Alan T. Richards, M.D., is one of the recipients of the Office of Academic Affairs inaugural Impact in Education Awards.
Valor in Educational Service Award
This award recognizes volunteer, emeritus, or adjunct faculty whose daily service to our learners exemplifies the spirit of outstanding teaching or clinical supervision.
- Name: Alan T. Richards, M.D.
- Title: Associate professor, UNMC Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy; adjunct associate professor, UNMC Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
- Joined UNMC: 2000
- Hometown: Virginia, South Africa (This is a gold mining town where my father was employed.)
You are the recipient of the Valor in Educational Service Award. How is volunteer service impactful in health care education?
Volunteers are usually retired members of the medical community. They have a lifetime of experience and knowledge to impart to the students.
Describe your proudest moment as an educator:
Being awarded the Student Senate Distinguished Teacher Award in 2016. This told me that what I was doing with the students was of value to them.
What advice would you give other faculty members who want to have an impact in education?
- Always be available to teach the students.
- Be up to date with current knowledge.
- Approach should be as an equal, not as a superior.
Do you have a favorite quote or philosophy on teaching?
“The busiest man has the most time.” (Dr. Charles Saint, chairman, surgery department, Cape Town University, South Africa)
“The person who says he/she knows everything is unteachable!” (Dr. Bert Myburgh, chairman, department of surgery, Witwatersrand University, Johannesburg, South Africa)
“There are no mysteries in surgery; only mysterious surgeons!” (Dr. Sonny du Plessis, chairman emeritus, department of surgery, Witwatersrand University, Johannesburg, South Africa)
Alan,
Well deserved!!
Carol Russell
Dr. Richards continues to make a difference at UNMC! His enthusiasm for teaching and his approach to patient care have inspired many over his years in Omaha. Thank you and congratulations. Ron Hollins
I have known Alan since he first arrived in the US, and have watched him influence many patients for the better. After nearly a life time of service to medicine, surgery and his patients he is now making waves in the field of anatomy. It is humbling and gratifying to have him as a friend and inspiration. I am very happy he is being recognized for what he does. I hope the students will be able to benefit from his teaching for a long time. Dan Lydiatt
Congratulations on this well deserved honor. You continuously are giving of your self your very special skill and knowledge like in your service in Hati after their disaster.
Hague & Marge Howey
Congrats! So thrilled to read about the excellent work you've done over the years and your hard-earned achievements. Jeannette Gravett (RN from Park Lane days).
Congratulations to the gentleman who has helped save my life so many times. I have relied on his "genius" expertise since 2001 when first diagnosed with "throat" cancer. We've literally been through "it" together and I will sing-his-praises as long as I can! Beth Joy Haneline, your sassy patient from SE Nebraska
How wonderful to connect with you again! You so deserve this award!
You were my Consultant at Natalspruit Hospital, South Africa, in 1980, when i was an intern. ….and i worked with you again later when i was doing anaesthetics.
Your compassion and caring for your patients shone through everything you did…..and not far behind that, your passion for teaching. You were the most trustworthy and knowledgable doctor i ever knew.
The path we tread as doctors is a difficult one….and i value beyond measure having you as a companion on my Journey. With love and gratitude.