About Richard Vlasak
Richard Vlasak, MD, earned his medical degree at the University of Florida in 1988 and also completed his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Florida. He completed four fellowships, covering Orthopaedic Oncology, Adult Reconstruction, and Spine at the University of Florida and the Mayo Clinic.
He returned to UF in 1998 to work in the Department of Orthopaedics and has held several positions over the years, including Director of 3rd and 4th year medical students on Orthopaedic rotations, faculty advisor to undergraduate students, and faculty advisor for the Bioengineering Clinical Preceptorship Program.
Vlasak was elected to membership in the Orthopaedic Trauma Association and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. He is also a member of several other professional organizations, including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the International Society of Limb Salvage.
Board Certifications
- Orthopaedic Surgery
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Publications
- 2020
Early Polyethylene Failure in a Modern Total Hip Prosthesis: A Note of Caution.
The Journal of arthroplasty. 35(5):1297-1302. [DOI] 10.1016/j.arth.2019.12.043. [PMID] 31982244.
6 citations | PubMed | Publisher's Site - 2020
Response to Letter to the Editor on "Early Polyethylene Failure in a Modern Total Hip Prosthesis: A Note of Caution".
The Journal of arthroplasty. 35(9):2689-2690. [DOI] 10.1016/j.arth.2020.05.046. [PMID] 32561258.
PubMed | Publisher's Site - 2018
Clinical Evaluation of Synovial Alpha Defensin and Synovial C-Reactive Protein in the Diagnosis of Periprosthetic Joint Infection.
The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume. 100(14):1184-1190. [DOI] 10.2106/JBJS.17.00556. [PMID] 30020121.
30 citations | PubMed | Publisher's Site - 2015
Staged treatment of pilon fractures.
Journal of orthopaedics. 12(Suppl 1):S1-6. [DOI] 10.1016/j.jor.2015.01.028. [PMID] 26719618.
8 citations | PubMed | Publisher's Site - 2014
An indirect reduction technique for percutaneous fixation of calcaneus fractures.
American journal of orthopedics (Belle Mead, N.J.). 43(7):328-33. [PMID] 25046187.
PubMed - 2014
Perioperative and acute care outcomes in morbidly obese patients with acetabular fractures at a Level 1 trauma center.
Journal of orthopaedics. 11(2):58-63. [DOI] 10.1016/j.jor.2014.04.016. [PMID] 25104886.
8 citations | PubMed | Publisher's Site - 2012
Obesity and long term functional outcomes following elective total hip replacement.
Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research. 7. [DOI] 10.1186/1749-799X-7-16. [PMID] 22533938.
32 citations | PubMed | Publisher's Site - 2007
Impending aortic penetration following thoracolumbar spinal fixation: a case study.
Journal of long-term effects of medical implants. 17(1):55-8. [PMID] 18298398.
4 citations | PubMed - 1995
Knee arthrodesis in the treatment of failed total knee replacement.
Clinical orthopaedics and related research. (321):138-44. [PMID] 7497659.
44 citations | PubMed
Education
- Fellowship - Musculoskeletal Oncology
1996 - Mayo Clinic, Minnesota - Fellowship - Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedics
1995 - Mayo Clinic, Minnesota - Fellowship - Musculoskeletal Oncology
1994 - University of Florida - Residency - Orthopaedic Surgery
1993 - University of Florida - Internship - Surgery
1989 - University of Florida - Medical Degree
1988 - University of Florida
Comments (104 received)
May 3, 2025
The doctor explained carefully and gave a clear recommendation for treatment.
May 3, 2025
Dr. Vladajk put me at ease (hard to do) and explained surgical options and possible future surgery on a different area.
May 2, 2025
Dr listened to all my concerns
May 2, 2025
Excellent discussion, Highly confident in the care that received and will receive in future.
April 27, 2025
Again, highest level of care.
April 19, 2025
I was very comfortable with my Dr
April 19, 2025
One of the very best I have encountered at UF Health
April 17, 2025
DR. VLASIK and his entire staff are the best UF HEALTH has available for patients. The care, and respect you receive is so real and excellent. They really care about their patients. Thank you DR. WRIGHT and DR. VLASIK for all you and your staff have made me feel like living a pain free life. God bless you all.
April 17, 2025
Dr. Vlasak is an exceptionally patient and compassionate physician, taking time to actually talk to his patients and answering not only their questions but allaying any concerns/angst and offering different options. He is very knowledgeable and skilled surgeon. I am so glad I waited 8 months to see him. Please do everything possible to retain him at UF
April 16, 2025
Dr. Vlasak is the best!
April 12, 2025
The whole staff was very helpful
April 10, 2025
Dr Vlasak was a wonderful provider. Spent alot of time explaining the upcoming procedure
April 7, 2025
Dr. Vlasak spent a lot of time with me going over my questions. I feel very confident in his care.
April 3, 2025
I have recommended other people to go to UF Orthopaedics they are great.
April 2, 2025
Lydia carefully went over recommendations for my recovery as I've had a fair amount of pain which I'm causing by overdoing. It was nice to get things straightened out!
March 26, 2025
These professional caregivers always take the time to make sure I understand what is going on with my knees. I feel very comfortable a well cared for when I'm there.
March 22, 2025
UF Health is the best!! My first late husband was a professor of Mechanical Engineering and Orthopaedic Surgery, at UF, and I go to UF Health for outstanding medical care.
March 19, 2025
Understood everything that was being done to me
March 8, 2025
Vlasic best surgeon at Shands
March 8, 2025
We LOVED Dr Vlasek!
March 7, 2025
Dr Vlasic was amazing! Very through explaining everything! Spent time with me and was very caring and professional!
March 7, 2025
Very impressive
March 5, 2025
Everything was made very clear!
February 24, 2025
Dr. Vlasak was more than I hoped for. He is a skilled clinician with vast medical knowledge. He asked important questions about conditions that might affect my surgery. He is compassionate and explained his views on when and how to handle my surgery. I am very pleased he is my surgeon.
February 22, 2025
Very professional, very kind, and very caring! I felt like I was a valued person and not like just a number! And being treated like that is medicine in itself.
February 17, 2025
Great group of people
February 12, 2025
Dr. Vlasic has tremendous communication skills on what the issues are and how he is going to address them. Very skilled and knowledgeable.
February 12, 2025
Dr Vlasak has a very good reputation. I know I am in good hands for my surgery with Dr. Vlasak.
February 7, 2025
Dr. Vlasik demonstrated a lot of interest in my unique condition. He explained thoroughly with models of the knee. He spoke with my husband and me giving us both a great deal of his time.
February 4, 2025
The doctor was very knowledgeable and thorough.
October 6, 2024
Lydia the PA was excellent with me and explained so much.She is a true asset to your group
October 5, 2024
Dr. Vlasak is an exceptional Dr. He truly cares about his patients
September 28, 2024
Excellent, Dr. Vlasak is awesome!
September 25, 2024
Lydia is great
September 20, 2024
Dr. Vlasak is an exceptional physician.
September 18, 2024
Dr. Vlasak's Surgery Tech. Lydia, was very helpful in explaining to me details regarding a future procedure that I am considering. She is very professional and interested in my concerns.
September 12, 2024
Dr. Vlasak is very thorough and accommodating!
September 10, 2024
Dr.Vlasek is the most professional doctor I've ever dealt with.
September 10, 2024
Dr Vlasak is a wonderful doctor. I'm so glad I went to him.
September 10, 2024
Excellent
August 21, 2024
I have been seeing Dr. Vlasak for a number of years as well as other family members. He takes his time and explains what is going on. He always checks X-rays and goes over them with me.
August 21, 2024
Best care ever!
August 17, 2024
A previous patient referred me.She described her experience and how she felt just talking to him and his manner regarding knee surgery. Highly recommend Dr Vaslik after my appointment I concur 100 per cent
August 14, 2024
I always recommend because I get the best care from everyone here!
August 12, 2024
Dr Vlasek is the Best and so was his staff
August 10, 2024
I am very pleased with my care. I'm going to recommend my daughter in law to get a referral to be seen by my doctor and also any of my friends that have orthopedic problems. I'm very happy with my care.
August 10, 2024
Dr Vlasak was excellent. Answered all concerns. Spent time as needed.
August 7, 2024
Dr Vlasik has been my orthopedic surgeon for over 15 years
August 7, 2024
PA was very good
July 31, 2024
Dr. Vlasak is an excellent physician. We would not want to see anyone else.
July 31, 2024
There is no doctor at Shands more dedicated to their job than Dr. Vlasak. His skills are superior. His advice is stellar. He goes above and beyond. My favorite doctor in my life and I am 72.
July 29, 2024
We are very grateful for the staff.
July 27, 2024
Very good experience
July 24, 2024
Dr . V is one of the best Dr's. I've ever had as are all my other Dr's, Surgeons , etc. I have & will continue to Refer everyone that asks to get with the best which is UF SHANDS
July 17, 2024
Dr Vlasak is THE Best and I have and always will recommend him to any one needing knee replacement or have other issues regarding lower extremities.
July 13, 2024
My doctor was amazing he put Me at ease right away he was awsome
January 31, 2024
Dr. Vlasak always listens and includes me in treatment plans.He is very good at explaining what is happening at all times!
January 20, 2024
Excellent
January 19, 2024
I've had many experiences with other orthopedic practices. This is 'hands down' the best.
January 17, 2024
DR. VLASEK and his staff are excellent care medical people. I am very pleased to have his service.
January 6, 2024
Unbelievable care by the Dr and nurses in dumbfounded you just don't see care this good anymore.
January 3, 2024
Dr. Valasik is an excellent physician.
January 3, 2024
Lydia Sweatt is not only a first class provider but also a very good at the 'human' side of healthcare
December 29, 2023
PA was excellent in all respects
December 29, 2023
Lydia Sweat was very good.
December 27, 2023
I recommend Dr Valsick and his team to anyone because he is a phenomenal doctor
December 23, 2023
Dr. Vlasak is wonderful in explaining the procedure and taking the time to make sue the patient has all concerns and questions answered.
December 22, 2023
Dr. Vlasak is wonderful about explaining and listening to a patient.
December 15, 2023
Lydia takes exceptional care to discuss Anneliese's condition every time we are in for a check up. I would recommend UF Orthopedics to anyone.
December 11, 2023
Dr. Vlasak is the best. I recommend him to everyone I know
December 9, 2023
Love Lydia, Dr. Vlassic's PA, she explains everything thoroughly & helps you set appropriate expectations
December 1, 2023
This is the best Ortho clinic I have been to and I have been to many! Staff is superior!
November 26, 2023
One of U of F's best physicians.
November 23, 2023
I've had good experiences With my physician and PA would recommend them to anybody
November 22, 2023
Good
November 18, 2023
Dr. Lasik is a very good orthopedic surgeon and I appreciated him it was my first visit with him
November 17, 2023
Loved the staff!
November 12, 2023
Awesome Doctor
November 11, 2023
PA was very good. She offered to have Dr. Valsak come in but we knew he was busy and we had the information we needed so we told her Dr. Valsak need not drop in.
June 2, 2023
Lydia was excellent. Explained everything well, showed me x-rays, pictures of why my knee hurt. Great communicator.
May 26, 2023
Very knowledgeable and attentive
May 26, 2023
Simply the best medical care available.
May 20, 2023
I can say enough about Dr Vlasick. He is just one awesome Doctor. I would highly recommend him
May 19, 2023
Dr valazk is so wonderful
May 14, 2023
Wonderful doctor!! So glad I have him!!
May 13, 2023
I've always been treated well by De. Valask and his crew.
May 10, 2023
The best in all the physicians I have had over the years
May 6, 2023
I was positive impressed during all the visit, all the service was good, every one of them are very special.
May 1, 2023
The ONLY reason I stayed was because of Dr. Vlasik ,, he is amazing
April 26, 2023
He is an excellent care provider and I will recommend him but the team that manages the scheduling and first come first served need HELP. There shouldn't be favoritism in this area.
April 17, 2023
Excellent
April 15, 2023
Like Dr. Vlassic very much & feel confident I'm his care.
April 3, 2023
Dr. Vlasak was wonderful! Engaged me on my level and ensured I was fully aware of my condition/situation.
April 3, 2023
Excellent physician!!
April 2, 2023
Dr Vlasak is awesome, very willing to help and patient with me and all my questions.
April 1, 2023
Dr. Vlasak is very thorough. Very passionate and very knowledgeable. I will highly recommend him to others.
March 25, 2023
Excellent staff
March 24, 2023
The PA was excellenttook time to listen to me and explain things I needed to know
March 22, 2023
Dr Vlasik took time to explain everything to me. He even gave me my x-ray so I could show my primary care doctor.
March 22, 2023
Excellent experience with Dr Vlasik
March 22, 2023
Dr. Vlasak patiently and thoroughly answered all of my questions and explained everything so well. He took his time to explain everything and put me at ease about my upcoming procedure. He didn't treat any of my questions or concerns as though they were trivial. He is extremely approachable, kind, and compassionate.
March 19, 2023
PA took the time and answered all questions.
March 18, 2023
We have been seeing Dr. Vlasak since 2015. He is the best orthopedic surgeon we have ever encountered. We refer him to everyone!
March 15, 2023
Excellent experience all around