Richard E. Christensen

Born in Fresno, California, Rick served as a combat medic in Vietnam, an experience that became a pivotal part of his life. He later brought that commitment to helping others into his career as a physician assistant. Licensed in Arizona in 1975, he was among the state’s early physician assistants and went on to build a distinguished career spanning more than four decades.

Rick devoted much of his career to addiction medicine, particularly the treatment of opioid addiction, including specialized care for pregnant women. A pioneer in the field, he established the first licensed methadone treatment clinic in a jail in the United States. His leadership extended nationally when he chaired the National Methadone Conference in 1995, the same year he received the Nyswander Award for lifetime achievement in addiction medicine. His contributions to the profession were also recognized when he was named Physician Assistant of the Year in both 1995 and 2002. He served Arizona’s physician assistant profession through his work with the state regulatory board.

Rick also contributed to important public health research. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, he participated in research examining hepatitis B markers as indicators of intravenous drug use. This work contributed to the investigation of previously unrecognized forms of hepatitis, research that ultimately led to the identification of hepatitis C. He also conducted the first HIV serial prevalence study among intravenous drug users and received the Arizona Department of Health Services AIDS Service Award for his contributions to the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Beyond his professional life, Rick had a collector’s eye and an appreciation for the stories objects could tell. He collected cameras, pocket watches, and antique medical equipment—pieces that reflected his curiosity about history, technology, and the evolution of medicine.

Family was an important part of Rick’s life. He was the proud father of Cory, Dane, and Nathan. The loss of Cory and Dane, both of whom preceded him in death, was part of his family’s story. He cherished the many memories he made with his cousins, both in childhood and throughout adulthood.

Rick is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; his son, Nathan; his stepdaughters, Annalisa (Steven) Kurz, Andrea (Eric) Addison, and Audrey (Krista) Márquez; his brother, Mike (Marcia) Christensen; and his sister, Kathy (John) Schoolland. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Marissa and Xavier; Marissa’s three children; and three additional grandchildren through Elizabeth whom Rick loved and considered his own. To all of them, he was Papa.

Rick will be remembered by those who knew him for his contributions to his profession, his dedication to his patients, his interests and collections, and the relationships that shaped his life. Above all, those closest to him will remember the man who was their husband, father, brother, grandfather, and Papa.

May he rest in the peace of Christ.