Robert A. Ruggiero, Sr., MD, F.A.C.S.

Robert A. Ruggiero, M.D., F.A.C.S. graduated from Hahnemann Medical College and was elected into the National Medical Honor Society. He completed his orthopaedic residency program at Temple University Hospital under the direction of Professor John Lachman. He then joined the staff and faculty of Hahnemann Hospital and Medical College as senior instructor in orthopaedic surgery and director of the orthopaedic residency teaching program.

Dr. Ruggiero entered into private practice at Paoli Memorial Hospital and in 1979 established the Ruggiero Orthopaedic Associates, now known as the Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Center.

Dr. Ruggiero has held many positions during his career, dedicating most of his efforts to the Paoli Hospital and the Main Line Health System. He served as President of the Medical Staff of Paoli Hospital, Vice-Chairman of the Paoli Hospital Department of Surgery, Campus Chief of the Department of Surgery and System Chief of Orthopaedics for the Main Line Health System. He was also appointed to the Paoli Hospital Foundation Board of Directors and the Main Line Health Board of Governors. Dr. Ruggiero also served two terms on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Society.

Dr. Ruggiero is known as one of the top orthopaedic surgeons in the area and was voted “Top Doc” by Main Line Today magazine for many years. He is especially noted for his expertise in total joint replacement surgery and arthroscopic surgery. He visited national centers to obtain the training and expertise that he developed over decades of practice, performing thousands of joint replacement surgeries. Dr. Ruggiero is a leader in his field and has helped to pioneer some of the orthopaedic advancements that we have seen used over the years. He shares his experience and skill with his colleagues by mentoring them to achieve their highest potential of excellence.

As a lifelong athlete and an avid competitive runner, Dr. Ruggiero competes in over fifty races per year ranging from 5K’s to half-marathons, usually placing or winning in his division. His most coveted race is the one he started himself in 2002, the annual “Race Against Arthritis” 5K Run/Walk, which benefits the Arthritis Foundation and promotes healthy lifestyles and exercise. In 2004, he was awarded the Financial Development Award by the Arthritis Foundation for his efforts. In 2005, Dr. Ruggiero’s “Race Against Arthritis” was recognized by the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation and was asked to join his race with the annual Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis. Dr. Ruggiero’s efforts helped raise over $200,000.00 for the Arthritis Foundation in 2009.

Despite his busy professional life, Dr. Ruggiero is also a family man. Along with his wife, he has two children and four grandchildren, with whom he spends most of his spare time.