Arizona Mayo Clinic’s founder dies

Scottsdale site opened in 1987 with Hill’s guidance

Dr. Richard Hill, the man credited with establishing the first Mayo Clinic in Arizona, died March 24. He was 94.

Hill “has long been recognized for his strong and impassioned leadership,” said a Mayo Clinic press release.

Hill served as chair of Mayo Clinic’s Division of Hematology from 1972 to 1975 and served on the Mayo Clinic Board of Governors from 1975 to 1982.

Hill became the first chair of the board in 1987 where he continued to lead the clinic until his retirement in 1992.

Hill’s background in education and research extended far beyond Arizona.

According to the release, he earned his bachelor’s from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1949 and a medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia.

From there he attended Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Medicine and earned his master’s degree from the University of Minnesota in 1957.

Hill became associate professor of medicine and hematology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in 1974.

When the decision was made to expand the Mayo Clinic practice in the Southwest in 1984, Hill and his wife, Barbara, found the 140 undeveloped acres where the Scottsdale campus currently stands.

“His work had significant impact on the people and health care landscape of Arizona, the Southwest and beyond,” said Gianrico Farrugia, Mayo Clinic president and CEO.

Hill went on to work with architects to plan and build the clinic. The release states Hill also oversaw the recruitment, hiring and training of physician and health staff. The clinic finally opened in 1987.

Hill retired from Mayo Clinic in 1992 before founding the Mayo Clinic Arizona Emeriti Association. In 1998, he served as the association’s first president, continuing to participate as a member of the organization throughout his retirement.