Richard Shepherd was born in West London but grew up in Watford. He trained as a doctor at St George's Hospital medical school at Hyde Park Corner, qualifying in 1977, and then completed his postgraduate training as a forensic pathologist in 1987. He immediately joined what was then the elite forensic department at Guy's Hospital.

Shepherd is an experienced Senior Lecturer and Professor who has taught at universities around the world and lectured to professional audiences at national and international conferences. He has also talked to students in several secondary schools to encourage them to study medicine, science and the law.