Dr. Richard Zell has greater than 24 years of experience caring for patients and is known for both his surgical expertise and compassionate care.
Dr. Zell attended the University of Notre Dame where he was a division one athlete on the swimming/diving team. He earned his Medical Degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He completed his Orthopedic Residency at the University of Connecticut. Following his residency, Dr. Zell furthered his training with fellowships in Sports Medicine (Hahnemann University in Philadelphia) and Foot & Ankle surgery (The Hospital for Joint Diseases in New York City).
Dr. Zell spent the first 17 years of his career as an attending surgeon in New Haven, Connecticut. He worked at The Orthopedic Group/Connecticut Orthopedic Specialists and was also an Assistant Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the Yale School of Medicine. During his time in Connecticut, he was recognized as one of the best doctors in the city of New Haven (New Haven Living Magazine) as well as the state of Connecticut (2018 Best Doctors award, Connecticut Magazine). Dr. Zell also was recognized for his teaching (community teaching award for the Yale Orthopedic Residency program in 2004).
Dr. Zell moved to Maryland in 2018 to start a foot & ankle program at The Upper Chesapeake Medical Center which is one of University of Maryland hospitals.
Dr. Zell is happy to return to Connecticut as an Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery & Rehabilitation at The Yale School of Medicine. He is a proud member of the Foot & Ankle division. He sees patients in Milford and Fairfield. Dr. Zell performs surgery at Milford Hospital and Bridgeport Hospital.
He is a leader in the national society that represents American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle surgeons. He is currently a member of the education committee for the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) and is the chair of the allied health subcommittee. He previously served as the membership director for AOFAS. Dr. Zell has traveled and lectured internationally for the AOFAS including a trip in 2017 to China.
Dr. Zell also has extensive experience in knee surgery and Orthopaedic trauma/fracture care.
When not working Dr. Zell’s interest include: sailing, tennis, travel and most importantly spending time with his wife and their 3 young children.