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This article may be reprinted free of charge provided 1) that there is clear attribution to the Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, and 2) that both the OMNS free subscription link http://orthomolecular.org/subscribe.html and also the OMNS archive link http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/index.shtml are included. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A Life of Quiet Excellence: Honoring W. Gifford-Jones, MD (Dr. Ken Walker), 1924-2025
By Richard Z. Cheng, M.D., Ph.D. 
"He practiced without fanfare, published without acclaim, and healed without seeking praise. But those who knew his work knew its worth." Dr. Ken Walker-widely known to readers and patients as Dr. W. Gifford-Jones, MD -passed away peacefully at home on July 1, 2025, at the remarkable age of 101. A healer, teacher, and lifelong student of natural medicine, Dr. Walker was a true pioneer of nutritional and integrative healing-decades ahead of his time. Dr. Walker was a long-standing member of the Editorial Review Board of the Orthomolecular Medicine News Service (OMNS), and his work consistently embodied the values we champion: a science-based approach to restoring health by correcting biochemical imbalances, supporting the body's innate defenses, and honoring the patient as a whole person. "You and your colleagues at the Orthomolecular Society and OMNS comprise a very special group to my father," writes his daughter, Diana Walker. "He looked with great admiration on your scientific work, holding all of you in high esteem." A Lifetime Devoted to Root-Cause HealingDr. Walker built his medical career on a foundation of inquiry and conscience. At a time when conventional medicine leaned increasingly on pharmaceuticals and symptom suppression, he turned instead to nutritional therapy, detoxification, and biochemical individuality-core principles of orthomolecular medicine, first articulated by Linus Pauling and Abram Hoffer. He was especially attuned to the silent burdens underlying chronic disease: micronutrient depletion, toxic overload, misdiagnosis, and emotional stress. His work often brought hope and healing to patients who had been written off by the medical system. "He didn't just treat patients-he listened to them," Diana recalls. "He asked different questions. And he helped thousands find answers outside the confines of mainstream algorithms." A Parallel LegacyIn her submission to the Dr. Rogers Prize for Excellence in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Diana Walker offered a moving and richly detailed portrait of her father's life's work-his care for the chronically ill, his nutritional protocols, and his courageous efforts to teach the principles of natural healing long before they were accepted. While the prize was never awarded, her narrative stands as one of the most compelling testaments to clinical excellence outside institutional medicine. Dr. Walker never sought recognition-but he earned something far more meaningful: the trust of his patients, the gratitude of their families, and a legacy that transcends institutions. "He never chased grants or journals," Diana adds. "He focused on people-real people. His approach was gentle, principled, and remarkably effective." Wisdom Passed ForwardToday, that legacy continues through his daughter. Diana Walker, who worked closely with her father in his later years, has reached out to OMNS to continue his mission. We are honored by her gesture and look forward to supporting her in preserving and expanding the influence of Dr. Walker's work. We welcome her-and all those inspired by Dr. Gifford-Jones's vision-with open arms. The future of medicine depends not only on innovation, but on rediscovering timeless truths: that health is nurtured through nourishment, detoxification, and deep respect for the human body's design. In Memory, In MotionDr. Ken Walker reminds us that one does not need fame to create change. What's needed is conviction, compassion, and the courage to challenge outdated paradigms. As the orthomolecular movement enters a new era of recognition and relevance, we pause to honor a kindred pioneer-whose century-spanning life exemplified the very best of what medicine can be. May his legacy continue to guide and inspire all who seek to heal not just symptoms-but the whole human being.
📄 Read our 2024 interview commemorating his 101st birthday:
About the AuthorRichard Z. Cheng, M.D., Ph.D. - Editor-in-Chief, Orthomolecular Medicine News Service
Orthomolecular MedicineOrthomolecular medicine uses safe, effective nutritional therapy to fight illness. For more information: http://www.orthomolecular.org Find a DoctorTo locate an orthomolecular physician near you: http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v06n09.shtml The peer-reviewed Orthomolecular Medicine News Service is a non-profit and non-commercial informational resource. Editorial Review Board:
Jennifer L. Aliano, M.S., L.Ac., C.C.N. (USA)
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