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(434) 584-5477 Madan R. Vallem, MD
Orthopaedics
Locations
1755 N. Mecklenburg Avenue
South Hill,
VA
23970
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1001 E. Leigh Street
Richmond,
VA
23219
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VCU Health Way finder
Education
Medical Education
Osmania Medical College, India
Residency
Gandhi Medical College, India
Fellowship
Orthopedic Trauma, Virginia Commonwealth University
Fellowship
Adult Joint Reconstruction, University of Virginia
Fellowship
Hand Surgery, Beth Israel Medical Center
Biography
One orthopaedic surgeon offering three subspecialties to metro Richmond
Orthopaedic surgeons typically take on one subspecialty. Madan R. Vallem, M.D., has three: hand surgery, adult joint reconstruction and orthopaedic trauma.
Dr. Vallem practices at VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital in South Hill and at the Adult Outpatient Pavilion in downtown Richmond. He performs primary and revision hip and knee replacements for patients living with disabling arthritic hip and knee pain, manages fractures in adult and geriatric patients, and treats upper extremity and hand conditions including tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome and hand fractures.
Though surgery is Dr. Vallem’s area of expertise, it is not his automatic answer for every patient who enters the clinic. Treatment may begin with physical therapy, bracing, medication or injections; when an operation is recommended, he looks for the least invasive approach that fits the patient.
Using a holistic approach, Dr. Vallem develops a plan to help each patient relieve pain, restore function and return them to their daily lives. “I look beyond the complaint and consider the patient’s general health, daily activities, personal goals and work and family responsibilities,” he says.
In turn, Dr. Vallem asks patients to take part in planning their own treatment: “Successful recovery after surgery is mostly a partnership between the physician and the patient. A well-informed patient will be a happy patient.” Patients describe him as knowledgeable and thorough in explaining what their imaging shows and what a procedure will involve, and as quick to respond when questions come up afterward.
Primary care and emergency physicians, radiologists, nurses, therapists and other orthopaedic subspecialists work with Dr. Vallem to keep treatment consistent from one hand-off to the next. “Orthopaedic care is a team effort,” he says. “For medically complex patients, especially those with diabetes, infection, vascular disease or major trauma, clear communication and coordinated planning are essential.”
After earning his medical degree and completing his orthopaedic residency in Hyderabad, India, Dr. Vallem completed three back-to-back fellowships in the United States: hand surgery at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in New York, adult joint reconstruction at the University of Virginia and orthopaedic trauma at VCU. He practiced at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica, New York, from 2011 until joining VCU Health in 2020.
Dr. Vallem is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons and the American Medical Association. His research centers on hip and knee replacement and orthopaedic trauma, with an emphasis on questions that affect surgical decision-making and patient safety. He serves as an associate professor in the VCU Department of Orthopaedics, educating residents on joint replacement topics.
Away from the hospital, Dr. Vallem and his wife keep their two children busy with travel, bike rides, hiking and board games. He also plays tennis.
