Dr. Richard Olney, 64, AANEM member and internationally renowned researcher, died on January 27, 2012, after an 8-year battle with ALS. Olney was the AANEM’s 2005 Life Time Achievement Award recipient. This award is the highest honor bestowed by AANEM and is awarded to a member who has been a major contributor to the fields of NM and EDX medicine through teaching, research, and scholarly publications. Olney was also honored by the AANEM in 2005 when the Richard K. Olney lecture was created. This lecture is now given each year during the AANEM’s annual meeting plenary session.
Olney became a member of AANEM in 1981. He served on the AANEM Board from 2000-2003 and the ABEM Board from 1996-2000, including a 2-year term as the ABEM Treasurer. He was a member of the ABEM Examination Committee from 1984-1995, serving as Chair the last 3 years. He also served on many AANEM committees and on the
Muscle & Nerve Editorial Board.
Olney is survived by his wife of 38 years Paula Olney; son, Dr. Nicholas Olney; daughter, Amy Dobbs; grandson and namesake, Richard Knox Olney; and his brother, Frank Olney Jr. Donations can be made to the Richard K. Olney Endowment Fund, UCSF Foundation, PO Box 45339. San Francisco 94145. The fund directly supports the ALS Center at UCSF. Donations also can be sent to the
AANEM Foundation in memory of Dr. Richard K. Olney