Richard R. Thacker, DO, MACOI, has been named Associate Dean of Clinical Resources for the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM). In this role, Dr. Thacker will oversee third- and fourth-year clinical training through ACOM’s expansive network of hospitals, clinics and preceptors.

Dr. Thacker has been involved with ACOM since the college opened in 2013, as Medical Education Director for the Tallahassee clinical training site. In 2018, he accepted a position as Assistant Dean of Clinical Sciences and Clinical Resources through which he has been instrumental in the oversight and development of the robust clinical network throughout Alabama, Mississippi and Florida.  In his role as Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, Dr. Thacker assists with teaching primary clinical skills, gastroenterology, hospice-related subjects, international health, and osteopathic principles and practice.

Dr. Thacker received his DO degree from Nova Southeastern University in 1992. He completed his osteopathic residency at Delaware Valley Medical Center in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, where he served as chief intern and chief medical resident, as well as receiving recognition for Resident of the Year. Upon completion of post-doctoral training, Dr. Thacker began his career as a National Health Service Corp Scholar in Madison, Fla., at a community health center. He then went on to practice internal medicine at Capital Regional Medical Group in Tallahassee for 23 years. Dr. Thacker is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative care.

At the state level, Dr. Thacker has served in multiple capacities within the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA) since 1988, including President in 2006-2007. In 2008, he was honored as FOMA’s “Physician of the Year”.  He continues to remain active with the Board of Trustees and both the Legislative and Finance committees. On a national level, Dr. Thacker is a member of the AOA Board of Trustees, where he has served on and chaired several committees, including Vice Chair of the Department of Education. Currently, he is a three-year member of the Executive committee, Chairman of Governmental Affairs and functions as the Treasurer for the Osteopathic Political Action Committee (OPAC).  He was most recently recognized as a Master Fellow by the American College of Osteopathic Internists for his contributions to the profession.