What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.80
Average wait time
4.65
Bedside manner
4.75
“If I could leave 6 stars I would. Friendly staff, quick but not rushed appointment, solid next steps and treatment plan. Very happy with my visit. ”
Paul M.September 26, 2025
“My appointment could not have gone smoother. Staff was great and Dr. Thal knew immediately what the issue with my knee was, explained it well, and answered all my questions considerately.”
Initials hiddenMarch 25, 2025
About Dr. Raymond Thal
Dr. Thal is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from Loyola University Chicago and completed his internship in General Surgery and residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. He also holds a bachelor's degree from Franklin & Marshall College. Board Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS), Dr. Thal has earned the Subspecialty Certification in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (CAQSM).
Throughout his career, Dr. Thal has been recognized as a leader in orthopaedic sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery, focusing on shoulder, knee, and elbow injuries. He has served as an orthopaedic consultant for numerous professional, collegiate, and scholastic teams, including as Head Team Physician for the Washington Football Team (formerly Washington Redskins) from 2000 to 2008. In April 2005, Hall of Fame NFL Coach Joe Gibbs said, “I can honestly say there isn’t a medical team out there that’s as capable as we have in talking about Ray Thal, Tony Casolaro and Jim Andrews. Those are some of the top people in sports medicine.” In 2021, Dr. Thal joined OrthoBethesda to establish the Washington Sports Medicine Institute. He is excited to collaborate with the specialists at OrthoBethesda, with plans to build a Sports Medicine Center of Excellence in Tysons, Virginia.
Dr. Thal has been active in orthopaedic innovation and is internationally recognized for his technological developments. He holds 18 U.S. patents and 26 international patents for medical devices and instruments he invented, including the world’s first Knotless Suture Anchor. Because of these advances, Dr. Thal has served as a guest speaker and visiting surgeon throughout the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia. In 2020, he expanded his involvement in medical innovation by establishing Thal Innovations, LLC. He is passionate about the impact medical breakthroughs can have on patients’ quality of life.
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Office location
Education and background
Practice names
Board certifications
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
- Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery)
Education and training
- Medical School - Loyola University Chicago, Doctor of Medicine
- Franklin & Marshall College (Bachelor's)
- Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Internship in General Surgery
- Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Residency in Orthopedic Surgery
- Orthopaedic Research of Virginia, Fellowship in Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine
Professional memberships
- Arthroscopy Association of North America
Awards and publications
- Dr. Thal has been Voted a “Top Doctor” by Washingtonian Magazine
- Dr. Thal Holds 18 United States Patents and 26 International Patents for Medical Devices and Instruments He Has Invented, Including the World’s First Knotless Suture Anchor
Languages spoken
- English
Provider's gender
Male
NPI number
1366425753
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.80
Wait time
4.65
Bedside manner
4.75
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
103 reviews
Most relevant
Dr. Thal explained the issue and treatment well, seemed nice, and I was seen right away.
December 3, 2025Tyler K.Verified patient
I was seen and got a diagnosis so quickly! I really appreciated how professional and helpful everyone was.
February 27, 2025Rebecca P.Verified patient
Very professional, expedient and thorough. Highly recommend.
November 5, 2025Initials hidden
Dr. Thal is very knowledgeable and kind. I have nothing but good things to say about him.
September 12, 2023Initials hidden
Highly recommend Dr Thal and team!! Professional and efficient operations from top to bottom.
September 22, 2022Tozer H.Verified patient
Straightforward and to the point. Gave recommendations, respectful, knowledgeable. Highly recommend.
August 7, 2017Nabil D.Verified patient
Great service, minimal waiting time and professional and caring.
More than 1 year agoWC
Excellent attention and attitude was great!!
October 14, 2025Marco V.Verified patient
If I could leave 6 stars I would. Friendly staff, quick but not rushed appointment, solid next steps and treatment plan. Very happy with my visit.
September 26, 2025Paul M.Verified patient
My appointment could not have gone smoother. Staff was great and Dr. Thal knew immediately what the issue with my knee was, explained it well, and answered all my questions considerately.
March 25, 2025Initials hidden
Amazing doctor. Very quick and thorough. The whole visit is a breeze and I feel my treatment plan for my broken bone is appropriate and it helps my healing
October 9, 2024Joseph I.Verified patient
Dr Thal took time with me. Good visit
September 30, 2024John B.Verified patient
I booked an appointment to look into a possible ACL re-tear. The staff were really helpful in ensuring that I know how to get to the place and that the paperwork is in order, and Dr Raymond Thal seemed very proficient in what he does as well based on his insights and answers.
August 26, 2024Jingwei C.Verified patient
Great customer service.
March 26, 2024Angel M.Verified patient
Great staff.
December 8, 2023Janine B.Verified patient
I was very impressed by Dr. Thal. He knows his subject, relates it well to the uninitiated, and has an excellent bedside manner. I highly recommend him for your orthopedic needs.
Thank you, Dr. Thal.
Eduardo Melendez
November 25, 2023Eduardo M.Verified patient
Very attentive staff and doctor. They took time to appraise my condition and provide me with short and long term treatment options. I left there actually feeling better and in less pain and not because they performed an proceedures but because the doctor put my mind at ease now that I know what my condition is and we have a plan.
September 11, 2023James B.Verified patient
I have told Dr. I have a problem and in pain for my left knee but he only listened very briefly and sent me for X-ray for both knee and said he finds no problem, I was charged for both knee X-ray with no resolve, My left knee is still in pain. I felt Dr. was just wanted to leave the offer as I have seen him left office before I left…
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Very professional. Easy to talk too.
More than 1 year agoJames P.Verified patient
Well run office and staff
June 23, 2022James T J.Verified patient
Very professional and thorough
March 17, 2022Sandy E.Verified patient
Fast processing and efficient service. Registration, Xray, consultation and injection of Cortisone all within one hour. Dr. Thal was professional and took time to explain the procedure and answer all my questions.
More than 1 year agoRenick M.Verified patient
Very professional, great explanation of my daughter's problem. Was able to fit her in for surgery before he left on vacation and called the day after surgery to check on her.
August 19, 2016Gianna M.Verified patient
I was very pleased with Dr. Thal's treatment plan for my impending surgery. He is extremely professional & knowledgeable with an excellent "bedside manner". He explained my rotater cuff injury & surgery in layman's terms & did offer alternatives to surgery. I highly respect & value his medical expertise & regard for his patients!
More than 1 year agoSC
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February 27, 2025Tyler B.Verified patient
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How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Raymond Thal?
Generally, Dr. Raymond Thal has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Thal's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Raymond Thal accepting new patients?
Dr. Raymond Thal generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Thal's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Raymond Thal accept my insurance?
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Can I make an appointment with Dr. Raymond Thal online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Thal using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. Raymond Thal work with?
Dr. Raymond Thal works with OrthoBethesda.
Where is Dr. Raymond Thal's office located?
Dr. Raymond Thal's office is located at 8401 Greensboro Dr, McLean, VA 22102.
Which board certifications does Dr. Raymond Thal have?
Dr. Raymond Thal is certified by American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery).
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Raymond Thal?
Dr. Raymond Thal frequently sees patients for Knee Pain, Knee Problems, Orthopedic Consultation, Shoulder Pain, and Sports Injury. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Raymond Thal on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Raymond Thal speak?
Dr. Raymond Thal speaks English.
How do patients rate Dr. Raymond Thal in reviews?
103 patients have reviewed Dr. Raymond Thal. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.8/5. They have a 4.75/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.65/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.