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About M. Richard Pavao MD
Dr. M. Richard Pavao received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, in Amherst, Massachusetts before he went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine from the UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester, Massachusetts. Dr. Pavao then completed his medical education with a residency in Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine and a fellowship in Pain Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.
After completing his clinical education, he returned to UMass Chan Medical School as an assistant professor, teaching and mentoring students in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine. He has also contributed his expertise to various medical journals. Dr. Pavao previously served as the Chief of the Division of Pain Medicine at UMass Memorial Health and Chair of the UMass Chan Faculty Council.
Dr. Pavao was first inspired to become a physician during his childhood. He was always interested in science and enjoyed being around people. When choosing a career, he loved the concept of combining the two. Growing up in the South Coast region, prior to attending medical school, he was able to shadow primary care physicians who rounded and treated patients at Charlton Memorial Hospital. Today, he credits those positive experiences in solidifying his calling to become a physician.
He believes that all patients deserve to be treated by highly qualified healthcare providers in a respectful, compassionate and inclusive environment, and that a physician’s role is to listen, and offer treatment that is safe and evidence-based to improve the quality of life.
To him, Southcoast Health is a staple in the community and its positive impact expands far beyond the hospitals’ footprints.
When not working, he enjoys participating in athletic training such as Cross-Fit, Orange Theory and 9Round kickboxing. He also enjoys golfing and swimming for recreation with family and friends.
Locations
235 Hanover Street
Fall River, MA
02720
Fall River, MA
02720
100 Rosebrook Way
Wareham, MA
02571
Wareham, MA
02571
Insurance
Southcoast Health accepts most major insurance plans. Call the Southcoast Health patient registration department at 844-297-2952 or your health plan with any questions regarding coverage.
Ratings & Reviews
At Southcoast Health, we strive to deliver exceptional patient care along with an exceptional patient experience. We appreciate all of your feedback and share your comments to recognize the wonderful care our teams provide to you as well as identify areas for improvement.
Patient Comments (113)
Dr P Home took over for another physician that I had for many years. He's been kind sympathetic and listened to everything I had to say. he is a very concerned physician. With pain management it's a difficult road. He's made it easier for me.
The doctor took me from an excruciating leg and back pain to no pain at all. God Bless Dr Pavao. Great doctor!
He made me feel comfortable and listened. We exchanged solutions to my problems that made me feel that he actually cared.
The person who I checked in was not nice at all
Everything is great.
I grew up here and moved back after 35 years. It was very difficult to get an appointment with a specialist in a timely manner. It still wasn't as quickly as I would've liked it to be, but it was much quicker than other places. Dr. Pavao treated me like gold and is getting me in for surgery very quickly. Much quicker than I would've gotten anywhere else. I will definitely be seeing him in the future.
This doctor was empathetic and had great listening skills.
This is [Name] [Name] and I was very grateful that Dr. Pavo was very knowledgeable about what I was doing, about what's going on with me, about my medication and he offered another medication to add on to what I'm doing and so I'm very pleased. He was very informative and very kind.
It was such a great experience. The facility was high quality, I felt valued, and everyone was kind, caring, and professional. I believe my care in in good hand there.
Attentive and knowledgeable
I would prefer to have 1 or 2 in-person visits every 6 months. It's too easy for my doctor to miss something different or a new symptom.
The service was excellent. Thank you.
Nothing everything was just fine,there is always room for making it newer or just to remodel. I just happen to like it the way it was. Have a good day and thank you for giving me the opportunity to say how I feel about southcoast health and all of it's fine Dr s.
The doctor was very good. He explained everything to me. Thank you.
He listen to me ,and not rush me out.it is very important when ur health provider listen and have conversation .
Very professional and understanding of my needs
was very informative. Thank you for your help.
All is good, took care of my lower back pain today and it helped thank you
Dr. Pavao did the best he could for the situation. Unfortunately there is nothing else that can be done, he explained clearly and I agree. Prior I was upset with him but I was wrong so I apologized to him. I appreciate the exceptional care.
The Check in group are great to work with. The staff I interacted with were very personable and helpful.
Very attentive to the needs of the patient. Explains plan of care with the patient to ensure understanding for future goals.
All went well n timely. Dr Pavao is very good n patient, kind and takes action on patient needs. Also listens to patient. Awesome.
Absolutely fantastic office and staff. Treated like you are part of the team helping to keep you healthy
Dr. Pavao was very thorough and informative to my questions and goals He is supportive of my efforts and I feel very grateful to have him in my corner.
Yes, there probably is no room for improvement. Dr. Pavao is a fantastic doctor. He's always asking questions on how I'm doing and he shows great interest in my pain and how we can control it. And he's a very good doctor and as far as I'm concerned, he's the best yet that I've ever had.
They were very professional
Dr. Pavao is a very kind and caring doctor. He has explained to me how the pain drugs work and how they effect the brain's pain receptors in such a way that has made me decide that I don't want to take some of them any longer. He's very positive and lets me know how he feels about how I am weaning myself off the drug. He makes me feel good about my decision to be off the opioids that I have taken for years.
You explain what's going on in my situation and what the solution can be. Thank you.
Very polite and knowledgeable
I have never had a problem with my doctor, Dr. Paveo he is polite if I ask questions he always provide me with answers.
always professional, courteous and effective
Yes, they did very well to me today and they were very excellent people. That's all I have to say.
Great care and compassion
Everyone is very nice and they listen to any concerns and answer questions I may have about my back pain
He checked my records as to previous testing where to do the injections. Very professional.
Dr. Pavo is caring, compassionate and professional. He listens to the patient attentively. His bedside manner is A+.
Dr Sara Charnecki is fantastic. Listens to everything that you are concerned about. Very good
Excellent professional care from a great physician.
Always friendly
When I called to make an appointment the scheduler knew I needed to be seen as soon as possible and got me an appointment asap. Dr Pavao always takes my pain seriously!
I am very happy with Dr. Pavao. I had an ablation on my back. I am pain free.
Dr. Pavao and his staff are outstanding! Hardly any wait time at all! Highly recommend Dr. Pavao for Pain management!
Dr Pavao is dedicated to getting me pain free. He listen carefully and explains every detail he discusses. An excellent doctor who cares about his patients.
Everyone was pleasant and polite, and Dr Pavao deserves a 10 in every category !!
Dr Pavao is a great provider and I love his staff!!
Southcoast Hasn't Done Well @ All !
Amazing and polite staff. Dr Pavao was kind, attentive and thorough. He allowed me to speak my history and gave a thoughtful assessment. Would highly recommend him.
Everything was done perfectly
Pretty good, making appointments and he listens very attentively
This is [Name] [Name] and I was very happy with my visit today. Dr. Pavo listened to me very carefully and we discussed my issues with my back. The staff was, secretarial staff were excellent and I guess that's it.
Dr Pavao is knowledgeable and attentive. He listens to my concerns and is empathetic.
Dr Pavao seems very caring and aware of my problems. And took time to hear me out. And to explain everything to me clearly and what the expectations were for further care.
Was pleasant visit
Dr. Pavaou00A0seems to be very knowledgeable and supportive
Everything went just right, No problems
Everyone was pleasant , timely and informed as to my chart and condition
Dr. Pavao was excellent!
Personable and professional, and understanding, and supportive.
Had my first in person with Dr Pavio and what a difference going into the office, they treated me like a person, also listened to how I was doing how he could help me in any way returns phone calls , Also the women in the office treated me with respect I haven't felt this comfortable in a long time coming to my pain management appointment
Dr.Pavao's nurse in the office called me this morning to check me in. She was very thorough in her questions so Dr. Pavao would have any and all info he might need.
Dr.Pavo is great he listens carefully to you.
The provider is so professional and caring . He listens to the concerns of the patient .
I really felt comfortable speaking with Dr. Pavao and he made an effort to understand my health history and made me feel very comfortable during our conversation.
Dr. Pavao is simply the best when it comes to pain management. I have had neck issues and my pain level has improved so much for the better!!! I highly recommend Dr. Pavao to manage any painful issues you may have.
Timely,curtious,pleasant I enjoy having a doctor that doesn't act like he cares. When he really does
Dr Pavao is the best. I have no pain after he performed an ablation on my back.
Dr Pavao was very informative and receptive toHow I feltAnd what I needed.
All is good I was well taken care of thank you
Dr Pavao is truly a wonderful doctor. He listens carefully and answers all your questions. He explains thoroughly what the next steps are and what the prognosis is. He is truly a Top Notch Doctor.
Dr pavao is a great doctor. Listens attentively and explains everything.
Was well informed, polite, courteous and discussed my health and treatment needs.
Doctor knew my history, listened tome carefully, excellent. Doctor.
Dr. Pavao is always a pleasure to deal with, and he always takes the time to listens to my concerns.[Name] [Name]
Dr Pavao is very informative and courteous. Great bedside manner
Very good job
Being a new patient, I was treated exceptionally by all the staff I came in contact with.
Understanding the importance of how this clinic helps me in my everyday life/ living
Excellent and caring
They treated me very well
Its funny, I forgot you did surveys. While I was waiting for the Dr. I said to myself, wow everyone here is so friendly. From the reception to the woman who brought me to the room. Very pleasant. Dr. Pavao is very professional yet personable and easy to talk with.
This appt was with a Dr we didn't know and it must be difficult until they get to know you. He explained that things going forward will be different. He explained it very well and was very respect-full about everyone involved.
Dr Pavao did an excellent job explaining what he and the pain clinic could and couldn't do to help me. He was honest and straightforward and I actually felt bad for him in having to give me a certain amount of bad news. I may not have wanted to hear it, but it was relayed in an honest and empathetic way.
Very informative easy to understand very attentive
Provider was new to me as this my first time seeing him. He was very Pleasant and seemed to be interested in my well being. We'll see how future appointments go.
Dr Pavao meet my pain needs immediately at this visit
Dr. Pavao is an exceptional and professional doctor. He asks me questions about everything and makes me feel like he cares about my health and well-being. The nurse is very kind and friendly too.
It's good that you continue using the patient call system, as it often makes it difficult for us to be present at the clinic. Thank you very much.
response to my request was immediate into my appointment was also immediate staff was friendly and respectful
He checked my records and realized what was my problem. He talked to me and explained everything to me that I could understand. And I really appreciate somebody that will listen like he did, but he knew most of the things that I was going to tell him. He told me about it. So I really appreciate him. Thank you.
Dr Pavao listened to me then reviewed my records and prescriptions. He then discussed my symptoms and suggested that an adjustment to my medications might be helpful to alleviate some of my pain. Dr Pavao was patient kind and compassionate and very empathetic. I appreciated his honesty.
Professional, friendly and efficient
The doctor was very thorough with me. He understood my needs. He understood that he had already knew the information about my DAC. It was the first time he had seen me, so I was very pleased.
Dr Pavo is the best.
Dr Pavaou00A0was very pleasant and professional, which is a combination that's often missing with medical personnel. He listened, and seemed genuinely interested in me. He explained things clearly and concisely. The staff was very understanding and helpful, as well.
Spoke very clearly and listened to what I was saying. And was concerned about the possible problems that could accure. Everyone in this office does a wonderful job and always is very courteous.
He was very informative to what was going on. Especially with Medicare
The staff is always pleasant, friendly and helpful . I move slowly, walk with a cane and the staff never rush me they walked with me not ahead of me. They make me feel comfortable during my visit plus I enjoy talking with them. Well trained staff.
Provider was kind in addressing my issues
My experience was excellent. I have negative to say about my Dr.or his staff. I am very pleased with the outcome of my treatment. I get the best of care from everyone involved. Thank you Southcoast Health ?
My experience with Dr. Pavaou00A0was excellent. My experience with one of the girls that works there, whose name is [Name], was my worst experience.
First time with new provider, very kind and considerate. Explained care plan going forward. He's in contact with other providers to assess and plan to resume pain management care after wrist surgery care by Dr.[Name]. Very happy with our initial visit. Thank you
Overall everything was good. I arrived and went inside to see the doctor within 5 minutes. No problem with this doctor or staff. Keep doing what you are doing.
They never returned phone calls even if you call five times, just excuse after excuse.!!!!!!!
Today, August 25, 2025 was my very first appointment with this provider. He was very informative and helpful during my visit. We both look forward to sharing more information in our upcoming appointments. He seems to care about the health and wellness of his patients Thank you kindly. [Name] [Name]
The service was excellent. The Doctor was very pleasant and listened to what we were saying. Excellent care. Hope it stays that way?
Dr Pavao put me at ease for the first time talking to him.
The staff is always super friendly and very helpful and Doctor Pavao awesome.
This was my first visit with Dr. Pavo. He was very professional and answered my questions the best that he could. I like going to the 480 Hawthorn St. office because of the people that are there. I will miss Dr. [Name] .
Everything is good Doctor Paveo is very helpful always and thank you
Dr Pavao is very professional, caring and he listens. He's very educated during the appointment and reads any documentation that needs his attention prior to seeing me. He has helped me tremendously with my spine and has made me feel so much better with much less pain. He's an amazing doctor
Dr.Pavao knew my history and I felt heard
On time appointment and doctor was very goog
Dr. Pavo + the staff are GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!