Michael Ritchie, MD

Hometown: St. Louis Park

Why you became a physician: Being a physician was something I had always had in the back of my mind but did not pursue until after finishing my Masters degree. I had planned on a career in basic research but changed course when I realized I wanted to be able to help people in a more tangible and immediate way than that allowed. Medicine provided an opportunity to have the best of both worlds, seeing patients while still having the educational and scientific focus of research.

Fun fact about yourself: I was in the background in one of the game scenes in the Mighty Ducks. They asked local Peewee hockey teams to help fill up the stands for the game crowd scenes and my team took them up on the offer.

How you like to spend your free time: I love books and will read almost anything. Historical fiction, sci-fi, and biographies are my usual go-to topics. I am a passionate Gopher sports fan and had football and hockey season tickets until starting medical school.