Richard Battista, MD

How did you become interested in medicine?

I became attracted to medicine in high school as my interest in science grew. I really enjoyed science classes and medicine seemed to be the roadmap to channel that interest into making a difference in people’s lives.

When did you decide to specialize in orthopaedics?

Early in medical school, I developed the interest in orthopaedics. In medicine, similar personalities tend to coalesce in particular specialties. Orthopaedic surgery is a specialty that provides a degree of immediate satisfaction in terms of making a difference.

What are common conditions you treat? Is there anything patients can do to avoid developing their conditions?

I treat nearly every condition in the upper extremity from just above the elbow to the fingertips. I have a particular interest in carpal tunnel syndrome and fractures of the wrist. My favorite advice to patients is that “if it hurts, don’t do it.” The vast majority of everyday orthopaedic conditions will likely go away with time. Unfortunately, some do not – that’s when my role increases.

What do you like best about working with your patients?

People really respect our practice and what we have to offer. I enjoy learning about them personally and enjoy the challenge of restoring function so that they may be able to return to the level of activity that they crave.

What do you like best about working for OAA?

Without question, the employees at OAA are top notch and are the true “wizards” behind the scenes that make our organization top notch. They all believe in what we do as physicians and their support is invaluable. I am also very honored and proud to have been elected president of the best orthopaedic organization in the Lehigh Valley. I never imagined that, 5 years into coming to OAA, that my partners would look to me to guide us through the uncertain future of medicine in the aftermath of healthcare reform. It is a great responsibility that I take very seriously, where failure is not an option.

Where are you from, originally, and how did you come to live in the Lehigh Valley?

I am originally from the Mainline, just outside of Philadelphia – a lifelong Eagles, Phillies and Flyers fan! After becoming a bit burned out with tertiary care of casualties, I was lured to the Lehigh Valley by Dr. McDaid and Dr. Talsania, after reaching a crossroads in my Navy career. I had made the decision to transition from military medicine to the civilian sector. Having previously trained with both Dr. McDaid and Dr. Talsania, it was a natural fit. Not to mention that the Lehigh Valley is a great place to live.

If you were not an orthopaedic surgeon, what would you be doing?

I had always wanted to fly jets. I try to attend any nearby air show whenever I can. Love the Blue Angels! Unfortunately, my eyesight disqualified me from that pursuit, and the emergence of refractive surgery came too late for me.

How do you apply your experience as an orthopaedic surgeon and a physician to the rest of your life?

I have dedicated my life to what I do. I truly believe that there is no other specialty in medicine where the physicians are completely and literally thrilled doing what they do. Completing a challenging case is like scoring a touchdown, making a goal, hitting a home run…Attention to detail is critical.

Of what achievements are you especially proud?

I am especially proud of my wonderful wife and two children. They are the reason that I strive to be the best at what I do, and do the best for OAA.