Richard Souza

Richard Souza, PT, PhD is a Professor and Vice Chair of Research at the School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco (UCSF). He holds a BS in Exercise Science, MPT in Physical Therapy, PhD in Biokinesiology, and postdoctoral training in Biomedical Imaging. His research focuses on mechanics of human movement and lower extremity injuries, advanced quantitative MR imaging techniques, and the influence of loading mechanics on joint health. Specific interests include developing strategies to prevent and rehabilitate osteoarthritis in hip, knee, and ankle joints.

• Education:
  • BS, Exercise Science, UC Davis, 1998
  • MPT, Physical Therapy, Samuel Merritt University, 2002
  • PhD, Biokinesiology, USC, 2008
  • Postdoc, Biomedical Imaging, UCSF, 2010

His work integrates biomechanical analysis with advanced imaging to understand joint degeneration mechanisms. Recent studies emphasize post-surgical recovery, gait biomechanics in osteoarthritis, and MRI-based cartilage degeneration tracking. He leads NIH-funded projects on hip and knee joint health in athletes and high-impact populations. Over 150 peer-reviewed articles highlight his contributions to musculoskeletal research.