Structures.” University of New Mexico Alumni Conference Research Day Podium Presentation (2021)
TEACHING AND LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
West Virginia University, Department of Orthopaedics
- External fixator and fasciotomy training for U.S. Army Special Forces (2018 – 2020)
- Proctor cadaver labs for Special Forces Medical Sergeants (Green Berets)
- WVU Medical School casting lab (2016 – 2020)
- Teach medical students interested in orthopaedics basic casting and splinting techniques
University of Central Florida College of Medicine
- Peer Academic Coach (PAC) (2012-2015)
- Tutored medical students in lower classes through individual and group sessions as well as by writing and presenting practice questions for module review sessions.
College of William and Mary men’s tennis team – division I
- Volunteer assistant coach (August 2010 – May 2011)
- Member (August 2006 - May 2010) and co-captain (August 2008 – May 2010)
- Student Athlete Advisory Council Representative (May 2008 – May 2010)
- Offered input on reviewable NCAA rules, regulations, and policies.
- Served on the social committee, organizing events focused on fostering support and encouragement amongst the athletic community
HONORS AND AWARDS
West Virginia University, Department of Orthopaedics
- 2nd Place for resident research presentations (April 2017)
- Immediate Weight Bearing on Distal Femur Fractures, a Prospective Randomized Trial
- Podium presentation at: West Virginia Orthopaedic Society meeting
- UCF College of Medicine Honors Award (October 2014)
- Awarded at the Faculty and Student Awards Ceremony 2014 for outstanding achievement throughout the student’s undergraduate medical education
University of Central Florida College of Medicine
College of William and Mary
- ESPN the Magazine Second-Team Academic All-District III (2010)
- Third Team All-Conference (Colonial Athletic Association [CAA] in tennis) (April 2010)
- Chi Alpha Sigma National College Athlete Honor Society (April 2010)
- 2 time recipient of the tennis team’s Tom Hearn’s “Nails” Award (April 2008, 2010)
- Awarded to the player who demonstrated the greatest work ethic throughout the year as determined by the highest number of votes from team members.
- 4 time CAA academic all-conference selection (2007-2010)
- 4 time Provost Award winner (2007-2010)
- 4 time Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Scholar Athlete selection (2007-2010)
- Recipient of the tennis team’s Tribe Pride and Tradition Award (April 2007)
- Awarded to the player who best represents the team and the school both on and off the court as determined by the head coach.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) 2020 – present
- The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine 2018 – present
- Virginia Orthopaedic Society 2021 – present
SMOC - Sports Medicine Orthopaedic Center and Spine Center
- 5801 Harbour View Boulevard
Suite 200
Suffolk, VA 23435 - Get Driving Directions
SMOC - Sports Medicine Orthopaedic Center and Spine Center
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Chesapeake, VA 23320 - Get Driving Directions
