Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion Welcomes Wm. Edward Richards, MD, as new Medical Director
As a gynecologic oncologist and principal investigator for the Gynecologic Clinical Research
Program, Dr. Richards has served in Savannah and the Low Country for the past 8 years
A leader in new medical technologies and the latest cancer treatments is stepping into a new role as Medical Director for the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion (LCRP) at St. Joseph’s/Candler.
Wm. Edward Richards, MD, a gynecologic oncologist and principal investigator for the Gynecologic Clinical Research Program at the LCRP, will take over the leading cancer program in southeast Georgia. He will also serve as the Principal Investigator for the National Cancer Institute’s Community Oncology Research Program at the LCRP.
“In 2012 I joined the medical staff at St. Joseph’s/Candler as the sole Gynecologic Oncologist with the goal of restarting the entire service line for the women in Savannah, the Low Country and beyond,” said Dr. Richards. “I found great joy in that position, in part because I had built several practices in different cities from the ground up and Savannah and the surrounding area afforded me the opportunity to accomplish this again with outstanding success. Today, I am humbled beyond words at the opportunity to serve as the next Medical Director of the Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion.” Dr. Richards succeeds Dr. Howard Zaren, who will move into a new role as Medical Director for Melanoma, Skin and Sarcoma services and Medical Director for Medical Genetics. Dr. Zaren has been the LCRP’s Medical Director since 2008.
Dr. Richards was an early adopter of robotic surgery and is currently one of the top robotic surgeons in the nation.
“Dr. Richards embodies the St. Joseph’s/Candler Mission, Vision and Values,” said Paul P. Hinchey, President & CEO of St. Joseph’s/Candler. “His leadership and considerable experience in private practice, academics and community medicine will serve well to energize and expand upon the existing LCRP platform, built by Dr. Zaren, to mature the cancer services through ongoing surgical and clinical activities.”
Dr. Richards noted the “family of co-workers” at St. Joseph’s/Candler and the LCRP who share his ongoing commitment to serving others. Since arriving at St. Joseph’s/Candler, he’s shared his insight, techniques and extensive knowledge about robotic surgeries by mentoring fellow physicians interested in adding robotics to their repertoire.
He will continue to see both new as well as current patients in his gynecologic oncology practice and will continue to provide them with both clinical and surgical care.
“I am honored on a daily basis to work in the presence of individuals who strive to approach our patients and provide care that reflects our institution’s shared value objectives of compassion, quality, integrity, courtesy, accountability, and teamwork,” he said.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to work with such an incredible team,” he added, “and I am grateful to the SJ/C Board of Trustees, the SJ/C Foundation Board of Trustees, the Medical Staff, the Hospital Senior Administrative Staff and Mr. Hinchey for the trust they have placed in me to lead our great cancer center through our next growth phase and extend Dr. Zaren’s legacy of success.”
Dr. Richard’s background
Wm. Edward Richards, MD, received his medical degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in 1992 followed by a residency at Texas A&M University College of Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynecology through 1996, leading to a fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Kentucky through 1999. Upon completion of his fellowship training, he established his own private practice in Lubbock, Texas and served as Director for the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and Assistant Professor for the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. From 2008 to 2012, he served as the Division Director of Gynecologic Oncology and Advanced Pelvic Surgery at The University of Cincinnati School of Medicine. Since joining SJ/C in 2012 as the Director of Gynecologic Oncology and Advanced Pelvic Surgery, Dr. Richards also received a Master of Business Administration from University of Michigan, Ross School of Business while building his service line and recruiting his partner, Dr. Sarah Gill.
About the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion
The Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion (LCRP) at St. Joseph’s/Candler is where advanced technology and compassionate care combine to create one of the most innovative clinical oncology programs in the Southeast. The LCRP is home to a team of highly trained cancer specialists that skillfully use high-impact technological screening and treatment options for optimal results. In addition, our team has access to nationally funded research and clinical trials and provides community outreach and education with an outstanding array of services specific to cancer patients and their families.
The LCRP has a robust clinical trials program and participates in state, regional and national collaborations with other research sites including a national collaboration with the National Cancer Institute’s Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP).
About St. Joseph’s/Candler:
St. Joseph’s/Candler is a 714-bed, Magnet-designated facility for nursing excellence, with a focus on the latest technologies and research. It is anchored by St. Joseph’s Hospital and Candler Hospital. Its comprehensive network includes centers of excellence for neurosciences, women’s and children’s services, orthopedics, pulmonary medicine and a variety of other disease specialties.