Our Founder

 Dr. Fredric Rieders, founder of NMS Labs, was born in Vienna and immigrated alone to the United States at age 16 after escaping the turmoil of Central Europe in the 1940s. His early struggles as an immigrant inspired a lifelong commitment to helping disadvantaged populations. After serving in World War II, he returned to complete his education and began a distinguished scientific career spanning more than fifty years, ultimately becoming a world-renowned forensic toxicologist.

As Philadelphia’s Chief Toxicologist and a Professor at Thomas Jefferson University, Dr. Rieders conducted pioneering research on topics such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Legionnaire’s Disease, and heavy metal poisoning. He also played key roles in major legal cases, including those involving serial killer Dr. Michael Swango, the Libby Zion case that influenced hospital care legislation, the Robert Curly murder, and the O.J. Simpson trial. His contributions earned him honors including a Bronze Eagle from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Driven by a passion for science and education, Dr. Rieders founded the Forensic Sciences Mentoring Institute to support students—especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds—in scientific learning. He later established National Medical Services (now NMS Labs), which has grown over 45 years into a leading provider of clinical toxicology and forensic testing, offering more than 2,500 tests. Today, NMS Labs remains a family-owned company dedicated to delivering accurate scientific results in the pursuit of truth.