Interim Executive Vice President, UNM Health Sciences
Interim Chief Executive Officer, UNM Health Systems
Education
MD – Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
MPA –University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
Business/Research Background
Dr. Richards has been a transformative leader for the University and health care in New Mexico, spearheading some of the health system’s most impactful initiatives. His efforts have laid the foundation for ongoing clinical growth and clinical partnerships, helping to make our state healthier and safer. As a statewide leader, Dr. Richards led the creation of New Mexico’s Medical Advisory Team during COVID-19 and played a crucial role in partnering with health care leadership to implement transformative Medicaid initiatives, including the recent Health Care Access Act, which increased Medicaid funding for New Mexico hospitals by $1.6 billion annually. In his 25-year tenure at UNM, Dr. Richards has proven to be an exceptional professor and mentor for our students, a dynamic physician for our patients, and an effective leader carrying out the Health Sciences Center’s missions.
He has a background as both an administrator and physician, having most recently served as Senior Vice President for Clinical Affairs. He has served as Interim Executive Vice President of UNM Health Sciences, Interim Dean of the UNM School of Medicine, and as a professor and former chair of the Emergency Medicine Department as well as former Chief of Staff at UNM Hospital.
Particular Knowledge and Skills
Dr. Richards received his medical training at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and a master of public administration at the University of North Carolina. He completed his internship and residency in emergency medicine at UNM.