Richard Harding, MD, FACS

Board Certified General Surgeon

Portrait of Dr. Harding

Richard J. Harding, M.D., F.A.C.S. 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.

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. He is active in the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons. He 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 also treats simple and complex hernias, gallbladder disease, colon cancer, diverticulitis, and gastroesophageal reflux conditions. He performs many abdominal wall reconstructions in patients who have complex hernia conditions, usually resulting from prior surgical procedures or prior failed ventral hernia repairs.

Dr. Harding graduated Magna Cum Laude from Vanderbilt University and went on to graduate from medical school at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 1989. He completed his surgical training at Georgetown University in 1995. Dr. Harding also served in the US Naval Reserve from 1989 to 2004. In 2003 he served on active duty as a Commander in the U.S. Navy in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Dr. Harding is a founding member of Arizona Associated Surgeons, a private practice formed with the goal of providing state-of-the-art, comprehensive patient care. He now serves as the Section Chief for the Division of General Surgery at St. Joseph's Medical Center.

Through his education and years of practice, Dr. Harding developed expertise in performing minimally invasive operations, which utilize small incisions. This type of surgery allows patients to recover more quickly, with less scarring and pain. Regarding his approach to surgery, Dr. Harding says, "I enjoy helping patients feel better. It gives me great satisfaction to perform surgery that not only addresses the surgical condition but also provides a substantial improvement in his or her quality of life."

Dr. Harding is happily married to a beautiful nurse, with four children and has resided in Arizona for the past 22 years.

Procedures Performed and Conditions Treated by Dr. Richard Harding

Endocrine Systems

Abdominal (Gastrointestinal and Solid Organ) Surgery

Simple and Complex Hernia Repair


Dr. Harding Is A Member Of These Organizations


Hospitals and Surgery Centers Staffed At


Patient Testimonials

Mind G. - "Dr Harding is a wonderful surgeon and good listener. He patiently and in perfect detail, explains ultrasound results and procedure steps. He saved my thyroid from a traditional thyroidectomy by performing thyroid nodule ablation on a large thyroid nodule I‘ve had for years. My neck looks better and my TSH level is back in the normal range. I highly recommend this safe and effective alternative to traditional medication and surgery."

Richard & Deanna G. - "Dr. Harding recently removed a large adenoma from my husband's parathyroid. Both the surgery and recovery were extremely successful. We can understand why he is continually one of the top surgeons in his field. We were also impressed by his excellent communication skills. he easily relates to his patients answering any questions they might have while explaining in simple terms all elements of the upcoming procedure as well as the recovery. Sincere thanks, Dr. Harding Richard & Deanna Gale"

Mary H. - "Dr. Harding spared me from needing a thyroidectomy. He and his staff are amazing! He did thyroid nodule ablation on me, and the procedure was easy and comfortable. I always feel well taken care of when I'm in his office. He's thorough, knowledgeable, and has a good sense of humor. His nurses and PAs are nice, warm, and caring. I always look forward to going in for follow up appointments."

Sandy C. - "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!"

Nicole N. - "Had a total thyroidectomy in 2017. He was amazing, I could've returned to work the next day. No pain, my scar is so minimal people only notice it if I point it out, and I never used creams or treatment. He is really the best!"

Melody M. & William J. - "My father was recently diagnosed with a hernia which required surgery; it was important he have a highly skilled surgeon and we were certainly pleased with Dr. Harding. My father shared this review of Dr. Harding and his staff. Dr. Richard Harding exceeded my expectations, not only is he exceptionally knowledgeable, he is also highly personable. Dr. Harding was thorough in his explanation of the procedure and walked me through each step of the surgery and after care. His office staff is extremely caring, friendly and attentive to patient needs. My surgical procedure was completed at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center where patient care is definitely a high priority. I was in very capable hands; I highly recommend Dr. Harding. Beyond that, St. Joseph's Hospital, with excellent staff in all departments, is a Five Star operation! The entire process was over the moon and I am grateful! Sincerely, surgical patient William Jones"

Randy M. - "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."

Source: Google.com - Google Reviews Link

Location and Contact Info

Image of Dr. Harding's office
  • Main Location:
  • Third Street Surgical
  • 2320 N 3rd Street
  • Phoenix, AZ 85004
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