ProfessorRichard Page

Research interests include outcomes of shoulder conditions and shoulder replacement surgery, as well as biomaterials assessment and epidemiology.
Prof Page is particularly interested in translational research that can be applied to the clinical setting.

Academic Output: Authored over 350 referred journal articles (citations >10,000, H-Index 45) and abstracts (141 since 2021-8385 citations), 13 book chapters on shoulder, elbow and joint replacement surgery. High impact publications on RCTs in joint arthroplasty (NEJM) and distal radial fractures (JAMA Surgery), Surgery in Covid (Lancet and MJA) prevention of thromboembolism after joint replacement (JAMA). Research on outcomes of trauma, shoulder pathology and joint replacement surgery, biomaterials and upper limb biomechanics. Visiting Professor to Melbourne, Hong Kong Universities and SMC Korea.

Has given invited lectures and presented over 200 scientific papers at a national or international level. Collaborator on published Delphi Consensus guidelines in shoulder arthroplasty, rotator cuff surgery complications and Philadelphia Consensus on shoulder replacement infections. Currently CI on 5 open RCTs including 3 double blinded surgical trials.

Research Support: Extensive clinical trial experience in investigator initiated and multicenter trials. Research support awarded ~$20.1M for investigator-initiated studies (NHMRC $1.55M RAPSODI, $O.6M PRAISE, $2.93M HIPSTER, $2.5M ACL STARR), educational programs, including international randomized trials comparing quality of life outcomes following surgical intervention for displaced femoral neck fractures (Canadian Institutes of Health Research ~CDN$6.94M), joint replacement and shoulder replacement surgery.

Collaboration: Multiple International connections including McMaster University, PyroTitan Shoulder, Saber Pain Trial, International Shoulder Arthroplasty Consortium, Kaiser-Permanente Shoulder Project, Oxford University (PRAISE Study), Finland Shoulder Group (ARC Trial), The Swedish Shoulder Registry and Danderyds Sjukhus AB. Nationally with Victorian Orthopaedic Trauma Outcomes Registry, AOA National Joint Replacement Registry, AFL shoulder dislocation and regional injuries studies, UNSW (SORL) and Whitlam Institute Sydney.

Clinical and Academic Leadership: Positions include past Scientific Secretary and Director to the Australian Orthopaedic Association, Clinical Advisor to the AOA National Joint Replacement Registry (Shoulder and Elbow). Current Co-Chair AOA Academy of Clinical Excellence Steering Committee. Past Expert Advisor to the Advisory Committee on Medical Devices for the TGA Chair and Director to the Victorian Orthopaedic Foundation (VOF).

President of the Shoulder and Elbow Society of Australia (SESA), and steering committee member and programme lead for the Victorian Orthopaedic Trauma Outcomes Registry (VOTOR). International Faculty and Program Contributor AO Trauma Foundation, Switzerland, Co-Chair International Shoulder Arthroplasty Consortium (ISAC) and Board Member Asian Shoulder and Elbow Association (ASEA).

Supervision and mentoring: Established mentoring programme through RACS Younger Fellows Forum and active student /trainee mentor, supervisor and mentor for CIA of NHMRC CDF. Established funding for an AOA accredited Fellowship programme running since 2007 trained 30 national and international surgeons. Registrar training supervisor since 2003 (~ 90 trainees). Resident and intern supervisor (>100 doctors). 

Completions 5 PhD, 4 Master and 4 Honours; Current HDR students – 3 PhD, 2 Masters and 2 Honours candidates

Knowledge Areas

Experinced clinical trialist, including double blinded randomised controlled trials in shoulder surgery and trauma management, impacting on contemporary care.
Established Barwon Health / South West Victoria Upper Limb Clinic, tertiary referral point of care. Developed Orthopaedic Simple Fracture Pathway (OrSiP) to aid return of fracture treatment to primary carers reducing outpatient burden. Joint Replacement Review Clinics (JRCs) model for remote care post joint replacement surgery. Orthopaedic lead of HealthPathways online supported orthopaedic and fracture care in general practice.

Has lead the national Shoulder/Upper limb section of the AOA National Joint Replacement Registry since inception in 2006 until 2024, reducing revision surgery rates, morbidity and costs.
Research into shoulder, upper limb and trauma conditions translated into improved management and outcomes of a range of conditions including shoulder instability, wrist injuries and fractures and neck of femur fractures in the elderly.