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 (91)
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He listened to what I had to say. He was easy to understand and explained what they think is happening to me. I finally have a direction to go in which will hopefully help my situation. He is friendly , up beat and professional.
Dr Pavao is amazing! He is so patient, caring, a great listener, and has a real concern for his patients wellbeing. He is the absolute BEST!
Dr. Pavao is always extremely pleasant and patient. He explains things in an understandable manner. He encourages and answers any questions that I may have. His staff is always friendly and helpful.
The provider is great listens to any concerns or questions I may have I would recommend him to my family and friends
My appointment was scheduled the same day as I had been in pain for a long period of time. I see no way that you could improve this experience
Provider and staff in this office are always kind and professional. Dr. Pavao always reviews my history, discusses plans/options in detail and answers any questions I have.
Great communication with the patient.Very caring and supportive!
Today's visit was very smooth. I was seen at my Appointment time and everyone was professional and kind.
Dr. Pavao has helped me tremendously in managing my pain with my neck. He is extremely professional and personable. I have felt so much better since I have been seeing him. I highly recommend Dr.Pavao! I always tell him he is the best whenever I leave his office and it's true!!!
Courteous staff. Knowledgeable and friendly provider. Clean and bright facility. Would recommend Dr Pavao and Southcoast without reservation.
No complaints at all. All I encountered were great at their responsibilities. The Dr. was great he explained everything extremely well and answered all my questions
Dr Pavao was wonderful. I look forward to our next visit. His staff was also very kind outstanding experience.
The staff was friendly and treated me with the utmost Respect and Dignity! The provider listened to me and developed a treatment plan that met my goals!
The Doctor is very patient-centric. He demonstrated that he could adjust his schedule to take care of me in a time of need. Since recoveries for this ailment are somewhat individualistic, the Doctor remained familiar and aware of my specific needs. Thank you.
Dr.Pavo is a asset to Southcoast for sure.He listens to you and will reply back with a answer you can relate to and understand.
Always a great visit
The major important factor was that Dr Pavao listened carefully and acted on that information. I feel confident in going forward with care from him.
My appointment was on time. I really liked the staff, they were very kind to me. I really liked the Doctor. He was very caring about my lower back pain. He's very thorough, gentle, and made me feel so comfortable. Thank you for caring.?
Everything was great with my visit
Dr Pavao is caring and compassionate. He has a wonderful personality.
Dr. Pavao didn't give up trying to find pain relief.
The staff were friendly and polite. My waiting time to see my doctor was less than 10 minutes.
This doctor always answers my questions and explains things in a clear manner. He is very knowledgeable about my issue. All office staff are polite, friendly and professional.
Doctor Paveo is an excellent individual. He listened to me then explained everything to me. Both him and Doctor [Name] are the best.
Very professional and exc communicator w positive action (try to get insurance and appointment for treatment lined up).
Everyone was polite and helpful
Dr Pavao was very friendly, well informed and very interested in getting to the root of my problem. He listened carefully and asked important questions. He explained everything in a way I could easily understand what my problem was and the treatment plan for me. He was wonderful and I would highly recommend him.
The provider was well informed about my condition, as this was my first visit, and listened to my specific concerns regarding my situation.
The Dr. +staff are GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Doctor put patient at ease when discussing procedure advised. Gave assurance and comfort. It was a pleasure to meet a doctor that really listened.
Dr. Pavao gave me great advice on what to do about my pain which was lots better than what I thought it would be. He answered my questions and my husband's questions also. Great doctor.
Dr Pavao's human skill and the way he communicates with his patients is outstanding ! He clearly lessens a patients anxiety with his calm demeanor. He is informative and his knowledge of his craft is nothing short of amazing! I would recommend him 100% without any hesitation.