Biography
A southern California native, Richard Lee, M.D., is board certified in
orthopedic surgery specializing in minimally invasive surgery of the spine.
He treats the entire spectrum of spinal conditions including cervical,
thoracic, and lumbar spine pathologies. Employing the most current and
advanced operative techniques, Dr. Lee performs surgical procedures of
the spine with the goal of returning patients to function as quickly as possible.
Dr. Lee’s interest in spinal surgery is a combination of several
academic interests during his schooling. In college, he studied neurobiology
and was intrigued by the complexity of the human nervous system. His laboratory
research included work on the effects of microgravity on gene expression
in bone and muscle cells in outer space. These early experiences as an
undergraduate student and NASA researcher primed his interest in orthopedic
and spinal surgery as a medical student.
“What I enjoy most about spinal surgery is the opportunity to combine
science and art to help patients rehab from physically debilitating conditions.”
Dr. Lee attended the University of California at Berkeley for his undergraduate
degree in molecular biology. He went on to attend medical school at the
Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. He completed his surgical
internship and orthopedic surgery residency at the Yale School of Medicine,
followed by a combined orthopedic and neurosurgical spinal surgery fellowship
at Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Lee resides in Newport Beach and enjoys running and cycling in his
spare time.
Education & Training
MEDICAL EDUCATION: Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Medical Doctor)
INTERNSHIP: Yale School of Medicine (General Surgery)
RESIDENCY: Yale School of Medicine (Orthopedic Surgery)
FELLOWSHIP: Harvard Medical School (Spinal Surgery Fellowship)
Areas of Interest
Dr. Lee specializes in minimally invasive surgery of the spine. He treats
the entire spectrum of spinal conditions including cervical thoracic,
and lumbar spine pathologies.
Awards & Recognitions
- Doctorate of Medicine with Distinction, Albert Einstein College of Medicine (2003)
- Alpha Omega Alpha, Albert Einstein College of Medicine (2003)
- B.A. Molecular Biology with Honors, University of California, Berkeley (1998)
Other Specialties or Certifications
BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Orthopedic Surgery