About
Robert E. McLaughlin II, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over 25 years of surgical experience and a sub-specialty in shoulder and knee injuries. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia as an Echols Scholar, graduating with academic distinction. He then returned to Charlottesville and completed his medical degree at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. His General Surgery Internship took him to the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, followed by an Orthopedic Surgery residency at the Rothman Institute under Dr. Richard Rothman.
Dr. McLaughlin completed a fellowship in shoulder surgery and sports medicine at the Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center with Dr. Felix 'Buddy' Savoie, a past president of the Arthroscopy Association of North America. He holds multiple US patents as the principal inventor of the Knotilus™ Loop implant system, a knotless surgical anchor for rotator cuff repair, labral repair, shoulder instability, and knee and ankle injuries; Stryker Orthopedics distributes it worldwide. He has performed ultrasound-guided injections for over a decade. Beyond surgery, his interests include Spanish-language care; he spent time volunteering at the National Children's Hospital in Costa Rica and lived in both Valencia and Barcelona, where he developed full fluency in Spanish. The Salem News and the Boston Globe have both featured his work, including a story about helping a Haiti earthquake victim walk again.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of Virginia (Echols Scholar, undergraduate degree)
Medical School
University of Virginia School of Medicine (MD)
Residency
Orthopedic Surgery Residency, Rothman Institute, Philadelphia
Fellowship
Fellowship in Shoulder Surgery and Sports Medicine, Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center, with Dr. Felix 'Buddy' Savoie
Additional Training
General Surgery Internship, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Certifications
Languages
English, Spanish
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. McLaughlin II right for?
Dr. McLaughlin is a strong fit for adults dealing with shoulder or knee injuries who want to work directly with their surgeon on every visit. Patients considering surgery, or those who want to explore non-surgical options first, benefit from his shared decision-making approach. Anyone who needs a timely evaluation can take advantage of his 24 to 48 hour appointment availability. Spanish-speaking patients will find he delivers fully fluent care in Spanish.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. McLaughlin specializes in shoulder and knee injuries. He treats rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, shoulder instability, and a range of knee conditions. He addresses both surgical and non-surgical cases, tailoring the treatment plan to each patient's specific situation.
Dr. McLaughlin sees every patient personally on every visit. He does not delegate consultations or follow-ups to physician extenders. This direct-access model means patients work with their surgeon throughout the entire care process.
Dr. McLaughlin offers cortisone injections, PRP therapy, viscosupplementation, and ultrasound-guided injections in-office. He has performed ultrasound-guided injections for over a decade. For patients who need additional support, he also provides physical therapy referrals.
Yes, Dr. McLaughlin holds board certification in orthopedic surgery. He earned his medical degree at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and completed his orthopedic residency at the Rothman Institute in Philadelphia.
Dr. McLaughlin completed his fellowship in shoulder surgery and sports medicine at the Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center. He trained under Dr. Felix 'Buddy' Savoie, a past president of the Arthroscopy Association of North America.
The Knotilus™ Loop implant system is a knotless surgical anchor that Dr. McLaughlin invented. It supports rotator cuff repair, labral repair, shoulder instability procedures, and knee and ankle surgeries. Stryker Orthopedics distributes it worldwide, and Dr. McLaughlin holds multiple US patents as its principal inventor.
Yes, Dr. McLaughlin is fully fluent in Spanish. He developed his fluency while living in Valencia and Barcelona and volunteering at the National Children's Hospital in Costa Rica. Spanish-speaking patients can communicate with him directly in their preferred language.
The practice schedules appointments within 24 to 48 hours. Dr. McLaughlin also offers second opinion evaluations and expedited MRI scheduling for patients who need timely diagnostic clarity.
Dr. McLaughlin uses a shared decision-making process with every patient. He personally reviews all imaging during the visit and walks through the findings together with the patient. This approach ensures each patient understands their options before any treatment plan moves forward.
Doctor profile last updated March 21, 2026