About
Richard F. Owens, M.D., is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon at Southern Oregon Orthopedics. He specializes in foot and ankle surgery at the practice’s location in Medford, Oregon. Southern Oregon Orthopedics recruited Dr. Owens in 2010 to fill a pressing need for high-quality foot and ankle care. His professional interests include sports injuries, total ankle joint replacement, deformity correction, and lower extremity trauma. He is currently participating in clinical research for total ankle replacement.
Dr. Owens graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in mechanical engineering and served eight years as an officer in the US Air Force. He then attended medical school and completed an orthopedic surgical residency at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio. He received subspecialty training in foot and ankle surgery under Dr. Steven Conti in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Owens has published numerous research articles on innovative treatments and methodologies in his field.
While visiting Oregon during a job search, Dr. Owens and his family fell in love with the Rogue Valley and decided to relocate from the Midwest. He was interested in small-town life, outdoor activities, and the opportunity to practice big-city medicine without the drawbacks of city life. Southern Oregon Orthopedics, with its sub-specialty focus, offers him this unique opportunity.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Owens enjoys running, golf, wine-tasting, and family life. He is active in his church and enjoys twice-yearly medical mission trips to Honduras as well as a yearly shoe ministry at Medford Gospel Mission.
Education & Training
Education
- 2009-2010
Fellow, Foot and Ankle Surgery, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh PA - 2004-2009
Orthopaedic Surgery Residency, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati OH - 1999–2004
M.D., University of Cincinnati College of Medicine - 1987–1991
Virginia Tech, B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Certification
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Experience
Employment
- 2010-present
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Southern Oregon Orthopedics, Medford, OR - 2009-2010
Fellow, Foot and Ankle Surgery, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh PA - 2004-2009
Resident, University of Cincinnati Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery - 1992–2000
Captain, USAF: Engineer/project manager for various upgrade programs for the F-15, A-10, and F-117 fighter jets. Top Secret security clearance. - 1989–1992
Ingersol-Rand: Manufacturing Engineer, Mechanical Engineer - 1985–1991
Various jobs: Camp counselor, referee, census worker
Awards & Honors
- Alpha Omega Alpha
- US Air Force
- Divisional Company Grade Officer of the Quarter (1995, 1999)
- Air Force Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster
- Air Force ROTC
- Top General Military Corps Cadet, 1987-88
- Field Training: Top 10% Physical Fitness Award
- 4-Year Air Force ROTC Scholarship, Virginia Tech
Research & Publications
Research Activities
- Summer Research Internship: “Automated Imaging for Pancreatic Islet Cell Transplantation”; Preceptor: Horacio Rilo, MD
- “Factor V Leiden Screening Before Starting Oral Contraceptives”; Cost-effective medicince competition, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine 2003
- “Humeral Shaft Fracture Nonunion with Dynamic Compression Plating Versus Locked Plating”; presented at Mid America Orthopaedic Association, Apr 2007
- “Low Incidence of Postoperative Complications Due to Pin Placement in Computer-Navigated Total Knee Arthroplasty.”; Journal of Arthroplasty (online), Oct 2009
- “Salter-Harris Type III Fractures of the Distal Femur: Plain Radiographs can be Deceptive.”, Accepted for publication, Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, Mar 2010
Activities
- University of Cincinnati
- Curriculum Committee, Student Representative (2000-2002):
- American Medical Association, VP for Public Service
- Physiology Tutor and Small Group Leader (2001-2002)
- New Student Orientation Committee, Orientation to 3rd Year Committee
- US Air Force
- Volunteer: Wright State’s Wright STEPP program for underprivileged kids, Habitat for
- Humanity, and Junior Achievement
- Lieutenants Professional Development Program (1994)
- Command Golf team (1994 – 2000)
- Virginia Tech
- Kappa Delta Rho Fraternity: Vice President, Social/Athletic Chairman
- Intramural sports referee: football, basketball, soccer