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 - Baylor College of Medicine | Spine Surgery | 2000 |
| Fellowship - Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh | Board Certification in Trauma and Orthopaedic Surg | 1999 |
| Fellowship - Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh | General Surgery | 1993 |
| 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 |
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
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.
“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
“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
“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 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
“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
“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
“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
“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”
The best dr we have ever seen!!!!!!!Original review on DoctorsDig.com
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
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.