Dr. Francis has been practicing medicine for nearly two decades. Since founding Spine Associates in 2003, he has built a considerable reputation by maintaining a conservative approach to treating all … Read more ›
I was dealing with lower lumbar back pain for approximately two (2) years. Gradually the pain got worse along with stinging pain down the back of my right leg. In November of 2013 I had an MRI done which revealed two herniated discs L4-L5 and L5-S1. Physical therapy and injections helped temporarily but the pain returned e…
| University | Degree | Focus | Graduated |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Of West Indies Faculty of Medicine Kingston Jamaica | Doctorate | MD | 1988 |
| Rice Universiy | Masters Degree | MBA | 2003 |
| Institution | Focus | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Fellowship - Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh | General Surgery | 1993 |
| Fellowship - Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh | Board Certification in Trauma and Orthopaedic Surg | 1999 |
| Fellowship - Baylor College of Medicine | Spine Surgery | 2000 |
| Certification | Cert. Body | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Orthopaedic Surgery | Orthopaedic Surgery | 1988 |
| Surgery | Surgery | 1992 |
| Position | Organization | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor Department of Orthopaedics | University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center | 2000 - 2003 |
| Doctor in Family Practice | Kingston, Jamaica | 1991 - 1992 |
| Senior House Officer in Orthopaedic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Accident | University Hospital of West Indies and Kingston Public Hospital | 1989 - 1990 |
| Intern in General Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Internal Medicin | University Hospital of the West Indies and the Spanish Town Hospital, Jamaica | 1988 - 1989 |
| Role | Organization | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Member | North American Spine Society | 1999 - Present |
| Publication | Publisher | Title | Published |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical/Scholarly Journal Article | West Indian Medical Journal | Lumbar disc herniation: A discussion of its pathogenesisand surgical treatment by micro-discectomy | 1988 |
| Medical/Scholarly Journal Article | British Journal of Hospital Medicine 57:9 | The use of thromboprophylaxis forroutine total hip replacements by British orthopaedic surgeons | 1997 |
| Medical/Scholarly Journal Article | Journal of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh | The use of the supracondylar nail fordistal femoral fractures in elderly osteoporotic patients. A re | 1996 |
| Medical/Scholarly Journal Article | The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery | The supracondylar intramedullary nail in elderly patients with distal femoral fractures (Abstract). | 1998 |
| Online Article | Orthopedic Product News | Trauma protocols on the internet | 1997 |
| Medical/Scholarly Journal Article | Principles and Practice of SpineSurgery | Surgical approaches and reconstruction of the sacrum. | 2002 |
Dr. Richard RM Francis, MD has not yet indicated the hospitals that he is affiliated with.
Diplomat of the Intercollegiate Specialty Board of the Royal College of Surgeons (Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery) Postdoctoral Fellow in Spine Surgery at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX 4 years as Assistant Professor of Spine Surgery (UT)
Years In Practice: 37 (started in 1988)
Accepts New Patients: Yes
Dr. Francis specializes in treating the following types of patients:
Medical Philosophy: Functional Medicine
Dr. Richard RM Francis, MD has not yet listed the medications that he commonly prescribes.
More info: We understand that medical expenses can be very costly. Payment plans and Care Credit are available for patients.
Offers Financing/Payment Plans?: Yes
Bills on a Sliding Scale?: Unknown
Spine Associates - 9301 Southwest Freeway Ste 600
“Excellent Surgeon ”
I was dealing with lower lumbar back pain for approximately two (2) years. Gradually the pain got worse along with stinging pain down the back of my right leg. In November of 2013 I had an MRI done which revealed two herniated discs L4-L5 and L5-S1. Physical therapy and injections helped temporarily but the pain returned even worse. After going to a specialist in Austin who didn't want to operate because of my age, I continued to deal with the pain for an additional 6 months. Finally in November of 2014 my wife was told by a co-worker about Dr. Francis in Houston who praised Dr. Francis and his methods for diagnosing his wife's pain. In December I saw Dr. Francis for the first time and in the same day I was seen, had an MRI done, along with a nerve study and saw Dr. Francis a second time all before lunch. Dr. Francis made it clear surgery was the only option and a safe option at that. On December 19, 2014 I arrived at the hospital early in the morning and was released by lunch. After the pain meds wore off I noticed discomfort from the surgical incision, but to my surprise my back pain was gone along with the pain in my right leg. My wife has been great this last week changing my bandages twice a day and helping me dress. You will need to take that into account before having back surgery. (Having a second set of hands to help with recovery, bandages, and dressing.) It has now been eleven days and I feel great. I just finished my follow-up and although I am not supposed to bend or lift objects yet I feel like I could if I have to. Physical therapy is next up but that should be a breeze. I would highly recommend Dr. Francis to anyone considering surgery or options for back pain.
Your wait in the waiting room will be well worth it! Once you see Dr Francis and he determines what is wrong with you, his main goal is to make you feel good again. I went to Dr Francis after seeing two other doctors who didn't do much to make me feel better. They kept telling me that surgery 'might' be an option and they kept pushing me into a case study that would take 3+ years to benfit from. Dr Francis immediately recognized what was wrong with me and gave me a decisive plan of action that t...
“Amazing & Talented Doctor”
Your wait in the waiting room will be well worth it! Once you see Dr Francis and he determines what is wrong with you, his main goal is to make you feel good again. I went to Dr Francis after seeing two other doctors who didn't do much to make me feel better. They kept telling me that surgery 'might' be an option and they kept pushing me into a case study that would take 3+ years to benfit from. Dr Francis immediately recognized what was wrong with me and gave me a decisive plan of action that t...Original review on DoctorsDig.com
Before I was a patient of Dr. Francis', I was diagnosed with Scoliosis at age 14 and had to wear a back brace for a year. After that, I did not require any further correction at that time. I continued to have scheduled check ups with my previous doctor. Over the course of the next 25 years my curves, (I had a thoracic and lumbar curve), worsened to the point that I was in constant pain. My previous doctor told me that I was not a candidate for surgery because the degree of my curves were no...
“Outstanding Results”
Before I was a patient of Dr. Francis', I was diagnosed with Scoliosis at age 14 and had to wear a back brace for a year. After that, I did not require any further correction at that time. I continued to have scheduled check ups with my previous doctor. Over the course of the next 25 years my curves, (I had a thoracic and lumbar curve), worsened to the point that I was in constant pain. My previous doctor told me that I was not a candidate for surgery because the degree of my curves were no...Original review on DoctorsDig.com
I had back problems for over 10 years and was to the point of having to sleep in a recliner and live on pain pills. I had extensive surgery (front & back) 2 years ago & I'm doing really well. Dr. Francis is a wonderful doctor and I would highly recommend him and have. There is a long waiting time for appts but well worth the wait.
“Joy in Houston TX”
I had back problems for over 10 years and was to the point of having to sleep in a recliner and live on pain pills. I had extensive surgery (front & back) 2 years ago & I'm doing really well. Dr. Francis is a wonderful doctor and I would highly recommend him and have. There is a long waiting time for appts but well worth the wait.Original review on DoctorsDig.com
Dr. Francis and his staff at the Beaumont facility are absolutely amazing. Their customer service was completely satisfying! Before I made my first appointment I did some research; One of the ladies I work with is friends with the Risk Manager of a Major Hospital and she enlightened me on a few details. First, she said Dr. Francis helps people that had bad surgeries in the past. Second, she asked other doctors and Lawyers to learn about his reputation everyone had the same opinion I have come up...
“Dr. Francis has your "Back"”
Dr. Francis and his staff at the Beaumont facility are absolutely amazing. Their customer service was completely satisfying! Before I made my first appointment I did some research; One of the ladies I work with is friends with the Risk Manager of a Major Hospital and she enlightened me on a few details. First, she said Dr. Francis helps people that had bad surgeries in the past. Second, she asked other doctors and Lawyers to learn about his reputation everyone had the same opinion I have come up...Original review on DoctorsDig.com
I am an operating room nurse and I was so impressed with DR. Rrancis and his staff. They were proffesional, friendly and knew what they were doing big time. He helped me when I could find no one else. He even fit me into his busy practice to do my surgery the day before Thanksgiving because I was in so much pain. I am so happy god sent me to him, I fell better than I have in years and it due to his skill as a surgeon and I have worked with alot of them. If my family of friends needed any k...
“Patient”
I am an operating room nurse and I was so impressed with DR. Rrancis and his staff. They were proffesional, friendly and knew what they were doing big time. He helped me when I could find no one else. He even fit me into his busy practice to do my surgery the day before Thanksgiving because I was in so much pain. I am so happy god sent me to him, I fell better than I have in years and it due to his skill as a surgeon and I have worked with alot of them. If my family of friends needed any k...Original review on DoctorsDig.com
I have suffered with back pain for over 30 years. After moving to the Houston, TX area, my primary care physician recommended Dr. Francis. He examined me and tried numerous, non-evasive treatments before discussing surgery, which I underwent 18 months ago. After the surgery and doing physical therapy, I am pleased to say that the pain is gone. He is truly a miracle worker.
“Excellent results”
I have suffered with back pain for over 30 years. After moving to the Houston, TX area, my primary care physician recommended Dr. Francis. He examined me and tried numerous, non-evasive treatments before discussing surgery, which I underwent 18 months ago. After the surgery and doing physical therapy, I am pleased to say that the pain is gone. He is truly a miracle worker.Original review on DoctorsDig.com
with the doctors experience and instructions, healing time was minimal just like he said it would be. all healed now and went went on vacation in six weeks of the surgery. surgery was for spinal fusion.
“good experience”
with the doctors experience and instructions, healing time was minimal just like he said it would be. all healed now and went went on vacation in six weeks of the surgery. surgery was for spinal fusion.Original review on DoctorsDig.com
I've been under the care of Dr. Francis for 10 years now. He is the only spine surgeon that I would ever use. He is courteous. The staff is also courteous and professional. He doesn't take surgery lightly. Most of his work time he spends in surgery. As far as I know he has a zero failure track record.
“Dr. Francis”
I've been under the care of Dr. Francis for 10 years now. He is the only spine surgeon that I would ever use. He is courteous. The staff is also courteous and professional. He doesn't take surgery lightly. Most of his work time he spends in surgery. As far as I know he has a zero failure track record. Original review on DoctorsDig.com
This office is NOT workmans comp friendly. The staff does NOT return calls. The day of surgery I was in the waiting room and after every surgery Dr Francis came out to talk to the family. After my surgery Dr Francis went straight into another surgery and when he came out to talk to that family he saw my family concerned and then talked to them. He "forgot". The staff also could not update my family after 4 hours because they "couldnt find" me. After surgery I have had concerns about discharge fr...
“Not Workmand Comp Friendly”
This office is NOT workmans comp friendly. The staff does NOT return calls. The day of surgery I was in the waiting room and after every surgery Dr Francis came out to talk to the family. After my surgery Dr Francis went straight into another surgery and when he came out to talk to that family he saw my family concerned and then talked to them. He "forgot". The staff also could not update my family after 4 hours because they "couldnt find" me. After surgery I have had concerns about discharge fr...Original review on DoctorsDig.com
I struggled with low back & leg pain for 10 months while seeing 4 other doctors that could not find a solution. On my first visit with Dr. Francis he identfied the problem and performed surgery only as the second option. I walked out of the hospital the day after surgery, pain free. Dr. Francis and his staff have been a blessing to me! I have never experienced such servicce in the healthcare system before. We have referred a family friend already.
“Best Spine Surgeon Hands Down”
I struggled with low back & leg pain for 10 months while seeing 4 other doctors that could not find a solution. On my first visit with Dr. Francis he identfied the problem and performed surgery only as the second option. I walked out of the hospital the day after surgery, pain free. Dr. Francis and his staff have been a blessing to me! I have never experienced such servicce in the healthcare system before. We have referred a family friend already.
I couldn't be happier with Dr. Francis and his staff. I had been living with excruciating back pain for ten years and I've had three previous spine surgeries that were done by other spine surgeons in the past. None of the previous surgeries helped- they actually seemed to make my pain worse. I couldn't live a normal life. I couldn't even pick up my children when they were crying or even perform the simplest of tasks without being in pain. Other surgeons said there was nothing they could do to h...
“Best Spine Surgeon in Texas!”
I couldn't be happier with Dr. Francis and his staff. I had been living with excruciating back pain for ten years and I've had three previous spine surgeries that were done by other spine surgeons in the past. None of the previous surgeries helped- they actually seemed to make my pain worse. I couldn't live a normal life. I couldn't even pick up my children when they were crying or even perform the simplest of tasks without being in pain. Other surgeons said there was nothing they could do to h...Original review on DoctorsDig.com
God has truly blessed Dr. Richard Francis and his staff to do excellent spinal surgery. Three weeks after my surgery, I was up and walking without my brace and everything was fine. I’m glad that Dr. Francis was my doctor and I thank God for using him at Foundation Surgical Hospital. Keep up the good work, Dr. Francis!
“Great Surgeon”
God has truly blessed Dr. Richard Francis and his staff to do excellent spinal surgery.
Three weeks after my surgery, I was up and walking without my brace and everything was fine. I’m glad that Dr. Francis was my doctor and I thank God for using him at Foundation Surgical Hospital.
Keep up the good work, Dr. Francis!
Dr. Francis knows spinal pain from the neck down. The best thing he knows is how to correct it. He listens to his patients, he is accurate with diagnosis, quick with treatment so as you can get back to your quality of life. I would recomend Dr. Francis to anyone having spinal problems. Thanks Dr. Francis
“Great Doctor”
Dr. Francis knows spinal pain from the neck down. The best thing he knows is how to correct it. He listens to his patients, he is accurate with diagnosis, quick with treatment so as you can get back to your quality of life. I would recomend Dr. Francis to anyone having spinal problems. Thanks Dr. Francis Original review on DoctorsDig.com
I received my appointment within a week after calling and was scheduled for surgery within 3 weeks of my first contact. I am 2 months post-op and have been progressing steadily to my former abilities and activities. I have had back pain for 30+ years and now have soreness from the Operation only which is subsiding a little bit each week. It is so wonderful to wake up every morning and know that my back is healing. I expect to be able to resume golfing and fishing within 6 months from my surg...
“Mr.”
I received my appointment within a week after calling and was scheduled for surgery within 3 weeks of my first contact. I am 2 months post-op and have been progressing steadily to my former abilities and activities. I have had back pain for 30+ years and now have soreness from the Operation only which is subsiding a little bit each week. It is so wonderful to wake up every morning and know that my back is healing. I expect to be able to resume golfing and fishing within 6 months from my surg...Original review on DoctorsDig.com
Dr. Francis was wonderful. I felt comfortable with him right away and trusted him completely. He came recommended by several friends and he lived up to everything they said and more.
“Mrs. Rebell Wade”
Dr. Francis was wonderful. I felt comfortable with him right away and trusted him completely. He came recommended by several friends and he lived up to everything they said and more. Original review on DoctorsDig.com
Dr. Francis is the most knowledgable & professional doctor I've ever seen. I would never have let another surgeon do my back surgery. He knows what he's doing & his staff is great too.
“Melissa M.”
Dr. Francis is the most knowledgable & professional doctor I've ever seen. I would never have let another surgeon do my back surgery. He knows what he's doing & his staff is great too.Original review on DoctorsDig.com
The best dr we have ever seen!!!!!!!
“THE BEST DR”
The best dr we have ever seen!!!!!!!Original review on DoctorsDig.com
I was referred to Dr. Francis by my local (Victoria TX) healthcare provider. I was in a great deal of pain and unable to walk. He accurately diagnosed my problem and performed surgery. I've been pain free and walking since the day of the surgery. I can't say enough good things about Dr. Francis and his team including his nurse Rachel. They are professional, caring and will take whatever time is necessary to answer you questions completely and accurately. I would and have highly recommended Dr...
“Very Caring and Professional”
I was referred to Dr. Francis by my local (Victoria TX) healthcare provider. I was in a great deal of pain and unable to walk. He accurately diagnosed my problem and performed surgery. I've been pain free and walking since the day of the surgery. I can't say enough good things about Dr. Francis and his team including his nurse Rachel. They are professional, caring and will take whatever time is necessary to answer you questions completely and accurately. I would and have highly recommended Dr...Original review on DoctorsDig.com
There are numerous characteristics that I appreciate about Dr. Francis. The first being that Dr. Francis and I attempted several non-evasive techniques and physical therapy for nearly 11 months prior to any discussions regarding a possible surgery. Dr. Francis was genuinely interested in my best interest and lifestyle throughout the entire process. We discussed many options as we were defining what a successful outcome should look like. For 15+ years other doctors and I attempted to mana...
“Surgical Procedure on L4/L5”
There are numerous characteristics that I appreciate about Dr. Francis. The first being that Dr. Francis and I attempted several non-evasive techniques and physical therapy for nearly 11 months prior to any discussions regarding a possible surgery.
Dr. Francis was genuinely interested in my best interest and lifestyle throughout the entire process. We discussed many options as we were defining what a successful outcome should look like.
For 15+ years other doctors and I attempted to mana...Original review on DoctorsDig.com
I have been sick with back pain since 2005. In 2006, I had my first back surgery with a Doctor in Victoria, Texas, I still was having a lot of pain. Then in 2006 I had my second back surgery,with the same Doctor, I still had the constant back pain and the top part of my body was leaning forward. Pain Management referred me to Dr. Richard Francis, Bellaire, Texas. He took X-Rays and showed me what was wrong with my back. Dr. Francis told me it would be a challenge but he could fix my b...
“Dr. Francis”
I have been sick with back pain since 2005. In 2006, I had my first back surgery with a Doctor in Victoria, Texas, I still was having a lot of pain. Then in 2006 I had my second back surgery,with the same Doctor, I still had the constant back pain and the top part of my body was leaning forward.
Pain Management referred me to Dr. Richard Francis, Bellaire, Texas. He took X-Rays and showed me what was wrong with my back. Dr. Francis told me it would be a challenge but he could fix my b...Original review on DoctorsDig.com
suffered from horrible low back, hip and thigh pain for over 6 months. I was completely bed ridden for 5 months. Trying to go from my bed to the bathroom would cause me to cry. After exhausting every option, I spoke with Dr. Francis. I was terrified of getting a fusion, so I went for a second opinion. The other surgeon agreed and suggested a fusion as well. I left the second opinion surgeon's office with my head spinning! I immediately made an appointment with Dr. Francis. I was very scared unt...
“Great experience”
suffered from horrible low back, hip and thigh pain for over 6 months. I was completely bed ridden for 5 months. Trying to go from my bed to the bathroom would cause me to cry. After exhausting every option, I spoke with Dr. Francis. I was terrified of getting a fusion, so I went for a second opinion. The other surgeon agreed and suggested a fusion as well. I left the second opinion surgeon's office with my head spinning! I immediately made an appointment with Dr. Francis. I was very scared unt...Original review on DoctorsDig.com
am 46 years old and was diagnosed with Scoliosis (thoracic and lumbar curves) at age 14. I wore a brace for 1 year at that time. It has only been in the last 10 years that I have noticed significant changes in the degree of my curves and pain in my back. While I was not in severe pain, it was a constant discomfort that never went away and my previous doctor had offered me NOTHING to help me to deal with my condition. Then I went to see Dr. Francis. I was so relieved when he said that he could co...
“Scoliosis Correction”
am 46 years old and was diagnosed with Scoliosis (thoracic and lumbar curves) at age 14. I wore a brace for 1 year at that time. It has only been in the last 10 years that I have noticed significant changes in the degree of my curves and pain in my back. While I was not in severe pain, it was a constant discomfort that never went away and my previous doctor had offered me NOTHING to help me to deal with my condition. Then I went to see Dr. Francis. I was so relieved when he said that he could co...Original review on DoctorsDig.com
Dr. Francis is a great doctor. He is very thorough in his exams. He has an excellent bedside manner and very compassionate. I am very grateful that he is my doctor. I fell off an 8 foot ladder and he had to fix my discs
“Great Surgeon”
Dr. Francis is a great doctor. He is very thorough in his exams. He has an excellent bedside manner and very compassionate. I am very grateful that he is my doctor. I fell off an 8 foot ladder and he had to fix my discsOriginal review on DoctorsDig.com
There were 3 doctors in Houston, TX that operated on me and could not fix the problem in my spine. I was in a wheel chair when I met Dr. Francis. On Jan 16th 2009 he did the surgery. After about 2 weeks I was totally pain free. Before the surgery, both my legs were burning and very painful!! I am very happy with Dr. Francis. Thank God he is here to help. Clyde H.
“Finally pain free”
There were 3 doctors in Houston, TX that operated on me and could not fix the problem in my spine. I was in a wheel chair when I met Dr. Francis. On Jan 16th 2009 he did the surgery. After about 2 weeks I was totally pain free. Before the surgery, both my legs were burning and very painful!! I am very happy with Dr. Francis. Thank God he is here to help.
Clyde H.
Just a little over one year ago, I believe I had almost come to the point where I felt I might have to accept pain as a way of life, along with the inability to stand up straight or walk normally. After meeting with Dr. Francis and his fantastic staff at Spine Associates, I began to believe that I actually had a chance to improve my quality of life. I just had no idea how true that would be! Almost two years following the last of two prior back surgeries, my condition seemed to be worsening, and I was in constant pain. I had always been very physically active, and it was difficult not to be able to do so many things that make up who I am. Now I am almost one year post-operative with Dr. Francis; having found Dr. Francis is just one more thing for which I have to be truly thankful! Dr. Francis is caring and compassionate and, at the same time, he is honest and straightforward, so that I was able to be informed and actively involved in decisions regarding my own health. I believe his skill as a surgeon is an absolute gift. He cares deeply about the overall well-being of each patient, as well as caring about them as individuals. Thanks to this awesomely talented and skilled man, I feel normal again, and each day brings continued improvement in my condition …. Thank you, Dr. Francis …….. for giving me my life back!
“Dr. Francis gave me my life back”
Just a little over one year ago, I believe I had almost come to the point where I felt I might have to accept pain as a way of life, along with the inability to stand up straight or walk normally. After meeting with Dr. Francis and his fantastic staff at Spine Associates, I began to believe that I actually had a chance to improve my quality of life. I just had no idea how true that would be!
Almost two years following the last of two prior back surgeries, my condition seemed to be worsening, and I was in constant pain. I had always been very physically active, and it was difficult not to be able to do so many things that make up who I am.
Now I am almost one year post-operative with Dr. Francis; having found Dr. Francis is just one more thing for which I have to be truly thankful!
Dr. Francis is caring and compassionate and, at the same time, he is honest and straightforward, so that I was able to be informed and actively involved in decisions regarding my own health. I believe his skill as a surgeon is an absolute gift. He cares deeply about the overall well-being of each patient, as well as caring about them as individuals.
Thanks to this awesomely talented and skilled man, I feel normal again, and each day brings continued improvement in my condition …. Thank you, Dr. Francis …….. for giving me my life back!
Comment - “ Excellent Surgeon ”
I was dealing with lower lumbar back pain for approximately two (2) years. Gradually the pain got worse along with stinging pain down the back of my right leg. In November of 2013 I had an MRI done which revealed two herniated discs L4-L5 and L5-S1. Physical therapy and injections helped temporarily but the pain returned even worse. After going to a specialist in Austin who didn't want to operate because of my age, I continued to deal with the pain for an additional 6 months. Finally in November of 2014 my wife was told by a co-worker about Dr. Francis in Houston who praised Dr. Francis and his methods for diagnosing his wife's pain. In December I saw Dr. Francis for the first time and in the same day I was seen, had an MRI done, along with a nerve study and saw Dr. Francis a second time all before lunch. Dr. Francis made it clear surgery was the only option and a safe option at that. On December 19, 2014 I arrived at the hospital early in the morning and was released by lunch. After the pain meds wore off I noticed discomfort from the surgical incision, but to my surprise my back pain was gone along with the pain in my right leg. My wife has been great this last week changing my bandages twice a day and helping me dress. You will need to take that into account before having back surgery. (Having a second set of hands to help with recovery, bandages, and dressing.) It has now been eleven days and I feel great. I just finished my follow-up and although I am not supposed to bend or lift objects yet I feel like I could if I have to. Physical therapy is next up but that should be a breeze. I would highly recommend Dr. Francis to anyone considering surgery or options for back pain.