Dr. Richard Louis Mcgough, MD

I am writing to formally express my deep concern regarding the conduct of Dr. Richard McGough during an appointment with him in August 2025 involving my daughter, who is currently battling terminal cancer. My daughter is 38 years young. After five years of fighting breast cancer, she was declared cancer-free just six months ago. Tragically, her cancer has since returned and metastasized to her bones—including her back, skull, and hip. Four weeks ago, she was informed that her condition is now terminal. On the day of her appointment with Dr. McGough, she was in severe pain, and the visit had been scheduled by the doctor's office to discuss recent test results—not initiated by her. Dr. McGough entered the room without any apparent preparation or familiarity with her case. His first words were, “Why are you here?” followed by “Who is your doctor?” and then, “I don’t know you!” When my daughter named her physician, he responded dismissively, saying, “Oh, I am his boss.” At the time, she… was lying on her side due to intense hip pain from bone metastasis. Dr. McGough insisted she sit up, showing no regard for her physical limitations or the extensive medical history available in the UPMC system. He then criticized her for using crutches—despite her documented hip fracture—and told her to “go home and live her life.” When he asked if she had pain at the top of her hips and she confirmed that was exactly where her pain was located, he abruptly turned and left the room without further examination, explanation, or support. This interaction was not only medically inappropriate but emotionally damaging. It lacked compassion, professionalism, and basic human decency. My daughter (and yours too) deserves to be treated with dignity and care, especially given the gravity of her diagnosis and the pain she was enduring. I am requesting a thorough review of this incident and an explanation of how his superiors intend to address such conduct. Patients facing terminal illness should never be subjected to dismissive or demeaning treatment—especially from those entrusted with their care and full access to their medical records.

I am this doctor. Much of what is said here is pretty inaccurate. Starts with the expertise list and proceeds. I’d advise you not to trust random internet comments.

I am this doctor. Much of what is said here is pretty inaccurate. Starts with the expertise list and proceeds. I’d advise you not to trust random internet comments.

Dr. McGough gave our child the best care possible. His bedside manner is excellent. His sugical techniques proved to be exceptional as our child had a rare condition that required surgical interventions that had not been previously documented. He saved our child’s life in so many ways. His kindness and expertise made a difference in the recovery process. It has been 10 years since Dr. McGough cared for our child that is now an adult, but we continue to be grateful the excellent care he provided. We are thankful that Dr. McGough chose a profession that helps others. We will forever be grateful for him.

HE wAs VerrY! MEAN tO ME >:( I DO NOT" LIke hImm!! :((((

Completely pompous and claimed he can cure cancer. Made remarks about there being plenty of sh** doctors in UPMC. Completely disregarded an obvious infection my partner had after his miracle surgery and went him home with absolutely nothing. Completely condescending and does not listen to his patients or explain other potential treatments or options. He should not even be in the medical field at all and I would not trust anything he says.

Dr. McGough is exceptional!

I am a large woman, over 300 lbs and he actually was talking to me thinking I was a patient who was 171 lbs. I have no confidence in him at all.

Best doctor anyone would be lucky to have

All I can say is I have been working in healthcare for 10 years and Richard is one of the best surgeons in Pittsburgh. He operated on a tumor on my shoulder and the pain was so minimal I couldn't even believe.