Richard is a certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) in orthopedics. He began his healthcare career as a surgical technician, gaining experience in many different specialties, including neuro, vascular, general, and open-heart surgery as well as orthopedics.

He attended the University of Washington, where he obtained his Bachelor's degree from the Medex Northwest Physician Assistant program in 1990. After working nine years in Family Medicine, he began pursuing his interest in orthopedics. In addition to working in the largest orthopedic practice in Seattle, Washington, he has worked in Montrose and Durango, Colorado.