Richard Hickman, MD

Areas of Expertise

Conditions I Treat

  • Primary brain tumors
  • Spine tumors and spinal cancer
  • Pediatric brain tumors

My Specialties

  • Anatomic pathology
  • Neuropathology
  • Molecular genetic pathology
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Get to Know Me

I’m a pathologist with special training in neuropathology, which studies diseases of the brain and spinal cord. I am also an expert in molecular genetic pathology, which involves looking at the genetic changes that cause cancer.

After cancer surgery, I use a microscope to examine the tissue samples. This helps us learn more about the type of tumor and to predict its behavior. I also use advanced genetic tests to look at the DNA/ RNA of the tumor and further understand the genetic “blueprints” that make the cancer grow. Knowing these details helps oncologists select treatments that are most likely to be effective. This approach is also known as precision medicine.

I have spent many years studying how changes in genes affect the brain and have led research projects to better understand brain diseases. At Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, I am part of a team of experts and we work together to find answers for everyone who comes to us for care. I am committed to using the latest science to make sure patients get an accurate diagnosis and the best treatment plan.

What I Do at MSK

I'm a pathologist, which is a doctor who uses a microscope to make a diagnosis from cell and tissue samples. I analyze these samples to learn the cause and effects of a health issue.

  • Associate Attending Physician
Areas of Expertise

Conditions I Treat

  • Primary brain tumors
  • Spine tumors and spinal cancer
  • Pediatric brain tumors
  • Pediatric spinal tumors

My Specialties

  • Anatomic pathology
  • Neuropathology
  • Molecular genetic pathology
Education & Honors

Education

  • Bachelor of Medical Science (Class I), University of Birmingham, UK
  • Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), with Honors (MD equivalent), University of Birmingham, UK

Residencies

  • Anatomic Pathology, New York University

Fellowships

  • Neuropathology, Columbia University
  • Molecular Genetic Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Board Certifications

  • Anatomic Pathology
  • Neuropathology
  • Molecular Genetic Pathology

Awards and Honors

  • Arthur Thomson Trust Prize, University of Birmingham
  • Dr. Herman Yee Teaching Award, New York University Grossman School of Medicine

Insurance Information

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Don't see your carrier or plan? We can help you understand your coverage.

If you don't have health insurance or are worried that your care may not be fully covered, our financial assistance programs may be able to help.

If you have questions about insurance, call us at 646-497-9176.

Make an Appointment

Current Patients
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Contact and Location

Location
New York, NY
1275 York Avenue New York NY 10065

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Colleagues

Doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering work as teams, with specialists from all different areas. This allows us to consider all your needs together, and to give you the best possible care.

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Clinical Trials

Smiling doctors in the lab
Find a Clinical Trial for You

Memorial Sloan Kettering's doctors and scientists are constantly developing new treatments for cancer. MSK is typically running hundreds of clinical trials at a given time.

You may be able to participate in a clinical trial even if you are new to MSK. Search our online directory to find trial information and see more about who can participate.

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Research and Publications

Publications on PubMed

Visit PubMed for a full listing of Dr. Hickman’s journal articles. Pubmed is an online index of research papers and other articles from the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.

See all on PubMed