About us
State of the Art facilities and technologies
A full range of treatment options from minimally invasive procedures to surgical repair
Experienced, highly trained and dedicated staff
Dedication to compassionate, respectful patient care
Full range of treatment options from minimally invasive procedures to surgical repair
Specialties
Thyroid
Abdominal
Endocrine
Hernia
About Dr. Harding
Richard J. Harding, MD, FACS is a board-certified General Surgeon and has been in private practice; performing general surgery procedures since 1995. Dr. Harding has more than 25 years of experience in using minimally invasive surgical techniques. Dr. Harding's skill at small incision surgery and his high success rate, attract patients not only throughout Arizona, but from neighboring Utah, Nevada and New Mexico, as well as California, Canada, and Mexico and further. Patients often plan a vacation to Phoenix for their procedure and enjoy vacationing with their family and friends.
Education
Dr. Harding graduated Magna Cum Laude from Vanderbilt University in 1985 and went on to graduate from medical school at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 1989. He completed his General Surgical training at Georgetown University in 1995. Dr. Harding also served in the US Naval Reserve from 1989 to 2004. In 2003 he served in Operation Iraqi Freedom as Commander in the U.S. Navy.
Founding Member, AAS
Dr. Harding is a founding member of Arizona Associated Surgeons, which merged to form Arizona Advanced Surgery LLC. This private practice group formed with the goal of providing state-of-the-art, comprehensive patient care and is one of the largest private general surgery groups in the country.
Board-certified General Surgeon
Dr. Harding utilizes the most modern surgical techniques for general surgery which yields excellent results with shorter hospital recovery. This includes operations utilizing advanced laparoscopic surgery and robotic assisted laparoscopic surgery.
Dr. Harding has dedicated a large part of his practice to endocrine surgery. He has performed over 1900 endocrine operations within the last 5 years, for adrenal, thyroid and parathyroid conditions.
Care Philosophy
Dr. Harding recognizes that many of his patients have already undergone several evaluations before being referred to a specialist. Reviewing the information from previous assessments plays a crucial role in guiding further recommendations. To make the process as seamless as possible for patients, we offer in-office services, including ultrasound and biopsy capabilities. Dr. Harding is committed to educating his patients about their various medical conditions, empowering them to understand how their personal efforts can significantly improve their overall health. By partnering with patients in their care, the best possible outcomes are always achieved.les
Affiliations
Dr. Harding is a member of these organizations:
North American Society for Interventional Thyroidology
American Association of Endocrine Surgeons
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
American Board of Surgery
Arizona Medical Association
Arizona Chapter, American College of Surgeons
Arizona Associated Surgeons
Arizona Advanced Surgery
Fellow, American College of Surgeons
Creighton University School of Medicine, Associate Professor in Surgery
Maricopa County Medical Society
Phoenix Surgical Society
Southwest Surgical Society
St. Joseph's Medical Center
University of Arizona College of Medicine, Assistant Professor of Surgery
Forefront of Surgical Advances
Richard J. Harding MD has been on the forefront of surgical advances since arriving in Phoenix, Arizona. He was the first to perform many of the advanced laparoscopic and robotic operations at his hospitals.
Always on a mission to improve patient satisfaction, he was one of the first surgeons in the US to perform remote access robotic laparoscopic thyroid surgery in 2010. He continued to advance techniques for truly scar-less surgery with his introduction of Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach to Arizona in 2018. With over 28 years of performing ultrasound based diagnostic interventions, including saphenous vein ablation, he mastered ultrasound based therapies for the thyroid gland.
He introduced the radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of benign thyroid nodules to Arizona and the southwest in 2019. In 2024, Dr. Harding introduced Nanosecond Pulsed Field Ablation (nsPFA) for thyroid nodules, a high volutage DC electric field in very short-duration pulses.
Dr. Harding is the first surgeon in the Southwest to perform a Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy, which has the benefit of leaving no visible surgical scar. He is very familiar with the latest treatment guidelines for both thyroid and parathyroid diseases. He now also performs a Laparoscopic posterior adrenalectomy which significantly decreases recovery time for adrenal surgery conditions. For patients' convenience, many diagnostic tests and minor procedures can be performed in his office, including diagnostic ultrasound, ultrasound lymph node mapping, and ultrasound guided thyroid nodule biopsies.
Dr. Harding was the first surgeon in Arizona to perform thyroid nodule Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). He is the most experienced thyroid surgeon in Arizona having performed hundreds of minimally invasive thyroid nodule RFA treatments at the Thyroid Nodule Treatment Center, where he is Medical Director.
Dr. Harding was the 2nd surgeon in the country, and the 3rd surgeon in the world to perform Nanosecond Pulsed Field Ablation (nsPFA) on thyroid nodules. nsPFA creates a high volutage DC electric field in very short-duration pulses. It penetrates the cell membrane and disrupts internal cellular function, leading to regulated cell death. nsPFA eliminates targeted cells while sparing adjacent noncellular tissue. It is a nonthermal treatment because the total energy delivered is low. Unlike thermal (heat/cold) modalities, nsPFA directly impacts cellular structures while sparing noncellular tissue.
Cost-effective
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Skilled care
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Comfort
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Dr. Richard Harding, M.D., F.A.C.S
What our patients are saying
Dr. Richard Thank you SO very much for a flawless surgery! The experience was professional and absolutely 5 star!!
Dr. Harding, thank you so much for the wonderful care you gave me during my surgery last week. Your passion for your work did not go unnoticed. Your knowledge and skill are very much appreciated!
Thank you for putting an end to my nightmare!
I wanted to thank you for the excellent care I received throughout my surgery. I am beyond thankful that you are so ambitious and skilled. I truly admire your dedication to your practice, you are an impressive surgeon with cutting-edge expertise. From the moment I explored your website to the moment I met you, I knew I was in capable hands. I appreciate learning how you not only help patients locally, but globally. You touch my heart, thank you for being such an amazing human being!
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your exceptional level of skill, integrity and care which you have provided me. I appreciate your honesty and the time you have taken with me. I am grateful to have you as my surgeon.
Dr. Harding, besides being a wonderful surgeon, you are also kind, compassionate and caring. There are no words to express my appreciation.
Dr. Harding is a very pleasant man, very personable, easy to talk to and explains things so that you understand them. My experience was one of the most pleasant in my 72 years. Made me feel comfortable and treated me very respectful. Thank you so much!
Excellent surgeon. He is considered to be one of the best surgeon for the procedure I had, a total thyroidectomy. My wife is a retired RN and was totally impressed.
First, let me say that Dr. Harding and his office staff fully deserve the five star rating I've given. For my first consultation, the doctor scheduled ample time to describe, in detail, what needed to be done and how the surgery would be. He answered every question and patiently went into as much detail as needed to ensure I was fully informed. When the surgery had unexpected complications, the doctor took the extra time needed to address them, and the operation was a huge success. His office staff are friendly, attentive and very professional. You cannot get a better doctor.
Dr. Harding performed RFA on my large, benign thyroid nodule in March of 2020. From my first visit with him, I knew I was in good hands. He took a lot of time with me explaining the procedure and answering all of my questions. He is very professional but also friendly. While in his care, I have felt that he genuinely is concerned about my well being. My RFA procedure went very well. I was only his 3rd patient in the U.S. to have RFA but he and his staff put me at ease. I knew I was lucky to have this well renowned surgeon in my hometown of Phoenix willing to give me the option of RFA over thyroid removal! My nodule has shrunk about 80% in volume over the past year and I no longer have a deviated windpipe causing choking nor the potential for further complications. I am so thankful I was able to preserve my thyroid and avoid surgery!
Sandy C.
I chose the Thyroid RFA procedure, as opposed to traditional surgery, for several reasons. For one, I wanted to purse a minimally invasive route. Additionally, I wanted to avoid surgery in the hospital setting, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. I had no apprehension with pursuing Thyroid RFA. The procedure itself was painless once the local anesthetic took effect, and afterwards I only had minor neck tenderness that improved with Tylenol. Since the procedure, my vocal hoarseness and swallowing has improved significantly. Dr. Harding is very knowledgeable and the staff are professional. I would recommend getting evaluated to determine if you are a good candidate for the Thyroid RFA procedure.
Paul B.
I can’t speak highly enough about Dr. Harding and his staff. After receiving a shocking and scary thyroid cancer diagnosis, I contacted his office. Dr. Harding quickly got me in for a consult, answered our countless questions and quickly put us at ease. Before I knew it, I was out of surgery with a nearly painless thyroidectomy and lymph node removal. I had minimal pain (surprisingly!), and felt great within a couple days. My scarring is minimal a few weeks out and as time passes I expect it to be unnoticeable. No one wants cancer, but if this happens to you you definitely want Dr. Harding in your corner. He’s the best! Highly recommended.
12/24 I’m back again posting another great review for Dr. Harding. I was told I needed to have my gallbladder removed. After meeting with Dr. Harding, he told me he was not going to be doing my surgery. He gave me advice on my diet and some other recommendations and sent me on my way. How many surgeons are honest enough to tell you that you are not ready for an unneeded surgery? Always a fan of Dr. Harding!
J. Demaria
Dr Richard Harding is an angel and saved my life, wish I could go in deep with all the details… I was shocked when he called me on a Saturday night to inform me that the office phone was down and that someone would return my call later after I left a voicemail while the office phone had some issues. He truly knows what he is doing and may God bless him and his family and give him a long and healthy life so he can save many patients, amen!
Jodi was texting or calling me with updates and I felt like I was the only patient :), perfect communication!
His team is amazing and I’m glad to have them for my procedure and would recommend them to everyone.
Thanks!
Souleymane F.
I had a great experience with the Thyroid RFA procedure. Before the Thyroid RFA procedure, I was having issues swallowing and experiencing a frequent cough. However, after undergoing the Thyroid RFA procedure, my nodule shrunk and my symptoms have completely resolved. I felt very comfortable during the procedure. To me, pursuing the option of RFA made a lot more sense than conventional surgery, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. I felt like I was in good hands with Dr. Harding- he is phenomenal!
Joseph A.
I developed a large nodule on my neck that was making it difficult for me to swallow. This growth made it uncomfortable to exercise as well since it affected my breathing.Dr. Harding performed RFA on my nodule, and almost instantly, I felt like a new person. My discomfort and insecurity disappeared that same day and the nodule was noticeably smaller within the first week.It has been 8 months since the procedure and my nodule has been reduced by about 75%. I don't notice it at all, nor do my family or friends. Getting this procedure done has made my life more enjoyable and given me back my confidence. I am grateful for Dr. Harding and would recommend RFA to anyone in my situation.The procedure itself was painless and fairly quick.
Robert S.
I had a great experience with the Thyroid RFA. I underwent Thyroid RFA for a hyper-functioning thyroid nodule. Since the surgery, I no longer have to take daily medication for hyperthyroidism. My symptoms have all significantly improved since undergoing the Thyroid RFA procedure. The team at the Thyroid Nodule Treatment Center were all very supportive. Dr. Harding always made feel seen and heard. The medical staff provided great encouragement during the procedure. I appreciated the in-office ultrasound for real-time feedback on the reduction in size of the thyroid nodule. The ability to preserve your thyroid function by avoiding surgery is absolutely worth it!"
Rosemary C.
Dr. Harding is the Best... Go see him ..... Took fantastic care of me. Performed thyroid an gallbladder surgery... Thx Dr Harding ... Not many scars either...
Alisha M.
Dr Harding is a very good surgeon and clearly communicated expectations after the procedure was completed.
K. W.
He was very thoughtful and informative. I feel much better now. That evil thyroid is out.
Mark S.
This place is a gem. Highly recommend Dr. Harding and his staff.
Mary H.