Alex (Dennis) Richrath, APRN, CNP, provides care with the Springfield Clinic Neurology team and sees patients at both HSHS St. John's Pavilion in Springfield and Springfield Clinic Peoria.

Alex earned his Master of Science in Nursing degree from OSF Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing in Peoria and his Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Methodist College of Nursing in Peoria. He has more than 15 years of nursing experience including the last eight as a nurse practitioner.

Witnessing the compassion of the staff at the hospital during his mom's open heart surgery inspired Alex to pursue a health care career. "Patient outcomes (positive life improvements) and patient education are my passion," he says. "Positive feedback from patients brings me great joy in the knowledge that I am making an impact in their lives."

In addition to working with Springfield Clinic's Neurology team in Peoria, Alex is an adjunct professor for Bradley University, teaching future FNPs and DNPs. He and his family have lived in Morton for more than six years, and he coaches his sons' sports teams and volunteers for his church and community sports programs.

When he's not working, Alex enjoys the outdoors through fishing, kayaking, mushroom hunting, hiking, gardening, propagating plants and producing seeds to share.