Richard Rifkind (October 26, 1930 – January 1, 2019) was an American cancer researcher. Rifkind was born in Manhattan, New York, the son of Simon H. Rifkind and his wife Adele (Singer). He graduated from the Loomis School (high school) in 1948. He graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1951. The same year he commenced medical school at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, graduating in 1955. He served as an intern (1956–1957) then as a resident (1957–1961) at Presbyterian Hospital. During 1957–59 he also served in the United States Air Force.