About
Richard J. Hempel, MD brings more than 30 years of family medicine experience to his Danville, Kentucky practice. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 1981, graduating with High Distinction and membership in Phi Beta Kappa. He then completed his Doctorate of Medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 1985. His internship and family medicine residency both took place at Tallahassee Memorial Regional Medical Center in Florida.
Dr. Hempel holds dual board credentials: Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine and Added Qualifications in Geriatric Medicine. He has served on the Exam Review Committee for the American Board of Family Medicine since 2002 and contributed to the Joint ABFM/ABIM Geriatrics Test Writing Committee. His hospital leadership roles at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center have included Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chairman of the Pharmacy and Therapeutic Committee. Outside the clinic, Dr. Hempel is a lifelong competitive athlete. He earned recognition as a USAT All American Triathlete and competed with Team USA at the Beijing Triathlon. That personal dedication to fitness shapes how he counsels patients on exercise, weight management, and long-term wellness.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of Kentucky, Bachelor of Arts, Biology, 1981 — Graduated with High Distinction
Medical School
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Doctorate of Medicine, 1985
Residency
Family Medicine, Tallahassee Memorial Regional Medical Center, Tallahassee, FL, 1986-1988
Additional Training
Internship: Tallahassee Memorial Regional Medical Center, Tallahassee, FL, 1985-1986
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Hempel right for?
Dr. Hempel works well with adults who want a long-term relationship with a single physician. Patients managing chronic conditions benefit from his evidence-based, prevention-first approach. Older adults find his geriatric medicine credentials especially relevant for optimizing health as they age. Anyone motivated to improve through diet and exercise will connect with his hands-on coaching style. He also serves patients across many counties surrounding Danville who want reliable, direct access to their doctor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Hempel focuses on family medicine, geriatric medicine, and preventive health. He treats the full range of primary care conditions and applies particular depth to geriatric health and wellness as patients age. He emphasizes diet, exercise, and evidence-based medicine to help patients manage chronic conditions and achieve long-term health goals.
Yes. Dr. Hempel holds certification as a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine. He also carries Added Qualifications in Geriatric Medicine, reflecting his specialized training and expertise in older adult health.
Dr. Hempel earned his medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 1985. He completed both his internship and family medicine residency at Tallahassee Memorial Regional Medical Center in Tallahassee, Florida, finishing in 1988.
Dr. Hempel applies a judicious approach to prescribing. He emphasizes lifestyle interventions first, including diet and exercise, and uses medications and specialty referrals carefully. His goal is to help patients maintain health with the least intervention necessary.
Yes. Dr. Hempel is personally passionate about fitness and has competed in triathlons and road races for decades. He holds the distinction of USAT All American Triathlete. That background informs how he counsels patients on physical activity and builds exercise into personalized wellness plans.
Dr. Hempel serves on the active medical staff at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center in Danville, Kentucky. This affiliation allows him to coordinate hospital-based care for his patients when needed.
Yes. Dr. Hempel has served on the Exam Review Committee for the American Board of Family Medicine since 2002. He also contributed to the Joint ABFM/ABIM Geriatrics Test Writing Committee and previously served as Vice President of Medical Affairs at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center.
Dr. Hempel sees patients from Danville and many of the surrounding counties in Kentucky. His practice at 640 East Lexington Avenue in Danville serves as a central location for patients across the region.
Doctor profile last updated April 11, 2026