Joyce L. Richards, D.O., gastroenterologist, recently joined the Medical Staff of Verde Valley Medical Center. Board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Dr. Richards received her medical training from Michigan State University, East Lansing. She completed her internship, residency and a fellowship at Botsford General Hospital, Farmington Hills, Mich. She then fulfilled a visiting fellowship at the Royal Free Hospital in Hamstead, London.

Early in her career, Dr. Richards practiced for 10 years at Indian Health Service in the Department of Internal Medicine at Phoenix Indian Medical Center. She then was with Affiliated Gastroenterology for four years. Prior to relocating to the Verde Valley, Dr. Richards had been in private practice in Phoenix for nine years.

She is a member of the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association, and in 2005 was voted “Top Doc” in Phoenix in Gastroenterology. This award is given to physicians based on a peer review system in the medical community. Five thousand physicians from Phoenix are randomly surveyed and asked to name the top physicians in 36 specialties – doctors rate the doctors.

Dr. Richards has joined the practice of Michael McKinney, M.D., and is located at 203 S. Candy Lane, Suite 2A, Cottonwood. She may be reached at 928 634-5700.