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Richard L. Backman
( out of 68 reviews )

Richard L. Backman, MD

Languages spoken: French, English, Spanish

Clinical Locations

Primary Location

South Main Clinic

3690 South Main
Salt Lake City , UT 84115

Richard L. Backman, M.D., is a board-certified family medicine physician who focuses on the medically underserved and teaching future healthcare providers. He received B.A. degree in Biology and Chemistry from Pitzer College in Claremont, California and obtained his M.D. at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Backman completed residency in family medicine at the University of Wisconsin, and served as Medical Director of the Madsen Family Health Center at the University of Utah Hospital and Clinics until 2012. He is currently the medical director for the University of Utah Division of Physician Assistant Studies. He is a member of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine and the Physician Assistant Education Association. His professional interests include Interprofessional education, care for the medically underserved, and quality and safety in healthcare. In his leisure time, he enjoys backpacking, biking, skiing and tending chickens and bees with his wife, Sylvie. He is fluent in Spanish and conversational French. Dr. Backman sees patients at the University of Utah South Main Clinic and is currently welcoming new patients and accepts most insurance plans.

Very limited availability for new patients.

Specialties

Board Certification

American Board of Family Medicine

Patient Rating

5.0 /5
( out of 68 reviews )

The patient rating score is an average of all responses on our patient experience survey. The rating averages scores for all questions about care from our providers. The scale on which responses are measured is 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.


2026-03-29
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

great clinician and a fine person - caring, compassionate, and competent.

2026-01-19
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr Backman cares about my care and treated me well. Service was very affordable

2025-12-25
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

A very caring friendly doctor. Look always forward to see him

2025-12-23
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr. Richard Lee Backman is an extraordinary human being/Physician. From the time, you meet him, you feel his caring presence and focus about your health and well-being. He focuses on your immediate concern, he thoroughly reviews your history with you (previous labs, x-rays- diagnostic tests, etc), and he gives you his plan of action and the reason for it. He goes over everything with you one more time, and he provides the necessary referrals for follow-up and continuity of care. He assures you of his accessibility if anything comes up -"toujours disponible." I'm a 66-year old black woman. At one point in my life, all my Physicians were female, until one day when my Provider was unavailable, and I needed to see a Physician so badly. Fortunately for me, Dr. Backman was available to see me. Everybody deserves to meet a Dr. Backman even once in their lifetime. He's a phenomenal human being and an exemplary Physician! If I were any younger, I would go to medical school to be like him!

2025-11-25
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr. Backman is a wonderful doctor. His knowledge and professionalism are above any expectations; his attention to every detail of my complicated symptoms, his kindness and compassion are exceptional. And he is extremely friendly and easy to talk with about anything. His staff is superb as well.

2025-11-24
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

He was very kind, answering my questions perfectly. He was very attentive, and I highly recommend him because it's rare to find a doctor so kind. [TRANSLATED]

2025-11-12
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Awesome

2025-09-19
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

I'm glad he is at U health. He is a genuine asset

2025-08-07
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

He is very polite, explaining everything step by step, respectful, friendly, and easy-going. He makes us feel safe and in good hands. He is trustworthy and a very good doctor. [TRANSLATED]

2025-08-03
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Very good doctor and cares about the patient [TRANSLATED]

2025-07-01
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

I suffer from epilepsy and he has given me the help I have needed to the point of reintegrating into society without fear, leading a normal life like most people. [TRANSLATED]

2025-06-23
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Not only very competent, but Dr. Backman is personable, caring and takes the time needed. I didn't feel rushed. VERY good doctor.

2025-06-11
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

The best

2025-05-27
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr. Backman is thorough and always treats me with respect and care. I'm grateful to have him as my doctor.

2025-05-05
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

I've been seeing Dr Backman for five years now. I have had good, competent doctors for going on five decades, but Dr Backman is my favorite of the bunch. He is attentive, personable, and genuinely cares about me. He is thorough and always willing to address any questions or concerns that I might have. He and his entire staff are the best!

2025-04-02
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr. Backman is the Best! It's always a pleasure seeing him for appointments. He always gives excellent care to me and my Family!

2025-02-17
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Excellent Doctor, the best and only one to treat my epilepsy, with his experience he helped me to have a normal life, he always looks for ways to help his patients [TRANSLATED]

2025-01-19
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr. Backman is a good person and an excellent physician

2025-01-07
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Great Doctor

2024-12-25
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Very good Doctor, the best, excellent, friendly, understanding service 20/10 [TRANSLATED]

2024-12-23
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

I don't need to be anonymous my name is [NAME REMOVED] and Dr Richard Lee Bachman has been my doctor for the past 15 years he is our family doctor my daughter used to work for Dr Bachman back in the day at the old Madison Buld. For our family there is no other family doctor for the [NAME REMOVED] family. I encourage 1,000% if anybody out there needs a family doctor this is the doctor that you want to have on your side

2024-12-17
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

I love Richard Bachman! He is wonderful, sensitive and completely relatable. I believe he is conservative which is in line with my personality. Dr. Bachman gives sensible advice, recommendations and is always encouraging regarding good health, weight management, and keeping my physical & mental health well, healthy and setting reasonable goals to improve in areas that need improvement. Overall, he is amazing! Recently my husband passed away, and for some crazy reason I walked into his office and become extremely emotional. He took the time to make sure I was okay emotionally, reviewed the circumstances of this unexpected event in my life and offered wonderful recommendations. He wanted to make sure I was okay (which I believe I am) in my wave of grief. I followed Dr. Bachman from Madsen Clinic to the South Main and will be so sad when he decides to retire. A+ care for Dr. Bachman.

2024-12-08
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr. Backman spends the time required to listen to you and ascertain your health issues.

2024-11-11
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr. Backman cares about me as a person and I trust him with my healthcare needs.

2024-10-14
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

El Dr. Backman es un excelente doctor y siempre está atento a nuestro salud.

2024-09-20
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

He is easy to work with and quite personable

2024-09-17
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

The best primary care MD on the planet. Period.

2024-09-05
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr. Backman is thorough, kind and straightforward. Although he acknowledges me, the parent, I appreciate that he mainly addresses my children and has good rapport with them. Dr. Richard Backman is a gem and I am grateful to have him as our family pediatrician. Thank you!

2024-07-24
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

I like the kindness and professionalism of Dr. Backman . Extra careful and kind . Will also contact you the following day to make sure you are okay . What a gentleman.

2024-07-12
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

He is a good doctor,

2024-07-07
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Super humble dude even with his knowledge and breadth of experience. He makes you feel comfortable, provides his professional opinion, and gives you options with their pros and cons so you can make an informed decision. Thank you Doc.

2024-06-27
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Excellent doctor. So grateful for his ability to listen and care about each person individually.

2024-06-26
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

I appreciate Dr Backman's vast experience when making decisions for my care.

2024-05-20
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Muy amable y profesional Contestó todas mis dudas y me hizo sentir confianza Con la consulta

2024-05-17
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

I appreciate you Dr. Backman.

2024-05-16
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr. Backman is a wonderful physician. He is knowledgeable, kind, has a wonderful ¿bedside manner¿ and treats patients with compassion and respect.

2024-05-16
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr. Backman's knowledge borders on encyclopedic and discussions with him seem as comfortable as those with a lifelong friend. It is hard to imagine a better healthcare provider. He really cares.

2024-03-21
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr Backman and his staff are the best. I chose to start seeing Dr Backman 4 or 5 years ago. I normally would have chosen a specialist to take care of my needs, but due to his stellar recommendations, decided to try Dr Backman out, and am glad I did!

2024-03-14
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Excellent physician in all respects

2024-03-14
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

El doctor sabe escuchar y preocuparse por el paciente

2024-02-22
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr. Backman is great!

2024-01-26
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr. Backman is very knowledgeable and friendly, but also really listens so that one feels to be a crucial participant in one's care.

2024-01-11
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Backman is definitely an excellent dr he is very understanding caring dr he takes the time to get to know you to understand you and treat you correctly wish there were more like him.

2024-01-09
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Very kind and compassionate- excellent physician!

2023-12-14
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr. Backman is a kind, caring physician. Thoughtful and responsive to my needs. He is an excellent, knowledgable physician.

2023-11-30
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Un exelente dr que se preocupa por las necesidades del paciente ,su interés por ayudarme me hace sentir segura al sobrellevar mi enfermedad ,puedo decir que gracias a su cuidado desde el 2019 pude reintegrarme ala sociedad ,y aunque aún no puedo hacerlo en su totalidad vivo con menos temor y vergüenza ...gracias doctor por ser mi cuidador medico

2023-11-10
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr. Backman has great concern about me and my care.

2023-08-24
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Como persona y doctor,y la atencion que pone al paciente es excelente.

2023-08-11
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

He demostrate a genuine interes on my concerns and he listen me patience and with respect

2023-08-05
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Thorough, knowledgeable, caring

2023-08-04
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr. Backman provides thorough, knowledgeable, and thoughtful care. I appreciate that Dr. Backman speaks directly to my child, who is the patient, while also including me, the parent, in the conversation. Dr. Backman provides expertise, while also allowing for patient autonomy. Our family is lucky to have found his practice.

2023-07-15
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr Backman is a consummate medical professional. He is the very best primary care physician I have had the pleasure of working with in my 65 years of healthcare administrative experience. Warren R. Longley MBA, MHA CPHIMS, CPHQ, FACHE Colonel, Medical Service Corps, USA Ret Retired

2023-05-25
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Doctor Backman it's a very good doctor, very respectful and personable, he shows interest in my health and well-being, I really appreciate the way Doctor Backman treats me and his interest for me

2023-05-25
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Mi experiencia con el dr Backman es de ls mejor me trata con amor y respecto el cual le doy las gracias

2023-05-18
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Great as always

2023-03-23
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Dr. Backman is the best PCP I have ever had. He is very friendly, truly listens, is very respectful of one's opinions and attitudes toward health care and provides excellent care.

2023-03-02
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

In my experience I always come away from my interactions with Dr Backman, that he genuinely cares about my health and welfare as if I was a member of his family.

2023-02-23
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Es un doctor que te atiende con mucho respeto como paciente

2023-02-16
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Dr. Richard Backman is an amazing Doctor with great knowledge and experience. He makes you feel cared for. My family and I are grateful to have met him.

2023-02-16
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Dr Backman is the very best. We have followed him wherever he went!

2023-02-16
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Dr Backman is very thorough and inquisitive in his exams. He is also a compassionate man as illustrated by his focus on less advantaged patients and trips to Nepal. His staff is very diverse, and many times he has a student accompanying him and interacting with the patient. It all goes smoothly.

2022-10-19
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

I have already recommended Dr. Backman to others

2022-10-19
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Dr. Backman is the best doctor!!

2022-08-07
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Provider is demeaning at times. You have to hold your own to earn his respect socially. Very frustrating and when you see the doctor it shouldn't have to battle upholding your dignity and worth with your provider on a social level. It should be about your health. I feel bad especially to people like me who are autistic. It makes saying and doing the right thing harder. You have to hold your own. Socially. To earn his social reapect Good luck!

2022-04-18
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Dr. Backman is the best PCP I ever had.

2022-03-11
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Good experience

2021-11-29
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr Backman is EXCELLENT

2021-11-21
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr. Backman is excellent - highly recommended.

2021-09-03
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr. Backman is an amazing doctor. I really appreciate his thoroughness. He is patient, kind, listens, and you can tell he genuinely cares about his patients.

2021-03-28
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Good

2021-03-27
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr. Backman was excellent.

2021-03-01
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr. Backman is an amazing pcp. I feel he truly cares about his patients.

2021-02-07
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr. Backman is above and beyond the best doctor I've ever seen. He spends more than enough time with me to make sure I'm getting the care I need. He listens closely to my concerns and helps me articulate those concerns. I've never had a doctor who has worked so hard to make sure I am getting the care I need. He's compassionate, an attentive listener, and speaks to me in a way that I understand. He's the best doctor in the world and I'm thankful I can be his patient.

2020-12-18
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

thank you

2020-11-22
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr. Backman is excellent.

2020-11-20
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr. Backman MD is the best

2020-10-17
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

excellent connection

2020-10-03
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

good

2020-09-26
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr.Backman could not be any more concerned and sympathetic. He had great advice.

2020-09-12
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr. Backman came in at the end, briefly for a summary. It felt a little more like a student evaluation for the PA student than it did about my health, but he was nice and my questions were answered.

2020-07-14
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Very easy, personable and positive experienced

2020-07-13
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr. Backman makes you feel like you are his only patient that day. He listens, engages and is a very good doctor.

2020-06-02
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr. Backman is the best doctor I've ever met with.

2020-05-09
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Lab results and interpretation were lighting fast

2020-03-27
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

I always appreciate Dr. Backmans positive and caring style and his willingness to spend time with patients

2020-02-08
SOUTH MAIN CLINIC

Dr Backman is one of the best doctors ive ever seen. The doctor doesnt diagnose from your paperwork he still keeps an open mind during your exam.


Patient comments are gathered from our patient experience survey and displayed in their entirety. For the convenience of our visitors, some patient comments have been translated from their original language into English while preserving their original meaning as accurately as possible. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.

Richard L. Backman, M.D., is a board-certified family medicine physician who focuses on the medically underserved and teaching future healthcare providers. He received B.A. degree in Biology and Chemistry from Pitzer College in Claremont, California and obtained his M.D. at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Backman completed residency in family medicine at the University of Wisconsin, and served as Medical Director of the Madsen Family Health Center at the University of Utah Hospital and Clinics until 2012. He is currently the medical director for the University of Utah Division of Physician Assistant Studies. He is a member of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine and the Physician Assistant Education Association. His professional interests include Interprofessional education, care for the medically underserved, and quality and safety in healthcare. In his leisure time, he enjoys backpacking, biking, skiing and tending chickens and bees with his wife, Sylvie. He is fluent in Spanish and conversational French. Dr. Backman sees patients at the University of Utah South Main Clinic and is currently welcoming new patients and accepts most insurance plans.

Very limited availability for new patients.

Education history

Undergraduate Biology and Chemistry - Pitzer College B.A.
Professional Medical Medicine - University of Texas Health Science Center M.D.
Internship Family Medicine - University of Wisconsin Intern
Residency Family Medicine - University of Wisconsin Resident

Selected Publications

Journal Article

  1. Langelier C, Graves M, Kalantar KL, Caldera S, Durrant R, Fisher M, Backman R, Tanner W, DeRisi, J, Leung (2019). Microbiome and Antimicrobial Resistance Gene Dynamics in International Travelers. Emerging infectious diseases, 25(7), 1380-1383.