Richard (Dicky) Michael Haydel, MD. graduated from LSU Medical School in New Orleans in 1968.

After serving an internship at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, he was drafted into the army and was sent to Vietnam from 1969-1970. Upon return, he spent one year stationed in San Antonio, Texas and then moved back to Houma in 1971 when he began his private practice with his father and brother.

In addition to a very busy practice, Dicky has involved himself in the community, his childrens’ schools and his church.

He has been a volunteer Physician doing free Physical exams for the four parish high schools for his entire medical career. He serves as coordinator of that service. For almost 40 years, Dicky has served on the faculty of the LSU Medical School Department of Family Practice, acting as mentor to medical students who rotate for one month at a time in and out of his practice. The students work in the office and follow the physicians around as they make hospital rounds.

He began in 1975, and still serves as coordinator of the American Heart Association Over and Under Tunnel Run, a 5K race to raise funds for the AHA.

He has been recognized with several awards including:

• Bishop’s Medal for Diocese of Houma Thibodaux (1988)
• The Arthritis Society Award (1990)
• Volunteer Activist Award (1992)
• Vandebilt Hall of Fame Award (1992)

An avid LSU Football fan, Dicky is also an active member and officer of the LSU Alumni Association.