Dr. Thomas Richards, Dean of Biomedical Sciences, passed away on the morning of Aug. 29 after a struggle with lung cancer. Richards came to SCNM in July of 2004 as an Associate Professor teaching Anatomy. In November 2006 he was appointed as Dean of Biomedical Sciences with the goal of developing the foundation for SCNM's conversion to a semester calendar and the establishment of academic outcome competencies. In February of this year Richards was promoted to the rank of full professor.

“Thomas Richards was a rare individual. He was a scholar, he was a healer and he was an inspiration,” said Dr. Paul Mittman, President/CEO. “He brought laughter and knowledge to our students, was a leader among faculty and a friend to all.”

Dr. Richards received his Bachelor of Science (1965) and Master of Science (1967) in Zoology from the University of Idaho . He received his Ph.D. in Anatomy (1971) from the University of Michigan and subsequently did postdoctoral research on the biochemistry of experimental tumors at Harvard Medical School . He joined the faculty at Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) in 1972 where he taught gross and neuroanatomy, and was part of the National Large Bowel Cancer Project from 1978 to 1982. While at OHSU, Richards won the Basic Science Excellence in Teaching Award in 1985 and the Alan J. Hill Basic Science Distinguished Teaching Award in 1986 and 1988.

Leaving academic medicine, Richards earned his D.C. from Western States Chiropractic College (1987) graduating Cum Laude. He ran Richards Chiropractic Clinic from 1988 to 1996 and achieved diplomate status in the diagnosis of internal disorders in 1997. From 1996 to 2001, Richards practiced, and was the clinic director of the Natural Physician Center in Beaverton , Ore. He worked closely with three Naturopathic physicians to provide comprehensive health care including supplemental and natural medicines, physical medicine, homeopathy, and women's health.

Returning to academic medicine, Richards joined the faculty at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine teaching Gross and Neuroanatomy and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. He was then welcomed to SCNM in 2004.

“For almost every one who knew Dr. Richards he was a positive force in our lives. He was not only an excellent faculty member but a professional who really cared about assisting each and every person reach their highest potential,” said Dr. Rick Eberst, Provost. “He was always eager to offer guidance in taking the right path and in learning what was needed to excel. Under his quiet charm and thoughtful actions lied an exceptionally happy person who knew how to bring the best out in each student and colleague. He carried a confidence in himself without being arrogant. He was helpful without being intrusive. In all of his interactions, he was an artist in presenting his thoughts and opinion in ways that were uplifting. You always knew where you stood with him. However, no matter if you agreed or disagreed, he was always willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with you so as to jointly address challenges. He possessed clarity of purpose accompanied by a level of honesty that is not often found. I will personally miss his sage advice and his never-ending smile. He was a true asset to the College. Because of him SCNM is a much better institution and our community is a much better family. I offer my personal condolences to his family and to each and every member of the SCNM family which he blessed with his presence.”

Dr. Richards carried a bright energy that could be felt by all within the SCNM community. Students looked to him as a mentor and faculty and staff looked to him as a respected colleague and coworker. SCNM will forever be thankful for the guidance, hard work, dedication and friendship that Richards brought to the SCNM community.

“I remember Dr. Richards telling us in our first quarter that his passion in life is to teach Naturopathic doctors,” said Elana Gelman , 3 rd quarter student. “From day one he called us ‘young doctorés', he called all students ‘young doctorés'. He had the utmost confidence in every student from day one and he was always full of more energy than our entire class put together. We looked forward to his class and he was determined to make sure that every student learned and understood the material. His passion for teaching, his true amazement for human anatomy, his fascination of medicine and his genuine positive outlook on life was contagious. He will be missed by so many and his presence will forever leave a lasting impression.”