About
Richard G. Michal, MD earned his Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1976. He then earned his Doctorate of Medicine from Duke University School of Medicine in 1980. He completed both his internship and his Family Medicine residency at the Riverside Family Medicine Residency Program, an affiliate of the Medical College of Virginia in Newport News.
Dr. Michal founded the faith-based Rocky Mount Family Medicine Center in 1983 and spent his entire career serving that community. From 1989 to 2016, he taught medical students through AHEC Area L and served as Associate Director of the Clerkship Teaching Program from 1995 to 2016. He also held an Adjunct Instructor position at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. S. Mitchell, Jr. MD Spirit of Family Medicine Award, the 1996 Community Teaching Award from the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians, and the 2017 Red Cross Hero Award. He holds certification from the National Board of Medical Examiners and maintains hospital privileges at Nash General Hospital. He combines evidence-based medicine with a faith-based philosophy and a genuine belief that laughter and warmth belong in the exam room. His clinical focus centers on chronic disease management, including type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Bachelor of Science, Zoology, 1976
Medical School
Duke University School of Medicine, Doctorate of Medicine, 1980
Residency
Family Medicine, Riverside Family Medicine Residency Program - affiliate of Medical College of Virginia, Newport News, VA, 1981-1983
Additional Training
Internship: Riverside Family Medicine Residency Program - affiliate of Medical College of Virginia, Newport News, VA, 1980-1981
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Michal right for?
Dr. Michal is a strong fit for adults seeking a long-tenured, relationship-driven family physician in Rocky Mount. Patients managing chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension benefit from his focused clinical approach. His blend of evidence-based and holistic thinking suits patients who want a physician who looks at the whole picture. Those who value faith-informed care and a warm, personal office environment will feel at home here. Patients who want direct after-hours phone access to their own doctor, not a nurse line, find his practice especially well suited to their needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Michal focuses on chronic disease management, with particular experience treating type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. He also delivers comprehensive preventive care through the MDVIP Wellness Program, which includes advanced screenings and a custom wellness plan.
Dr. Michal combines traditional and prescription-based medicine with lifestyle approaches and holistic health alternatives. His evidence-based thinking reflects decades of teaching medical students in an academic setting. He also brings a faith-based philosophy to his practice and believes warmth and even humor have a real place in medical care.
Dr. Michal earned his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine in 1980. He completed his internship and Family Medicine residency at the Riverside Family Medicine Residency Program, an affiliate of the Medical College of Virginia in Newport News, Virginia.
Dr. Michal holds certification from the National Board of Medical Examiners. He has practiced family medicine in Rocky Mount, North Carolina throughout his entire career.
Yes. Dr. Michal taught medical students through AHEC Area L from 1989 to 2016. He served as Associate Director of the Clerkship Teaching Program from 1995 to 2016 and held an Adjunct Instructor position at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Yes. Dr. Michal sees his patients directly at every office visit. His practice does not route patients to nurse practitioners or physician assistants in place of the physician.
Yes. Dr. Michal is reachable by phone after hours and on weekends. Members contact him directly for urgent concerns outside of regular office hours.
Dr. Mitchell, Jr. MD Spirit of Family Medicine Award in 1983. The North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians honored him with its Community Teaching Award in 1996. He also earned the Red Cross Hero Award in 2017.
Doctor profile last updated March 29, 2026