Richard Sapp

Richard "Richie" Sapp combines medical education with passionate disability advocacy at Stanford School of Medicine. After earning his co-terminal degree in Biology and receiving the Firestone Medal of Excellence for Undergraduate Research, he has established himself as a leader in disability education and advocacy. His research spans neuroscience, focusing on cortical plasticity in Dr. Shatz's lab, and medical education, where he has demonstrated the effectiveness of disability education interventions. He co-developed two groundbreaking courses: a mandatory two-hour session and a nine-week elective on caring for individuals with disabilities, both showing lasting positive impacts on medical students' attitudes and competencies. Through his leadership in multiple disability advocacy groups including Kids With Dreams, Stanford Medicine Abilities Coalition, and Medical Students with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses, he has transformed Stanford's approach to disability education. His research shows that educational interventions significantly improve medical students' attitudes toward individuals with disabilities, with the comprehensive elective course particularly effective at reducing anxiety and increasing preparedness for treating patients with disabilities.