December 16, 2025

Meet Richard Johnston, MD

Hip and Knee Specialist 

Dr. Johnston is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in the nonsurgical treatment of hip arthritis and the nonsurgical and surgical treatment of knee arthritis. He has been practicing in St. Louis since 1990 and has extensive experience in robotic partial and total knee replacements as well as patella-femoral joint replacements.

Where are you from?

Woodstock Georgia. It was a tiny town of 750 people when I left for collage in 1977 but now has 35,000 and it is a fun place to live.

What made you choose adult reconstruction as a specialty? 

I thought in medical school that I might want to be a neurologist. Then I did my third year neurology rotation followed immediately by orthopedics. There was no comparison and I never looked back. Orthopedics fits my love of projects and fixing things. Adult reconstruction is the surgical subspecialty that has the greatest impact on a persons ability to do life.  It is very rewarding to see how patient's lives are improved.

What brought you to WashU Medicine Orthopedics? 

I did my orthopedic residency at WashU Medicine years ago. When the Department Orthopedic Surgery was looking to expand to my long time home of Missouri Baptist I was an eager and willing partner.

What aspect of your practice do you find most interesting or rewarding? 

I love seeing a patient return to their normal, pain-free lifestyle after a total joint replacement.

What's on the horizon for reconstructive orthopedic medicine?

Greater incorporation of robotics and AI.

What's the best advice you ever received? 

Sit and listen to your patients without talking. Look them in the eye and never address them by their first names unless they are a friend.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

I love to fish and play music. I play the tuba and the bagpipes. (I look great in a kilt.)

If you weren't a physician, what would you like to be doing? 

I would want to be a musician (I would have to be a lot better than I am) or an engineer.

Anything else you'd like to share?

My wife, Susan, and I were married when I was a chief resident at WashU Medicine Orthopedics.  We have three grown sons who are married or engaged and one grandson.

Learn why patients choose WashU Medicine Orthopedics, request an appointment online or call (314) 514-3500.