Richard Frankel, PhD, research scientist with the Regenstrief Institute Center for Health Services, received an honorary degree from Oakland University.
Dr. Frankel was awarded the Doctor of Medicine Honoris Causa during the university’s spring 2025 commencement ceremonies, recognizing his outstanding achievements as an educator, researcher and mentor. He was honored during the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine commencement ceremony May 9, 2025.
An accomplished professor of medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine and core investigator at the VA Health Systems Research (HSR) Center for Health Information and Communication at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Dr. Frankel has dedicated his career to advancing patient-centered care. Through more than 250 publications, he has championed the importance of understanding the doctor-patient relationship within its full social and emotional context.
In addition to his scholarly contributions, Dr. Frankel has played a pivotal role in mentoring future leaders in medicine and research. He led the Advanced Scholars Program for Internists in Research and Education (ASPIRE) at IU School of Medicine and has mentored more than 35 research fellows and 15 early career faculty.
Dr. Frankel’s work has been recognized with prestigious honors, including the American Academy on Physician and Patient’s George Engel Award and the Lynn Payer Award. In recognition of his commitment to compassion in healthcare, the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Research Institute established the Richard Frankel Award for Creating a Loving Community.
Richard M. Frankel, PhD
In addition to his role as a research scientist with the William M. Tierney Center for Health Services Research at Regenstrief Institute, Richard M. Frankel, PhD, is a core investigator for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Health Systems Research and Development Center for Health Information and Communication, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center. Dr. Frankel is also a professor of medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine.
