Congratulations to Dr. Richard J. Wallace

July 28, 2025

It is with a profound sense of gratitude and admiration that I share news of the upcoming retirement of Dr. Richard J. Wallace Jr., MD, FIDSA, FAAM, FACP, a truly exceptional colleague and a pillar of our institution. After more than 50 years of distinguished service in medicine, research and education—including over 40 years right here at the Health Science Center—Dr. Wallace will be stepping down from his roles as Professor of Microbiology and Medicine, and Director of the Mycobacteria/Nocardia Clinical Reference Laboratory.

Dr. Wallace is a world-renowned expert in non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections. He's been a true trailblazer, transforming both the treatment and scientific understanding of these complex infectious diseases. His groundbreaking contributions to NTM clinical care and research have not only improved outcomes for countless patients around the globe but have also profoundly shaped best practices in infectious disease medicine for generations of clinicians.

Richard earned his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in 1972, followed by residency training in Internal Medicine at Boston University. He then returned to Baylor for a fellowship in Infectious Diseases, completing it in 1977. His early career saw him leading the Infectious Disease Section at Jefferson Davis Hospital in Houston and serving as an Assistant Professor at Baylor, before he joined the Health Science Center in 1982.

Throughout his remarkable career, Dr. Wallace has garnered numerous accolades and held key leadership positions. He was awarded the John Chapman Professorship in 1991 and chaired the American Thoracic Society’s 1997 Statement on Nontuberculous Mycobacteria. He also led the Mycobacteriology Division of the American Society for Microbiology. Among his many honors, he received the 2000 Gardner Middlebrook Achievement Award and served on the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention NTM Planning Committee in 2007.

His expertise has been sought by leading national and international bodies, and his global reputation was recognized with the Sir MacFarlane Burnet Award from the Australian Society for Infectious Diseases in 2002 and the Murray Kornfeld Memorial Founder Award from the American College of Chest Physicians in 2010.

As a prolific clinician scientist, Dr. Wallace has authored or co-authored over 400 peer-reviewed publications and numerous book chapters. More than that, as a passionate clinician educator, scientist and mentor, he has personally shaped generations of clinicians, microbiologists and researchers. His early efforts to establish NTM patient groups in Texas and Louisiana laid the groundwork for what has become a robust

nationwide network for patient education and advocacy—a testament to his deep commitment to those affected by these challenging infections.

At the very heart of Dr. Wallace’s legacy is his unwavering commitment to patient care and scientific excellence. As Director of our internationally recognized Mycobacteria/Nocardia Clinical Reference Laboratory, he has driven major advancements in diagnostics, therapeutics and our fundamental understanding of antimicrobial resistance in both NTM and Nocardia. His work has truly made a difference in people's lives every single day.

Beyond his professional achievements, Richard is most proud of being a devoted husband to his wife, Deanna, and a loving father to his three children: Richard III, Brian and Jenny. He is also a loving stepfather to John, Leslie and Greg and continues to share a warm and respectful relationship with his first wife, Lisa. He has always cherished the opportunity to share his love of the outdoors and sports with his family—whether horseback riding, playing tennis, fishing or enjoying long weekends on the water. A lifelong soccer enthusiast, he was a long-time coach, state referee and an active member of the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association, serving for many years as a high school and college referee. These experiences not only brought joy and balance to his life but also reflect his deeply held values centered on family, human connection and a passion for sports and the outdoors.

Please join me in extending our deepest gratitude to Dr. Wallace for his decades of exemplary service, compassionate care and enduring scientific contributions to our institution and to the world. We wish him a truly wonderful and well-earned retirement, filled with continued fulfillment in this next exciting chapter of his life.