Dr. Richard M. Buck, MD, named associate dean, Southern Alberta Medical Program

The Cumming School of Medicine and the University of Lethbridge are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Richard M. Buck, MD, as the inaugural associate dean of the Southern Alberta Medical Program (SAMP). The appointment is effective April 1, 2025.

Dr. Buck is an associate professor with the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Calgary and a clinical assistant professor with the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Alberta. He is also a clinician practicing in Lethbridge within the Emergency Department at Chinook Regional Hospital.

As associate dean, Dr. Buck will lead SAMP program development and implementation as it supports medical education training in Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Indigenous and rural communities throughout Southern Alberta. The SAMP program will see an increase in the training of rural physicians as it aims to improve their availability in rural areas.

Buck has extensive training and experience in medical education, first earning a Bachelor of Education in mathematics and French, and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Winnipeg before completing his medical degree at the University of Manitoba in 2001.

A respected physician and teacher, Dr. Buck has long been a proponent of preparing the next generation of physicians. He’s participated in physician training from the time he completed his own residency, working as a site director and in an administrative capacity. He takes pride in helping young physicians find their way.

“Since the announcement of this partnership between the University of Lethbridge and the University of Calgary, community members, leaders at both universities, and the physicians that I have spoken to have been extremely and supportive about the ability to train medical students locally,” Dr. Buck says. “It is an exciting time to participate in medical education in Southern Alberta!”

Dr. Buck’s appointment is another significant milestone for the new medical program as it prepares for its first cohort of undergraduate medical students to begin their studies in Lethbridge next summer. 

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Buck to his new leadership role.