10/20/2026
Join us in welcoming orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine physician Dr. Richard Silverman to the team. His career path has taken him from college football player to a member of the Mercy Clinic Orthopedic Surgery - Jefferson team.
“I want patients to feel comfortable asking questions and telling me what they hope to get back to doing. Understanding how an injury or condition affects someone’s daily life is an important part of choosing the right treatment. My goal is for patients to leave a visit feeling heard, understanding their options and knowing what comes next,” Dr. Silverman said.
Get to know more about Dr. Silverman in his own words with this Q&A:
❓Why did you get into healthcare?
My mother is a pediatric nurse practitioner, and my father is a neonatologist, so healthcare was a big part of my life growing up. I got to see how meaningful their work was and how much they enjoyed helping people. I’ve always liked science and solving problems, and medicine felt like a natural way to combine those interests with doing something meaningful for others.
❓Did you always know you wanted to be a doctor?
Medicine interested me from a young age, but my own experiences helped turn that interest into a career goal. Being a patient, studying science and spending time in clinical care and research all reinforced that this was something I wanted to pursue. I also liked the idea of a career where I would keep learning and improving throughout my life.
❓What drew you to orthopedics and sports medicine?
I have a very stereotypical story that included tearing my ACL playing football in high school, so I got an early look at orthopedics from the patient’s perspective. The doctors who helped me get back on the field made a big impression on me. I went on to play football in college, and sports medicine initially felt like a great way to stay connected to athletics. Over time, I realized that what I really enjoyed was helping people get back to the things they care about, whether that’s playing a sport, working or being active with their family.
❓Are there specific conditions or treatments you have particular interest in?
My specialty is orthopedic sports medicine, with a particular interest in knee and shoulder conditions. These include ACL and other ligament injuries, meniscus tears, cartilage injuries, kneecap instability, rotator cuff tears and shoulder instability. I also provide general orthopedic care, including fracture care and joint replacement. I enjoy helping patients understand their options and choosing a treatment plan that fits their goals, whether that involves surgery or nonsurgical care.
❓Why did you choose to join Mercy Jefferson?
I was drawn to the opportunity to build a practice at Mercy Jefferson and become part of the community I serve. After completing my medical school, residency and fellowship training in St. Louis, I was excited to bring that experience to patients in Jefferson County and the surrounding area. The opportunity to offer specialized sports medicine alongside broader orthopedic care close to home was especially appealing.
I moved to the St. Louis area in 2016 for medical school at Washington University and stayed for residency and my sports medicine fellowship. Over the past 10 years, the area has become an important part of my life. I enjoy the sports culture, opportunities to spend time outdoors and the friendships we’ve built here. Helping care for the Blues, City SC and Washington University athletes during my training also gave me a special connection to the local sports community.
❓Do you mind sharing about your personal life?
My wife, Erin, is a plastic surgeon, and we have two young children, Jack and Claire. Most of my time outside of work revolves around our family, and I love watching the kids grow and discover new things. I also enjoy exercising, following college and professional sports, traveling and finding time for a good movie or podcast.