As a professor for the UCSD School of Medicine, Rickman taught about infectious diseases and internal medicine. During the past three years, Rickman became the acting associate director of the microbiology laboratory. He also took part in preparing and training for bioterrorism in San Diego County.

Born in 1956 in Cleveland, Ohio, Rickman received his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and his medical degree at the University of Michigan. In 1990, Rickman joined the UCSD faculty, where he received the most teaching awards of any other faculty member in the Department of Medicine. These awards won by Rickman include the UCSD Department of Medicine’s Graduating Housestaff Teaching Award and the Department of Medicine’s Chief Medical Residents Teaching Award.

A memorial service was held on July 10. Speakers from the School of Medicine, UCSD Medical Center, the community and his family were present to remember and honor Rickman.