About
Richard Bennett, PhD, PA-C, brings a unique blend of high-level scientific research and dedicated rural clinical expertise to his work. Raised on a small farm in southern Idaho, Richard’s journey began at a local community college before he earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho. He went on to complete a PhD in Molecular Biology at the Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, where his research decoded complex cellular mechanisms, followed by postdoctoral work on prion diseases at the McLaughlin Research Institute in Montana.
While in Montana, a volunteer role at Benefis Hospital sparked a pivot toward clinical medicine and a lifelong commitment to rural populations. After completing the Physician Associate Program at the Yale School of Medicine, Richard transitioned into both clinical practice and academic leadership. He has served as Director of Admissions at the University of Charleston and Associate Program Director for the University of Utah’s St. George campus.
A staunch advocate for the medically underserved, Richard has practiced in rural Wyoming, Washington, and the Utah/Arizona border, serving as a National Health Service Corps member. Most recently, he served as principal faculty and Admissions Chair for the University of Arizona’s developing PA program. Now returning to his roots in Montana, Richard remains driven by his mission to expand healthcare access. Outside of the clinic, he is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys biking, hunting, and rockhounding with his family.
