About Dr. Richard Judd Robins | Orthopaedic Surgeon UT

About Doctor

Richard Judd Robins

MD, FAAOS, FAANA

Dual Board Certified in Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine

Dr. Richard Judd Robins is a dual board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with subspecialty certification in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, dedicated to helping patients overcome injury, relieve pain, and return to the activities they enjoy. With more than 26 years of military service and extensive experience caring for athletes, active adults, and service members, Dr. Robins combines advanced surgical expertise with a patient-centered approach focused on restoring function and improving quality of life. He believes that every patient deserves individualized care, clear communication, and treatment plans tailored to their unique goals and lifestyle.

Dr. Robins completed his medical degree at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences before pursuing an Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium. He then completed a prestigious Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship at the University of Utah, where he received advanced training in the treatment of shoulder, knee, and sports-related injuries. His clinical expertise includes arthroscopic surgery, ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair, rotator cuff repair, shoulder instability, shoulder replacement, cartilage restoration, fracture care, and the management of complex sports injuries.

Throughout his distinguished military career, Dr. Robins served in numerous leadership roles, including Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery, Associate Professor of Surgery, and Director of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Education. He also spent more than a decade caring for NCAA Division I athletes at the United States Air Force Academy, serving as Head Team Physician for nine years. This experience gave him unique insight into helping patients safely return to sport, work, and active lifestyles following injury. His dedication to both patient care and the advancement of orthopaedic medicine has also earned him leadership roles within the profession, including serving as President of the Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Today, Dr. Robins continues his commitment to excellence in patient care by combining the latest evidence-based treatments with a compassionate, collaborative approach. Whenever possible, he recommends conservative treatment options before considering surgery, ensuring patients understand every aspect of their diagnosis and available treatments. Whether treating a competitive athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone seeking relief from chronic shoulder or knee pain, Dr. Robins is committed to helping every patient regain confidence, restore mobility, and return to the life they love.

Clinical Information

Dr. Robins brings more than 26 years of experience in military service, orthopaedic surgery, sports medicine, clinical care, and academic leadership. Throughout his distinguished career, he has dedicated himself to caring for active-duty military personnel, athletes, and patients with complex orthopaedic injuries while advancing education, research, and mentorship in orthopaedic sports medicine.

A graduate with distinction from the United States Air Force Academy, Dr. Robins earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland.

He completed his Orthopaedic Surgery Residency through the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium at Wilford Hall Medical Center and later completed a fellowship in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine at the University of Utah.

Dr. Robins has held numerous leadership roles throughout his military career, including serving as Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery and as the longest-tenured Head Team Physician for the United States Air Force Academy. During his nine years in that role, he directed orthopaedic and sports medicine care for more than 1,000 intercollegiate cadet-athletes representing 28 NCAA athletic programs. He also served as a team physician for 11 years and spent more than a year deployed to Afghanistan, providing orthopaedic trauma and humanitarian surgical care in combat environments.

Most recently, Dr. Robins served as an Associate Professor of Surgery, where he directed orthopaedic sports medicine education for senior orthopaedic residents while maintaining an active clinical practice and participating in research focused on improving evidence-based care for military and civilian patients.

In addition to his clinical and academic accomplishments, Dr. Robins served as the 67th President of the Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons in 2025. His military honors include the Bronze Star, the U.S. Army Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Wings, and designation as a U.S. Air Force Flight Surgeon.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Dr. Robins is passionate about mentoring the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons and supporting athletes and military personnel through compassionate, patient-centered care.

Specialties

Board Certification

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (Sub: Sports Medicine)

Academic Information

Academic Departments: Orthopaedics - Associate Professor
Prior:
- Associate Professor of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (2022-2026)
- Assistant Professor of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (2013-2022)

Board of Orthopaedic American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (Sub: Sports Medicine)

Education History

Undergraduate Major: Biology; Minor: Mandarin Chinese - United States Air Force Academy B.S.
Undergraduate Graduate Medicine - F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences M.D.
Internship Orthopaedic Surgery - San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium, Wilford Hall Medical Center Intern
Residency Orthopaedic Surgery - San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium, Wilford Hall Medical Center Resident
Residency Orthopaedic Surgery - San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium, Wilford Hall Medical Center Academic Chief Resident
Fellowship Orthopaedic Sports Medicine - University of Utah School of Medicine Fellow

Selected Publications

Journal Article

Champagne AA, Levin JM, Hurley ET, Dowe JN, Lau BC, Anakwenze O, Provencher MT, Klifto CS, Dickens JF, Service Academy Shoulder Instability Study Grou (2025). Quantitative Underestimation of Two-Dimensional Anterior and Posterior Glenoid Bone Loss Measurements Varies According to Bone Morphology. Journal of orthopaedic research, 43(11), 1924-1933.
Sheean AJ, Tenan MS, DeFoor MT, Cognetti DJ, Bedi A, Lin A, Dekker TJ, MOTION Collaborative, Dickens JF (2024). Minimal important clinical difference values are not uniformly valid in the active duty military population recovering from shoulder surgery. J Shoulder Elbow Surg, 33(11), e596-e605.
Tenan MS, Dekker T, MOTION Collaborative, Dickens JF (2023). An Exploratory Factor Analysis of the National Institutes of Health Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System and the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation in Knee Surgery Patients. Mil Med, 188(3-4), 456-462.
Mauntel TC, Tenan MS, Freedman BA, Potter BK, Provencher MT, Tokish JM, Lee IE, Rhon DI, Bailey JR, Burns TC, Cameron KL, Grenier ES, Haley CA, Leclere LE, McDonald LS, Owens BD, Pallis MP, Posner MA, Rivera JC, Roach CJ, Robins RJ, Schmitz MR, Sheean AJ, Slabaugh MA, Volk WR, Dickens JF (2022). The Military Orthopedics Tracking Injuries and Outcomes Network: A Solution for Improving Musculoskeletal Care in the Military Health System. Mil Med, 187(3-4), e282-e289.
Anderson AB, Tenan MS, MOTION Group, Dickens JF (2022). Latent Factor Analysis of the PROMIS and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation in Patients Undergoing Shoulder Surgery. Mil Med, 187(7-8), e882-e888.
Tenan MS, Robins RJ, Sheean AJ, Dekker TJ, MOTION Collaborative, Bailey JR, Bharmal HM, Bradley MW, Cameron KL, Burns TC, Freedman BA, Galvin JW, Grenier ES, Haley CA, Hurvitz AP, LeClere LE, Lee I, Mauntel T, McDonald LS, Nesti LJ, Owens BD, Posner MA, Potter BK, Provencher MT, Rhon DI, Roach CJ, Ryan PM, Schmitz MR, Slabaugh MA, Tucker CJ, Volk WR, Dickens JF (2021). A High-Sensitivity International Knee Documentation Committee Survey Index From the PROMIS System: The Next-Generation Patient-Reported Outcome for a Knee Injury Population. Am J Sports Med, 49(13), 3561-3568.
Tenan MS, Galvin JW, Mauntel TC, Tokish JM, MOTION Collaborative, Bailey JR, Barlow BT, Bevevino AJ, Bradley MW, Cameron KL, Burns TC, Eckel TT, Garcia EJ, Giuliani JR, Haley CA, Hurvitz AP, Janney CF, Kilcoyne KG, Lanzi JT, LeClere LE, McDonald LS, Min KS, Nesti LJ, Pallis M, Patzkowski JC, Posner MA, Potter BK, Provencher MA, Rhon DI, Roach CJ, Robins RJ, Ryan PM, Schmitz MR, Schuett DJ, Sheean AJ, Slabaugh MA, Smith JL, Volk WR, Waltz RA, Dickens JF (2021). Generating the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score Using Multivariable Predictive Models and Computer Adaptive Testing to Reduce Survey Burden. Am J Sports Med, 49(3), 764-772.
Tenan MS, Simon JE, Robins RJ, Lee I, Sheean AJ, Dickens JF (2021). Anchored Minimal Clinically Important Difference Metrics: Considerations for Bias and Regression to the Mean. J Athl Train, 56(9), 1042-1049.
Slabaugh AD, Belk JW, Jackson JC, Robins RJ, McCarty EC, LeClere LE, Slabaugh MA (2021). Managing the Return to Football During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey of the Head Team Physicians of the Football Bowl Subdivision Programs. Orthop J Sports Med, 9(1), 2325967121992045.
Mullikin IA, Robins R, Jackson J, Slabaugh M (2021). Return to Sport After Nonoperative Management of Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries About the Elbow in Non-throwing Athletes. J Surg Orthop Adv, 30(3), 136-139.
Slabaugh M, Kopolovich D, Robins RJ, Trappey F (2020). The Evolving Role of the Orthopaedic Surgeon in Combat Zones and Austere Deployed Locations Since the 2012 Troop Drawdown. J Surg Orthop Adv, 29(3), 182-186.
Miller RP, Robins RJ, Dieckman SD (2018). Differential Diagnosis of Complicated Bone Stress Injury in a Female Collegiate Swimmer. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, 48(10), 823.
Robins RJ, Daruwalla JH, Gamradt SC, McCarty EC, Dragoo JL, Hancock RE, Guy JA, Cotsonis GA, Xerogeanes JW, ASP Collaborative Group, Tuman JM, Tibone JE, Javernick MA, Yochem EM, Boden SA, Pilato A, Miley JH, Greis PE (2017). Return to Play After Shoulder Instability Surgery in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Intercollegiate Football Athletes. Am J Sports Med, 45(10), 2329-2335.
Robins RJ, Anderson MB, Zhang Y, Presson AP, Burks RT, Greis PE (2017). Convergent Validity of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System's Physical Function Computerized Adaptive Test for the Knee and Shoulder Injury Sports Medicine Patient Population. Arthroscopy, 33(3), 608-616.
Tashjian RZ, Erickson GA, Robins RJ, Zhang Y, Burks RT, Greis PE (2017). Influence of Preoperative Musculotendinous Junction Position on Rotator Cuff Healing After Double-Row Repair. Arthroscopy, 33(6), 1159-1166.
Robins RJ (2017). Platelet Rich Plasma: Current Indications and Use in Orthopaedic Care. Med Res Arch, 5(6), 1-17.
Robins RJ (2016). Fracture Care Challenges in Austere and Combat Environments. Curr Trauma Rep, 2(2), 94-99.
Robins RJ, Porta CR, Eastridge BJ, Holcomb JB, Martin MJ (2014). Implications of humanitarian orthopaedic surgery in a combat zone: Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom experience. J Surg Orthop Adv, 23(3), 129-35.
Porta CR, Robins R, Eastridge B, Holcomb J, Schreiber M, Martin M (2014). The hidden war: humanitarian surgery in a combat zone. Am J Surg, 207(5), 766-72; discussion 772.
Robins RJ (2014). PRP in ACL reconstruction--another indication for surgical augmentation? J Surg Res, 186(1), 105-6.
Davis JM, Robins RJ, Frink SJ, Rispoli DM (2010). Use of a compression tumor implant with total elbow arthroplasty for traumatic distal humeral bone loss in a young woman. J Shoulder Elbow Surg, 19(6), e24-8.

Review

MOTION Group (2018). Patient-Reported Outcomes in Orthopaedics. [Review]. J Bone Joint Surg Am, 100, (5), 436-442.

Book Chapter

Robins RJ, Burks RT (2024). Arthroscopic Single Row Rotator Cuff Repair. In The Shoulder: AANA Advanced Arthroscopic Surgical Techniques. Slack, Inc.
Horne, BR, Robins RJ, Velmahos G (2017). Extremity Fractures the Mangled Extremity. In Front Line Surgery (2nd). Springer, Inc.
Puttler, EG, Parada SA, Horne BH, Robins RJ, Krieg JC (2017). Traumatic Amputations. In Front Line Surgery (2nd). Springer, Inc.
Robins RJ, Kadrmas WR (2010). Operating Room Setup for Shoulder Arthroscopy. In Sports Medicine Surgery. Saunders Elsevier, Inc.

Editorial

Robins RJ, Martin MJ (2010). Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors, Platelet Function Testing and Blood Loss in Hip Fracture Surgery. Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection, and Critical Care, 69(5), 1221.

Other

Osborn P, Nelson V, Robins RJ, Broughton K, Osier C, Smith C, Rivers J, Stinner D, Possley D, Bode K, Dutton L, Renninger C, Shackelford SA (2020). Orthopaedic Trauma: Extremity Fractures (CPG ID:56). Joint Trauma System Clinical Practice Guidelines U.S. Department of Defense.
Shapeero L, Robins RJ (2003). Osteochondroma. Clinical case and imaging contribution. MedPix® medical image database (National Library of Medicine)

Video/Film/CD/Web/Podcast

Robins R (2026). Resolutions and Osteotomies: Do New Technologies Help Knee Surgeons Meet Their Goals for Improvement?.
Robins R (2025). Wrestling: The Ultimate Test for Athletes and Their Surgeons.
Robins R (2025). Doing a Little Something Extra: For Life and Rotator Cuff Repair.
Cheeah JW, Robins R (2024). ACL Repair vs Reconstruction: Is Less More?.
Robins R (2023). Shoulder Injuries…And Elves!.