Richard Deming, MD

Dr. Richard Deming is medical director of MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center in Des Moines, Iowa.  He received a bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University and his medical degree from Creighton University.  Dr. Deming entered the US Navy on a scholarship while in medical school. He did his internship in internal medicine at Naval Hospital San Diego. He served for nine years as a physician in the U.S. Navy, including two years as the diving medical officer for Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1 in Hawaii.  He completed a residency in radiation oncology at the University of California, San Francisco.  Dr. Deming served at the National Cancer Institute and Bethesda Naval Hospital.  He moved to Des Moines and became part of the MercyOne team in 1989.

Dr. Deming is known throughout the state for the compassionate care he provides cancer patients and their families. He is involved in many national, state, and community organizations and is the recipient of numerous awards.  He was awarded the Lane Adams Award by the American Cancer Society for excellence and compassion in patient care, the Iowa Cancer Champion Award for his tireless efforts in the field of advocacy, and the Iowa Star Award from the Des Moines Register for making a measurable difference within the community and improving the quality of life for Iowans everywhere.  Dr. Deming was also awarded the St. George National Medal by the American Cancer Society for leadership in reducing the burden of cancer.

Dr. Deming is also the founder of Above + Beyond Cancer, a nonprofit organization dedicated to elevating the lives of those touched by cancer.  Dr. Deming has led cancer survivors on medical missions and inspirational mind-body-spirit pilgrimages to Mount Everest, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Machu Picchu.  He is inspired by the courage and compassion of his patients and their families. His greatest ambition is to encourage others to pursue lives of meaning, purpose, passion, and compassion.