R. Richard Coughlin, M.D., M.P.H.

Orthopedic surgeon

Dr. R. Richard Coughlin is a specialist in foot and ankle reconstruction, orthopedic trauma, and global orthopedics and volunteerism.

Coughlin received his medical degree from University De Caribe in Cayey, Puerto Rico. He completed a general surgery residency at St. Clare's Hospital and an orthopedic residency at St. Vincent's Hospital in New York. He also completed two fellowships, one in sports medicine and one in foot and ankle surgery. He is a member of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society. He is a clinical professor of orthopedic surgery at UCSF.

Coughlin practiced with California Pacific Orthopaedics for six years. At the same time he maintained a clinical appointment at UCSF, treating patients at UCSF's Foot and Ankle Clinic. He joined UCSF full-time in 1993.

Coughlin has a passion for global orthopedics, and has made more than 30 trips to developing countries to lecture and perform surgery. He is chairman emeritus of Orthopedics Overseas. He is proud to have implemented an overseas rotation for his senior residents at Bedford Orthopaedic Hospital in South Africa. He has written several articles advocating volunteerism in orthopedics.

In 2006, Coughlin was awarded the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' "Humanitarian of the Year" award, which is given to one surgeon worldwide each year, for care of disadvantaged populations both at home and abroad. Also in 2006, Coughlin founded the Institute for Global Orthopedics and Traumatology, an initiative developed within UCSF's Department of Orthopedics.

Foot and Ankle Service
1500 Owens St.
San Francisco, CA 94158
Phone: (415) 353–2808

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.