Newport Orthopedic Institute
(949) 722-7038
Share | Print | Increase type size

Richard S. Lee, MD

A southern California native, Richard Lee, M.D. specializes in surgical treatment of spinal conditions. 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.

Dr. Lee’s Team

Appointment Scheduler – Tony Villalva

Phone: (949) 722-5071
Fax: (949) 630-4935
Email: TVillalva@NewportOrtho.com

Tony is the appointment scheduler for Dr. Lee. He is responsible for scheduling office appointments for the doctor. If you have a question about your visit to the office or new-patient paperwork, please contact Tony directly.

Triage Medical Assistants – Karen Fraser & Felisa Sandoval

Phone: (949) 722-7038 x3582
Fax: (949) 630-4931
Email: KFraser@NewportOrtho.com
Email: FSandoval@NewportOrtho.com

Karen and Felisa are the Triage Medical Assistants for Dr. Lee. If you have a clinical question about your care, medication, or follow-up needs, please contact Karen or Felisa directly.

Surgery Scheduler – Amy Solis

Phone: (949) 722-7038 x3591
Fax: (949) 630-4991
Email: ASolis@NewportOrtho.com

Amy is the Surgery Scheduler for Dr. Lee. She is responsible for coordinating and scheduling any procedures for the doctor. If you have questions about your surgery, please contact Amy directly.

Primary Specialty

Orthopedic Surgery

Other Specialties

  • Spine Disorders
  • Spine Surgery

Undergraduate Education

  • University of California, Berkeley : 1998
  • B.A. Molecular Biology

Medical Education

Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York : 2003

Internships

  • Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT : 2004
  • General Surgery

Residency

  • Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT : 2008
  • Orthopedic Surgery

Fellowship

Harvard Combined Spinal Surgery Fellowship : 2009

Honors and Awards

  • Doctorate of Medicine with Distinction : 2003
  • Albert Einstein College of Medicine
  • Alpha Omega Alpha : 2003
  • Albert Einstein College of Medicine
  • B.A. Molecular Biology with Honors : 1998
  • University of California, Berkeley

Comments