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Richard M. Wardell, MDFellowship-Trained
Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
Sports Medicine

Richard M. Wardell, MD

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.” Board-Certified 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.

Education
Bachelor’s Degree
  • College of William & Mary, B.S. Neuroscience (graduated 2010, magna cum laude)
Medical Degree
  • University of Central Florida College of Medicine (graduated 2015, with honors)
Residency

Orthopaedic Surgery Residency – J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, West Virginia University (2015-2020).

Affiliations
  • Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon Sports Medicine
  • American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
  • Virginia Orthopaedic Society

  • The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
  • American Association of Hand Surgery
  • American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons
  • American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
  • American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery
  • American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery
  • Virginia Orthopaedic Society, Sentara
  • Sentara
  • Chesapeake Regional Medical Center
  • 5801 Harbour View Blvd
    Suite 200
    Suffolk, VA 23435

    Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

  • 501 Discovery Drive
    Chesapeake, VA 23320

    Monday-Friday
    8am-5pm

  • 150 Burnett’s Way
    Suite 100
    Suffolk, VA 23434

    Monday-Friday 8am-5pm