Richard S. Polin, MD
Dr. Richard S. Polin is a Board Certified Neurosurgeon with offices in Northwest Portland and East Multnomah County in Gresham.
Certified by The American Board of Neurological Surgery, and Fellowship trained in multiple sub-specialties, Dr. Polin is a recognized specialist in minimally invasive techniques for approaching pituitary and skull base pathologies, as well as for the treatment of various spinal disorders.
In addition to his expertise with the complexities of minimally invasive surgical techniques, Dr. Polin is trained and experienced in all traditional approaches to the brain and spine. He has extensive expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of various brain tumors, vascular malformations, cranial neuralgias, and other intracranial pathologies. This expertise allows him to fully consider all of the options available in order to develop the safest and best treatment plan for his patients.
Dr. Polin’s philosophy regarding the treatment for his patients is and has always been “best practice always”. Whether by means of surgical care or non-operative treatment, each patient receives individualized care and focus, with the goal of providing the most favorable outcome possible.
Born in Suffolk County, MA, Richard Polin was raised in suburban Washington D.C.. Following his High School graduation from St. Christopher’s School in Richmond, Va, he attended Harvard University from 1983-1987, where he graduated with honors. He attended Medical School at the University of Virginia School of Medicine from 1987-1991, graduating again with honors, and was elected Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (AΩA).
Following a one year internship at the University of Virginia University Hospital, Dr. Polin entered the Neurosurgical Residency Training Program at the University of Virginia in 1992, studying under the direction of renowned Neurosurgeon Dr. John A. Jane, MD. Dr. Polin completed his residency at UVA in 1997.
After residency, to achieve added competency and experience, Dr. Polin went on to complete the optional step of subspecialty training, known as Fellowship training. This concentrated training comprises elements of specialized clinical and surgical experience, as well as research. Dr. Polin has completed three Fellowship programs:
Fellowship in Neuro Oncology, Registrar in Neurosurgery Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, England
Fellowship in Skull Base Surgery University of Virginia, Institute for Neurosurgery
Fellowship in Gamma Knife Radiosurgery University of Virginia, Institute for Neurosurgery
As a Fellowship trained physician and surgeon, Dr. Polin has achieved the highest level of training, and shown the highest level of dedication to his field.
After completing his Fellowship training, Dr. Polin became a faculty member at LSU as Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Medical Center from 1998-2000. In 2000, he returned to Washington D.C. as Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at George Washington University Medical Center, where he developed his expertise in various minimally invasive neurosurgical techniques.
In 2001, Dr. Polin received his Board Certification from the American Board on Neurologic Surgery.
Dr. Polin moved to Portland, OR in 2005 to become Regional Chief of Neurosurgery for Northwest Permanente at Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center, leaving that position in 2012 to go into private practice.
In his personal life, when time permits, Dr. Polin enjoys travel, is an avid tennis player, and enjoys downhill skiing in the winter. He enjoys music. He has a great love for baseball and basketball, and a general passion for all sports. A devoted father, his greatest pleasure is spending time with his two sons. He is also the loving father of a Labradoodle (named Osmo), who can sometimes be found making new friends at the clinic.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Harvard University, Boston, MA
University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
Neurosurgical Residency Training Program, University Hospital, UVA
Fellowship in Neuro Oncology
Fellowship in Radiosurgery
Fellowship in Skull Base Neurosurgery
Board Certification-American Board of Neurological Surgery
AFFILIATIONS
Member: American Association of Neurological Surgeons
Member: Society of Neuro Oncology
Member: Congress of Neurological Surgeons
EXPERIENCE
Assistant Professor, Louisiana State University Medical Center
Assistant Professor, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington D.C
Trauma Director for Neurosurgery, George Washington University, Washington D.C.
Chief of Neurosurgery, Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center, Clackamas, OR
Private Practice, Polin Neurosurgery, offices in Portland, OR and Gresham, OR
HOSPITAL AFFILIATES
Providence Portland Medical Center
Mt. Scott Surgery Center