About R. James Toussaint
My name is R. James Toussaint, MD. I am the chief of the foot and ankle division in the department of orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine. As a surgeon, I specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopaedic injuries, with a particular interest in degenerative, traumatic and sports-related foot and ankle disorders.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Chicago. Then, I graduated with my medical degree from the New York University Grossman School of Medicine. I also pursued a residency in orthopaedic surgery at Harvard Medical School and a fellowship in orthopaedic surgery, with a focus on foot and ankle, at OrthoCarolina Foot and Ankle Institute in Charlotte, North Carolina.
In addition to teaching as a clinical associate professor at the University of Florida College of Medicine, I also practice at the UF Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Institute. I became an orthopaedic surgeon because I enjoy body’s complex anatomy and I want to help my patients regain their mobility. I am constantly thinking of new ways to treat foot and ankle disorders, and I’ve published research articles about traumatic disorders to provide care in disaster situations. This is important to me, as I have experience treating victims of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings and providing care in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake.
Something that patients should know about me is that I always consider the spectrum of nonoperative treatments first. But if surgery is necessary, I encourage patients to ask questions and engage in shared decision making so that they feel comfortable with their treatment choice.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy collecting art and visiting art museums, especially UF’s Harn Museum of Art. I used to compete as a collegiate wrestler and I compete in triathlons when time permits. In 2021, I became a co-owner of the North Carolina Courage, one of the clubs in the National Women’s Soccer League.
In the News
Board Certifications
- Orthopaedic Surgery
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Publications
- Gonzalez TA, Ehrlichman LK, Macaulay AA, Gitajn IL, Toussaint RJ, Zurakowski D, Kwon JY. Determining Measurement Error for Bohler's Angle and the Effect of X-Ray Obliquity on Accuracy. Foot Ankle Spec. 2016 Oct;9(5):409-16.
- Wusu TO, Toussaint RJ, Ellington JK, Kwon JY. The posterior medial blind spot of the distal tibia: implications for surgical fixation. Foot Ankle Spec. 2015 Feb;8(1):46-9.
- Gitajn IL, Abousayed M, Toussaint RJ, Vrahas M, Kwon JY. Calcaneal avulsion fractures: a case series of 33 patients describing prognostic factors and outcomes. Foot Ankle Spec. 2015 Feb;8(1):10-7.
- Toussaint RJ, Bergeron SG, Weaver MJ, Tornetta P 3rd, Vrahas MS, Harris MB. The effect of the Massachusetts healthcare reform on the uninsured rate of the orthopaedic trauma population. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2014 Aug 20;96(16):e141.
- Ehrlichman LK, Toussaint RJ, Kwon JY. Surgical relocation of peroneal tendon dislocation with calcaneal open reduction and internal fixation: technique tip. Foot Ankle Int. 2014 Sep;35(9):938-42.
- Gitajn IL, Abousayed M, Toussaint RJ, Ting B, Jin J, Kwon JY. Anatomic Alignment and Integrity of the Sustentaculum Tali in Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures: Is the Sustentaculum Tali Truly Constant? J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2014 Jun 18;96(12):1000-1005.
- Toussaint RJ, Lin D, Ehrlichman LK, Ellington JK, Strasser N, Kwon JY. Peroneal tendon displacement accompanying intra-articular calcaneal fractures. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2014 Feb 19;96(4):310-5.
* Awarded Best Clinical Research Paper, Harvard Combined Orthopaedics Residency Program * - Abousayed MM, Toussaint RJ, Kwon JY. The Use of Dual C-Arms During Fixation of Calcaneal Fractures: A Technique Tip. Foot Ankle Spec. 2013 Dec 10.
- Toussaint RJ, Gitajn IL, Kwon JY. Measuring Bohler's Angle with Oblique Lateral Radiographs: Implications for Management of Calcaneal Fractures. The Orthopaedic Journal at Harvard Medical School. 15:7, 2013 Dec.
- Toussaint RJ, Abousayed MM, Kwon JY. Preventing Falls in the Operating Room: A Technique Tip for Safely Tilting the Operating Table. Foot Ankle Spec. 2013 Jul 17.
- Gitajn IL, Toussaint RJ, Kwon JY. Assessing accuracy of sustentaculum screw placement during calcaneal fixation. Foot Ankle Int. 2013;34(2):282-6.
- Smith RM, Dyer GS, Toussaint RJ, et al. Disaster Triage after the Haitian Earthquake. Injury. 2012;43(11):1811-5.
- Toussaint RJ. My Experience in Haiti – Ten Days after the Earthquake. The Orthopaedic Journal at Harvard Medical School. 12:61, 2010 Oct.
- Alfonso DT, Toussaint RJ, Alfonso BD, et al. Nonsurgical complications after total hip and knee arthroplasty. American Journal of Orthopedics. 2006;35(11):503-10.
Make a Gift
Please consider supporting the research efforts of the Foot and Ankle Division at UF Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine by donating to the following fund:
Comments (116 received)
August 5, 2026
He is very thorough , explains everything in great detail. Took great care of me
August 5, 2026
Really like Dr. Toussaint. Feel very confident with him doing the procedure.. just wasn't quite sure of when someone will call for pre op and confusion on where exactly we are going to have tge surgery
August 5, 2026
He answered our questions, was kind, considerate and professional.
July 29, 2026
Easy to talk to. Great listener and thoroughly explained condition and treatment
July 22, 2026
Very pleasant. Listen to your concerns. Great staff
July 15, 2026
Dr. Toussaint was very professional and explained in terms that you can understand. Showed x-rays from April compared to present and did comparison. Showed care and concern for patient and was not in a hurry.
July 8, 2026
Dr Toussaint always answers my questions and gives me test and X-ray results thoroughly.PAs are helpful and knowledgeable.
July 8, 2026
He is down to earth, reassuring and knowledgeable. Thank you!
July 8, 2026
He has been my doctor for many years, even before he practiced at UF. He is kind and listens and cares. He explains everything in terms patients can understand. He takes his time and never rushes the appointments. I trust him completely.
July 8, 2026
Dr Toussaint found my problems when no one else could and fixed them! I am no longer in daily pain because he took the time to find the problem and create a solution. Forever grateful.
July 8, 2026
Upfront, to the point; I feel he is honest and someone I can trust.
July 1, 2026
He was very professional and knowledgeable
June 17, 2026
He's an all around positive and nice person 🙂..
June 17, 2026
Been my doctor for 10 years
June 17, 2026
He explains options and listens to me. I feel like I’m a team player with him.
June 17, 2026
Best doctor experience in a very long time.
June 17, 2026
I cannot say enough wonderful ,positive comments to truly reflect my appreciation of the time that Dr
TOSSAINT took to review the complexity of my case and the surgery options I have available. I have complete confidence in him and his staff!!
June 12, 2026
I consider that anykne under Dr Toussaint’s care is in the best and most capable hands. For further see comments above.
June 12, 2026
Very caring , competent physician . I am very comfortable being his patient .
June 3, 2026
Extremely informative and has great bedside manner.
June 3, 2026
Love him. He is a gifted surgeon.
June 3, 2026
Even with a mask on, you can tell Dr Toussaint is smiling and happy to see his patients.
June 3, 2026
What a kind, I considerate person. I am a medical social worker, and appreciate how he explained my medical condition. It is obvious he is keeping in mind patients who may have low literacy to levels.
May 29, 2026
He is a excellent Dr
May 27, 2026
I like that he got right to the point and offered a referral that could take care of my underlying problem
May 20, 2026
Very kind, friendly and personable provider.
May 20, 2026
Dr Toussaint is extremely knowledgeable, as well as an exceptional listener. I appreciated the dignity with which he delivered candor and data. He was extremely conscientious and personable.
May 6, 2026
Very polite I love when I get to see him great doctor
May 6, 2026
I can’t say enough great things. I’ve already had one procedure by him and had exceptional results. When this problem came up, I knew I wanted him to take care of it.
May 6, 2026
Dr Tusaunt and Ms,Jessica Reyes is AMAZING!!!!!!
May 1, 2026
personable, provided understandable information on my problem, provided next steps
April 22, 2026
he explained and listened to what I had to say
April 15, 2026
I was very pleased with all staff from beginning to end of appt acting very professional in every way. Seemed to be very knowledgeable . I was extremely impressed with Dr . Toussaint professionalism and him willing to answer any questions if any not being rushed out of exam room.
April 15, 2026
He was very gentle, had a great attitude and very friendly. It was my pleasure to have him as my doctor.
April 8, 2026
I am very satisfied with his competency and commitment.
April 3, 2026
They listen to you not matter what
April 1, 2026
I have already referred 2 of my friends that needed surgery to contact Dr. Toussaint.
April 1, 2026
I have told several people about him.
March 6, 2026
Doctor listened to my concerns, did not feel rushed during appt!
March 4, 2026
Already have recommended him to friends.
March 4, 2026
Very Efficient
February 18, 2026
Explained X-rays & reason for therapy referral & suggested proper medication for the pain.
Very courteous & listened to my complaints
February 13, 2026
He took the ti.e to answer all my questions and concerns and explained all treatment options.
January 21, 2026
He was very thorough when we were discussing my foot issues.
January 21, 2026
He is very nice and attentive.
January 14, 2026
Dr. Toussaint is a rock star - the best!
January 9, 2026
Dr. Toussaint was very informative and answered all our questions.
January 7, 2026
Dr. Toussaint is a literal genius who also has the bedside manner of someone well on his way to sainthood. He is easily the best doctor I've ever met.
January 7, 2026
Good Quality Care always from Dr Toussaint. I fully Trust Him with my Care!
January 7, 2026
Results exceeded my expectations
July 20, 2025
would highly recommend UF
July 19, 2025
He was very informative
July 15, 2025
Dr. Toussaint was awesome! He spent time answering questions and explaining the healing process for the last 7 months post op.
July 10, 2025
Excited to have my foot surgery in December l. Can tell I'm in good hands
June 26, 2025
Dr. Toussant (sp?) was wonderful.
June 26, 2025
Already recommending my new doctor to a friend with similar problem
June 14, 2025
R. James Toussaint, M.D. Was wonderful. He explained all the options and possible outcomes. I felt very informed and able to make decisions.
June 13, 2025
Dr Touissant is the best. He really cares about his patients. Very knowledgeable with a great bedside manner.
June 12, 2025
Good
June 12, 2025
Wonderful experience.
May 31, 2025
I chose Dr.Toussaint because of having seen his surgical expertise in healing my friends foot!!
May 29, 2025
Dr was awsome
May 25, 2025
Good
May 24, 2025
Good and informative experience
May 10, 2025
I love Dr. Toussaint! I will always recommend him.
April 18, 2025
Dr Toussaint is a very compassionate physician. He answered all of my questions and has always been a very enthusiastic supporter of my situation and care.
April 17, 2025
Excellent care by Dr Touissant and his team
April 17, 2025
The best
April 12, 2025
Very professional and showed caring and concern for me.
April 10, 2025
Was totally impressed with Dr. Tousainte. He explained everything thoroughly and took adequate time explaining everything to us. Never felt he was rushing through our visit.
April 8, 2025
Excellent!
March 14, 2025
Excellent!
March 8, 2025
Excellent care and doctor was very professional
February 27, 2025
Good attention
February 22, 2025
It was nice to finally meet my surgeon
February 20, 2025
This is my third surgery on this ankle & this is the first time I anticipate having long term success
February 17, 2025
Very positive experience, this was a second opinion appointment and I was impressed with the attitude, knowledge and time spent by the physician with me as a patient
February 16, 2025
This is the best doctor in his field. I am so happy I found him! I can't say enough good things about him. I tell everyone I know and some I don't how great a doctor he is.
February 15, 2025
Amazing, so very helpful and accommodating
February 15, 2025
Great experience
February 15, 2025
Dr Toussaint was kind, thorough, explained things in terms that a non medical person could understand, gave options, and was patient. Didn't make you feel rushed. PERFECTION
February 13, 2025
Like I said compared to the VA doctors, UF was far better
February 7, 2025
Dr Toussiant was very thorough and listening to all my concerns with concern.
February 6, 2025
Dr. Toussaint is by far one of the BEST physicians I've ever had. He provides above and beyond excellent care. There definitely needs to be more physicians like Dr. Toussaint for sure!
September 19, 2024
Dr Toussaint is amazing. He takes his time. Explains everything has a great beside manner
September 14, 2024
Very pleased with Dr. Toussaint
September 12, 2024
Dr. Toussaint was very pleasant, answered all my questions, and even engaged in helping teach the student that was setting in on the appointment. Very professional and compassionate.
Aug 29, 2024
Dr. Toussant is truly amazing. He listens to any questions, concerns and thoroughly explains everything. With every appointment, I left feeling I was in the care of a really great doctor and facility.
August 10, 2024
Fantastic experience. Explaining every detail. Answered all of my questions I am so confident in his hands with what I need to have done. Thank you
August 8, 2024
Dr. Toussaint and his staff are the best!! Very easy and reassuring transition up to and after surgery.
July 25, 2024
Dr. Tousaint rules
January 11, 2024
Dr Toussaint is a great Dr, showed me on Cat Scan what he was talking about and why he recommended treatment & how it would help my foot. I would highly recommend him to anybody.
January 4, 2024
Dr. Toussaint is every bit as wonderful as everyone in Gainesville said he was. He thoughtfully listened, didn't rush my appointment and I'm grateful for his dedication.
December 29, 2023
Dr Toussaint ROCKS
December 1, 2023
Dr. Toussaint was excellent. Answered all my questions and did not feel rushed.
November 30, 2023
Dr was very good explained all to me answered all my questions
November 25, 2023
Dr Tussaind is a very good listener, concerned, and compassionate provider. It is not easy to find a doctor like Dr. T who takes as much as needed time to hear his patient
November 12, 2023
DR. Toussaint is very good in his practice of medicine. I have never felt rushed and he answered all of my questions thoroughly and made sure that my wife and I understood his explanations. I would not hesitate to recommend UF and Dr. Toussaint to anyone needing care. My whole experience with my ankle replacement has been nothing short of excellent.
June 3, 2023
Very good attention, throughout the process, before and after surgery.
June 2, 2023
I haven't had no bad experience.
May 18, 2023
I highly recommend Dr.. Tulli!
May 4, 2023
I was given great customer service
May 4, 2023
Physician explains the things that he wants to try and help with a speedy recovery. And I agreed.
April 29, 2023
Dr. Toussaint is a fabulous clinician plus a very personable gentleman! He is meticulous in his exam and he explains his medical findings clearly with compassion and confidence. He listens and relates extremely well to his patients. He is the only doc in town who will ever work on my foot problems. He is the consummate physician and I'm glad he moved to UF!!
April 20, 2023
I am very pleased and happy to have dr tussant. He is a very nice, and informative man that listened to my questions and concerns.
April 13, 2023
Dr Toussaint has been great to work with! I will definitely be referring him to others. I'm so happy on the results. Thanks
April 7, 2023
Dr. Toussaint was excellent.
April 4, 2023
Doctor Toussaint was fantastic. He was patient, explained everything in plain language and answered all questions that were thrown at him. He was eager to get me back to doing the things I enjoy. One of the best Doctors I have ever visited.
March 24, 2023
Staff are on top of their game. Well done.
March 12, 2023
Dr. Toussaint was very thorough, descriptive, understanding, and had great bedside manner. Wish I would've seen him first instead of seeing 3 other providers for the same issue.
March 11, 2023
Dr. Toussaint is by FAR the overall best Dr. I have seen since the arrival of multiple medical issues. He was professional but not to the point of rigidity. His communication skills were very adept at explaining both the issue and the multiple remedies without force feeding me a bunch of useless jargon that I probably wouldn't understand. I cannot place enough praise upon Dr. Toussaints medical knowledge and his down to earth communication skills.Thank you