Richard
J. Claveria, M.D.
Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Fellowship Trained in Adult Spine Surgery
Dr. Richard J. Claveria is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with more than 30 years of clinical experience & fellowship training in spine surgery. He provides comprehensive orthopedic & spine care while also serving as a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) & expert witness for complex medical-legal cases throughout California. Known for his objective, evidence-based evaluations & personalized approach to patient care, Dr. Claveria combines decades of surgical expertise with the credibility & analytical insight required for independent medical assessments, record reviews, depositions, & courtroom testimony.
Richard J. Claveria, M.D.
University
- University of California, Berkeley
Biochemistry, B.A., 1979
Medical School
- University of California, Davis, 1983
Internship
- University of Colorado Health Sciences
Denver, Colorado
General Surgery, 1984
Residency
- Orthopedic Surgery
University of Colorado, 1984-1988
Fellowship
- South Texas Spinal Clinic 1989
San Antonio, Texas
Languages
- English, Spanish
Certification
- American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, 1991
Recertified, 2003, 2013, 2023
Interests
- Trauma and Industrial Medicine
QME and AME evaluation
Work History
- Orange County, California, 1991-1996
South Coast Orthopedic Clinic
Santa Ana, California - Private Practice, 1996-1999
South Spine and Sports Clinic
Statesboro, Georgia - Private Practice, 2000- PRESENT
26921 Crown Valley Parkway
Mission Viejo, California 92691
Academic
- UC Irvine Clinical Faculty 1992-1995, 2006-2010
Hospital Affiliation
- Mission Regional Medical Center (Trauma Center)
Mission Viejo, California - Orange County Global (Trauma Center)
Santa Ana, California - South Coast Global
Santa Ana, California
Recent Cme Courses
- AAOS, March 2025
Las Vegas, Nevada - AAOS, March 2024
San Diego, California - San Francisco General Hospital
Orthopedic Trauma Course
Spring 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2024 - OTA Meeting Denver 2019 and Phoenix 2025
- Ortho Bullets 2019, 2020, 2021
- AAOS Academy 2021
- COA Meeting 2026
Presentations
- Pediatric Cervical Spine Pseudostability
San Francisco General Hospital, 1989 - Diabetic Foot Complications
Rancho Los Amigos, 1987 - Anterior-Posterior Fusion for Spinal Deformity
University of Colorado, 1989
Qualified Medical Evaluator
- Certified since 2009 with recent 2026 recertifications
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Mission Viejo
26921 Crown Valley Parkway
Suite 201
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
