Joshua Richards, MD, MPH

I’ve honestly never had a bad experience with a doctor before (I rarely go) But I walked into this guys office after being referred for shoulder pain and he was incredibly rude. After quickly determining it wasn’t surgical, he said «everybody comes in here wanting something. What do you want? Just tell me and I’ll refer you» basically like I was wasting his time. I told him I had shoulder pain and was actually there to get his opinion and he sort of scoffed at me. He said I could have acupuncture or PT or an MRI. «What do you want?» He clearly just wanted to get rid of me as quickly as possible. How would I know which of those might help? I’ve just never had a doctor be so dismissive. Maybe he thought I was inappropriately referred but that wasn’t my fault. I felt really ashamed like I was seeking care for something not serious. My shoulder pain had gotten really bad for over a year so my Pcp thought I should go. In the end he referred me to an MRI and walked out of the room without saying goodbye. Weird. I never got the MRI. It was all just too strange and embarrassing.

Dr. Richards performed a total shoulder replacement for me less than 3 months ago. I am 69, have osteoarthritis and am not ready to give up my active life style that includes working out at the gym with a personal trainer many times a week. I am so glad I have had this surgery. It has been a very fast recovery, minimal discomfort requiring Tylenol occasionally, working with a physical therapist and a commitment to doing daily exercises as prescribed. The physical therapist is constantly saying my progress is months ahead of that of other patients he has seen with the same surgery– especially, in regards to the movement in the shoulder joint. Clearly, this has to be a result of having chosen a fantastic orthopedic surgeon for this procedure! This type of procedure does indeed require a longer period of rehabilitation than 3 months. I fully admit this, but I feel wonderful and can do everything I need to do in daily life without difficulty as long as it does not involve heaving lifting. Right now, I am ready to finish with PT in a couple of weeks and continue strengthening on my own at the gym. I know Dr. Richards’ office is listed in Berkeley, but I live in Livermore and was able to see him in Dublin. Ashley Levy, PA works with Dr. Richards. She is can answer any question you come up with and a wonderful person. I have seen Dr. Richards for other problems and another surgery. He is an excellent physician, very pleasant and respectful. I love his quiet sense of humor.

Dr Richards is an excellent doctor. He and his crew got me through carpol tunnel release surgery. The staff are incredibly nice and everything was great. I would recommend him in a second.

Dr. Richards is the best! Earlier this year I broke my arm in 8 places in an auto accident and the prospect for a full recovery was grim. Dr. Richards performed a 3+ hour surgery with a special rod and 19 screws and 6 months later I am happy to say I am 100% recovered! After the surgery he met with me at first weekly, then bi-​weekly to check on my progress until I was healed.
Dr. Richards is a rock star and if you need arm, wrist or hand surgery, you’d be lucky to have him as your doctor.

Been here a number of times, both for myself and my family members. Dr. Richards and his staff have been very professional and knowledgeable, and are able to articulate their diagnosis and prognosis. They have some after-​hours appointments for drop in emergency orthopedic issues. Not sure how that works, but nice to know if you need it.
The only problem here is that there’s often a long wait well past your appointment time.