Richard Samade, MD

Meet Richard Samade, MD

Advanced Hand and Upper Extremity Surgeon Bringing Academic-Level Care to East Texas

Dr. Richard Samade is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, specializing in hand and upper extremity surgery, serving patients across East Texas, including Tyler. He earned his medical degree from Vanderbilt University and completed orthopedic surgery residency at The Ohio State University, followed by advanced fellowship training at the nationally recognized Hospital for Special Surgery and Weill Cornell Medical Center. With a PhD in biomedical engineering from UCLA, Dr. Samade combines surgical expertise with research-driven innovation—bringing advanced, academic-level orthopedic surgical care closer to home for East Texas patients.

Career at a Glance

• Board‑certified Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in upper-extremity surgery
• Holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (UCLA)
• Published numerous peer-reviewed research articles and holds four patents
• Recipient of a National Institutes of Health (NIAMS) research grant

Clinical Role and Leadership

Dr. Samade serves as an orthopedic surgeon with an adjunct professor appointment at the University of Texas Southwestern, helping expand access to specialized hand and upper-extremity care for patients in Texas. His work bridges advanced surgical techniques with patient-centered care, ensuring complex injuries and conditions can be treated closer to home. Through both clinical practice and research leadership, he helps elevate the level of orthopedic care available in the region. He provides specialized care for several conditions:

• Hand and upper extremity fractures
• Tendon and ligament injuries
• Carpal tunnel and other peripheral nerve disorders
• Arthritis throughout the hand and upper extremity
• Acute and chronic elbow injuries
• Minimally invasive upper extremity arthroscopic surgery to accelerate recovery
• Upper extremity joint reconstruction and arthroplasty
• Shoulder fracture, arthritis, tendon, and ligament conditions

What You Can Expect from Care with Dr. Samade

Dr. Samade focuses on restoring function and helping patients return to their normal routines as safely and quickly as possible. His approach blends individualized care for each patient, an outstanding bedside manner, and advanced treatment planning to ensure each patient understands their options and feels confident moving forward. You can expect:

• Clear explanations of your diagnoses and treatment plan
• Evidence-based recommendations guided by the latest research
• Personalized care focused on restoring daily function and activities
• Collaboration with your care team for a seamless experience
• Attention to both immediate recovery and long-term outcomes

Advanced Surgical Innovation / Diagnostic Care

Dr. Samade integrates advanced surgical techniques with cutting-edge technology, including research-driven approaches developed through his work in biomedical engineering and a 3D printing laboratory. His training at leading institutions allows him to perform complex reconstructive procedures, minimally invasive techniques, and precision-based surgeries designed to improve outcomes and recovery times.

Research, Clinical Insight, and Thought Leadership

As a surgeon-scientist, Dr. Samade is actively shaping the future of orthopedic care. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications on topics such as bone healing, fracture management, and surgical quality improvement. He contributes to national journals, serves as a reviewer for leading orthopedic publications, and serves in several national committees dedicated to advancing the hand and upper extremity profession. His work also includes leading research initiatives as a Co‑Principal Investigator in 3D Printing Applications in Orthopaedic Surgery, helping translate new discoveries into better patient care.

Commitment to Public Health and Health Equity

Dr. Samade is committed to improving access to specialized orthopedic care across Texas. By bringing advanced hand and upper-extremity expertise closer to communities like Tyler, he helps reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for complex treatment. He also supports local athletes and students through injury care and consultation, guided by his several years of experience in treating high school, college, and professional athletes, reinforcing his role in keeping the community active and healthy.