Grossman

Richard (Dick) Grossman

Career Profile

Dr. Richard Grossman has spent nearly 40 years delivering babies and providing medical care in Durango and the surrounding area, with a brief period working in Puerto Rico in the early 1980s. He also served as medical advisor for the Basin Health Department for about 30 years.  After completing his medical internship, he worked as a conscientious objector to war in Questa, New Mexico, before specializing in Obstetrics & Gynecology.

His passion for population issues and environmental sustainability has driven much of his advocacy work. Some key contributions include

  • Inventing a "rip-stop" condom to promote contraceptive use.
  • Writing the world's only regularly appearing newspaper column on human population for over 20 years.
  • Pioneering a new genre of art: "contraceptual art."

In addition, his strong ties to Fort Lewis College (FLC) have led him to

  • Co-develop and teach the first online course on human population at FLC.
  • Organize World Population Day observances in Durango.
  • Bring guest speakers to FLC's Lifelong Learning Series on population issues.
  • Volunteer-teach Biology 141 (People and the Planet) at FLC.

Dr. Grossman is a firm believer in fostering closer ties between the community ("town") and Fort Lewis College ("gown"), advocating for mutual intellectual and financial benefits. He is eager to continue supporting FLC in various ways, including through teaching and community engagement.

Volunteer & Community Service

  • San Juan Symphony – Former Board Member
  • Durango Nature Studies – Former Board Member
  • Quaker Earthcare Witness – Former Board Member
  • FLC Environmental Center – Former Board Member
  • Planned Parenthood Federation of America National Medical Board – Former Member
  • Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health – Former Board Member
  • Pine River Valley Centennial Rotary – Member & Student Exchange Committee
  • Durango Choral Society – Member
  • Professional Associates of Fort Lewis College – Member