Richard S. Pope MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, CPAAPA

Rick is a Physician Assistant/Associate and has worked since 1988 in the field of Rheumatology. He is the founder and past President of the Society of PAs in Rheumatology. Prior to his rheumatology practice and since his graduation, Rick has held positions in Internal Medicine, Emergency Room, pediatrics, and family practice from 1980-88. He is a graduate of the Stony Brook University PA program in Stony Brook NY in 1980. Rick teaches the section on rheumatology as an adjunct professor at three CT PA schools; Quinnipiac University, University of Bridgeport, and Sacred Heart University. He is a preceptor of PA students at Quinnipiac University and has been recognized by the AAPA and PAEA as a Clinical Preceptor, the educational arm of the AAPA. He has served as Treasurer and President of the Association of Family Practice Physician Assistants. He also served 8 years on the CT PA Foundation Board and has stepped down as its President in 2016.

In 2007 Rick earned his Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. His Master’s thesis was on osteoporosis and focused on idiopathic hypercalciuria as it relates to fracture risk. A PA teacher and advocate for patients with rheumatic diseases for 30 years, he continues his clinical practice in rheumatology at the Department of Rheumatology, at Western CT Health Network in Danbury, CT. His areas of research interest are Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, Gout, Systemic Lupus Erythematosis, Spondyloarthritis, and algorithms for earlier recognition and diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis. His favorite topic is post-menopausal Osteoporosis. Rick is on the Editorial Board for Clinical Practice Updates for the National Osteoporosis Foundation and is a frequent lecturer for both State and National PA and NP organizations.