Curriculum Vitae

Welcome to Watauga Orthopaedics! I would like to take this opportunity to tell you more about myself. I am originally from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and graduated from the University of Mississippi Medical School. After completing a five-year Orthopaedic Surgical Residency at the University of Mississippi, I completed a one-year Spine Fellowship at Baylor Medical Center in Houston, Texas. I have been practicing spine surgery at Watauga Orthopaedics since 1994.

My goal is to treat my patients as I would my family. Most spinal disorders can be treated nonsurgically, and since the majority of spine surgery is elective, I believe surgery is a last resort. I strive to provide you as much information as possible to ensure that you make an informed decision on your treatment options.

I am particularly interested in minimally invasive techniques. Utilization of the latest lighting, magnification and imaging technology allows spinal surgery procedures to be done with less tissue disruption, less pain and a faster recovery. In addition, I was the first physician in the Tri-Cities to perform outpatient spinal surgery and many of my cases are done at The Mountain Empire Surgical Center. I am a certified physician under the back pain recognition program recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance.

Patients frequently ask me “What is the difference between a neurosurgeon and an orthopaedic spinal surgeon?” A neurosurgeon operates on the brain and spine and other neural (nerve tissue) structures, while an orthopaedic surgeon operates on the bones, tissues, and nerves of the limbs and spine. There is a lot of crossover between the two specialties and we perform very similiar procedures in regards to the spine. As an orthopaedic spine surgeon, I am committed exclusively to spine care. Pam Deering, C.S.T. (certified surgery technician) has worked with me since 1995 and she or I will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.

I am looking forward to meeting with you.

Sincerely,

Richard White Duncan, MD