Stephen Rich, MD

Bio

I began my medical training at Boston University School of Medicine, and after graduating in 1978, moved to San Francisco and received my internship and residency training at our Kaiser Permanente facility. After practicing for two years in Santa Barbara, in 1983 my family and I moved to Santa Rosa, where I joined the Department of Internal Medicine at Kaiser Permanente. These 20 years of practice in Santa Rosa have been extremely rewarding, as I have watched our facility and department grow in size, and have seen continual improvement in quality, service, and the care experience for our members.

I was appointed Department Chief of our Family Medicine Department in 1996 and very much enjoy my dual role as physician and administrator. Spending much of my time in the clinic and hospital allow me to continue to understand the needs of our physicians and patients in my administrative tasks. After 20 years of practice, I remain very happy with my career choice and feel most privileged to be working amongst a wonderful group of physicians and staff. And I look forward to meeting with you soon.

For those of you who are interested, I am Board certified in Internal Medicine and was elected to the AOA (also an active member), the honors medical society awarded to the top 10% of their medical school class at Boston University.

My Credentials

Medical school Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
Internship Kaiser Foundation Hospital, San Francisco, CA
Residency Kaiser Foundation Hospital, San Francisco, CA
Board certification Internal Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine

My Medical Specialty

More details about my specialty:

I chose General Internal Medicine for a number of reasons, including my desire to take care of the whole person and to be able to use more of the tools of my training. I received much of my inspiration from my father who is a now retired general internist. Growing up, I had a strong sense of how important the relationships he established with his patients were for them and also for him.

Current projects or research:

Learning our new computer system, Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect.

Great health resources that I refer to:

Up To Date is the web-based medical information program from Harvard University which draws its information from affiliated institutions and scientific journals all over the world. Its use allows me to be up to date all the time and provide you with the best care possible.

Interests

Currently reading:
The Black Swan

Great movie:
Kinsey

Hobby Photos & Links:

Fishing in Hawaii

Skiing with my daughter

Off roading in Kauai

Family & Friends

People in my life:

Here are some pictures of me and my family.

My children and people I care about:

I have 3 children, two currently in college at UC Davis and Sf State, and the youngest in high school.

An interesting story about my family or friends:

My youngest son, Matt, and I have participated in the Human Race over the last several years. The first year, I carried him half the race on my shoulders. This last year, time has caught up with me and has strengthened him and he scorched me by five minutes.

Photos of my Family & Friends:

Sailing off San Diego in 07 with Bob R. my old climbing partner from Yosemite days.

In Yosemite with my daughter

Hiking up Sentinel Dome, Yosemite

Bass Fishing on Clear Lake

Riding on the Rogue

Matt Running Track

with my wife and daughter

2 Goldens. Great animals.

Pet Photos:

Our goldens

Travel

An adventure I've had:

When I was younger, I enjoyed rock climbing in Yosemite Valley. Nowadays I enjoy hiking and biking around the valley and watching the climbers from the valley floor.

Favorite place in the world:

Yosemite, the grandeur of Yosemite Valley and the beautiful meadows, high country, and lakes. The solitude.

One of my recent trips:

Please enjoy the photos of our recent family vacation on my Family and Friends page.