Ronald E. Hunninghake, MD

b. 1951
Hall of Fame 2013

Dr. Ron exemplifies the qualities that make an exceptional orthomolecular physician. In addition to his understanding of nutritional medicine, he understands how human relationships influence health and disease. He has a personal warmth, which enables him to connect immediately with patients. - Jack Challem

Ron Hunninghake graduated from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 1976. Board certified in Family Medicine, his early practice years reflected a conventional perspective seeking a wellness expression. All through medical school he had annoyed his professors with a burning question: "When will we learn more about health?"

His quest for a new paradigm of true health care was fulfilled in his association with Dr. Hugh Riordan which began in 1989. Dr. Riordan’s synthesis of patient as co-learner, his detective approach to identifying root causes rather than simply treating symptoms, and his own passion to find orthomolecular treatments resonated with Dr. Ron’s original insight of using health as the ultimate antidote for chronic disease.

With Dr. Riordan’s untimely passing in 2005, Dr. Ron was appointed Chief Medical Officer of what is now the Riordan Clinic. In the challenging years that followed, he advanced the scope and vision of the clinic, inspiring staff and patients as co-learners to take better care of themselves, form new and sustainable habits of health, and to assume greater responsibility for their own health care.

Serving as "the face of the Riordan Clinic," Dr. Ron drew upon a vast array of its original orthomolecular research to eloquently present Riordan’s message of hope to audiences in Japan, Spain, the Netherlands, Canada and Mexico, as well as extensively in the United States. He hosted his third IV Vitamin C and Cancer Symposium in 2012, gathering doctors from all over the world to lead a new generation of orthomolecular researchers and clinicians.

The quality that makes Ron a strong and effective leader can be summed up in one word: compassion. His strong commitment and devotion to leading the Riordan Clinic and his pursuit of excellence are unmatched. He is loved and respected by all who meet him.

"A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent." Douglas MacArthur