Richard Anyanwu, RN
Richard Anyanwu is a registered nurse with 39 years of experience in healthcare, currently serving as a charge nurse and preceptor at Montage Health in Monterey, California. His nursing career began after encouragement from a family friend led him to volunteer in a convalescent home, eventually attending CNA school and pursuing nursing studies at Southwest College in Los Angeles. His dedication and aptitude brought him to the U.S. Army, where he was selected for the highly competitive Academy of Health Sciences in San Antonio, Texas, an honor reserved for only 50 soldiers nationwide each year. He served nearly a decade in the Army before transitioning to civilian healthcare.
Throughout his career, Richard has demonstrated a commitment to mentorship and education, guiding new nurses as a preceptor while maintaining excellence in patient care. His experience spans a wide range of clinical and administrative responsibilities, reflecting both leadership and hands-on expertise in nursing practice.
Beyond his professional duties, Richard is the founder and trustee chairman of MAHAFA (Medical And Humanitarian Aid For Africa), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing essential medical and humanitarian support to African communities. Since its inception, MAHAFA has conducted 32 medical missions, reaching thousands of widows, orphans, and indigenous men and women. Twice annually, Richard and his team of nurses and doctors travel to Nigeria for three-week missions, providing vital healthcare services including screenings, medications, and donated resources from local healthcare providers.
In recognition of his humanitarian efforts and contributions to his community, Richard was crowned “The Ozo Uwa Ndu I of Mbaise Clan,” a title symbolizing honor and appreciation from the 98 ancient kingdoms of the Mbaise Clan in Nigeria. Richard’s lifelong dedication to service—through both healthcare and humanitarian initiatives—reflects his enduring commitment to improving lives, educating others, and fostering compassion across borders.
• Diploma in Nursing, Health/Health Care Administration/Management – US Army Academy of Health Sciences (1986–1990)
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• U.S. Army Academy of Health Sciences graduate
• Selected for U.S. Army Academy of Health Sciences (1 of 50 soldiers chosen nationwide)
• Crowned “The Ozo Uwa Ndu I of Mbaise Clan” in recognition of humanitarian work in Nigeria
• High Chief / Elder of the Mbaise Clan
• MAHAFA (Medical and Humanitarian Aid for Africa) - Co-founder
• Founder and Trustee Chairman, MAHAFA (Medical And Humanitarian Aid For Africa, 501(c)(3))
• Leads medical mission trips to Nigeria twice a year, serving approximately 500 people per trip
• Provides healthcare services including screenings, medications, and donated resources for widows, orphans, and indigenous populations
Areas of Specialization/Expertise
- Patient care and clinical leadership
- Nurse education and preceptorship
- Community health initiatives
- Humanitarian medical missions
- Healthcare program coordination
What do you enjoy most about practicing medicine?
What I enjoy most about practicing medicine is the opportunity to serve others. That desire to help people has guided my entire nursing career. Today, through our nonprofit work with MAHAFA, I find an even deeper sense of fulfillment. Traveling to Nigeria twice a year with teams of nurses and doctors, staying for three weeks, and providing care to communities in need is incredibly rewarding. On each mission, we serve an average of 500 people, checking vital signs, distributing reading glasses, and providing medications. Being able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many people brings me immense joy and purpose.