Richard D. Thomas, M.D., specializes in orthopedic spine surgery and care at Utica Park Clinic. His professional areas of interest include cervical and lumbar disc replacement and spinal reconstructive surgery.
Before Dr. Thomas began his career in medicine, he was a chemical engineer. His interest shifted when his wife took a job in health care. He said, “I soon became more interested in what she was doing than what I was doing. I loved the idea of helping people while still being able to apply science.”
During medical school, he became intrigued by orthopedic surgery, saying it came naturally and was another extension to his engineering background. “As I got further into orthopedics, the complexities of spine issues from the problems to the solutions became more and more interesting,” he said.
Now, as Dr. Thomas works closely with his patients, he makes sure to take the time to listen to their issues. He then makes sure that the patient has a good understanding of the diagnosis as well as a path forward to the solution. “I think it is extremely important to explain things in terms that are understandable,” he added.
Dr. Thomas encourages his patients to keep moving and stay active. “After surgery, the three best things you can do for yourself are: walk, walk and walk.”
Dr. Thomas’ education and career experience include:
• Internship in the department of general surgery at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in Oklahoma City, 1998
• Residency in the department of orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in Oklahoma City, 2002
• Fellowship in spinal surgery and disorders at Panorama Orthopedics in Golden, CO, 2003
• Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree at the University of Oklahoma (OU) College of Medicine in Oklahoma City, 1997
• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at Oklahoma State University (OSU), 1989
Outside of work, Dr. Thomas enjoys exercising, reading, cooking and traveling.
He welcomes new patients and accepts most insurance plans. His office is located on the campus of Hillcrest Hospital South at:
Utica Park Clinic
8803 S. 101st E. Ave., suite 100
Tulsa, OK 74133
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 918-574-0220. To send a fax, dial 918-574-0229.