The Real Health Podcast

Looking Back and Moving Forward at Riordan Clinic

“You’ve got to have a really good imagination to see the bigger picture.” —Dr. Ron Hunninghake In this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Ron Hunninghake and Dr. Michelle Niesley discuss how medical thinking has shifted over the decades and how those shifts have shaped the Riordan Clinic. They revisit the first, second, and third “medical revolutions,” what each one focused on, and how the clinic continues to blend scientific understanding with whole-person context. They share stories from the early years with Dr. Hugh Riordan and Mrs. Olive Garvey, and how their partnership set the tone for curiosity, education, and co-learning. Dr. Ron and Dr. Michelle also reflect on the next phase of the clinic’s work and what they hope to see as a new generation of providers steps forward. Throughout the conversation, they reflect on why context matters, why listening is essential, and how imagination helps widen our view of health, people, and the world around us. Ron Hunninghake, MD Dr. Ron Hunninghake [https://riordanclinic.org/staff/ron-hunninghake-md/] is the Chief Medical Officer of Riordan Clinic and has been with the clinic for more than 35 years. He earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine and has lectured internationally on nutrition, whole-person perspectives, and the history of orthomolecular thinking. His work centers on patient education and co-learning. Michelle Niesley, ND, MS, FABNO Dr. Michelle Niesley [https://riordanclinic.org/staff/michelle-niesley-nd-ms-fabno/] is the Chief Executive Officer of Riordan Clinic. She earned her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University and a Master of Science from Dartmouth College, with a focus on biostatistics and epidemiology. She brings more than two decades of experience in integrative medicine, clinical leadership, and evidence-informed patient care. Episode Links & Resources Watch the episode on YouTube [https://youtu.be/f3xx9sIp1oM] Learn more about Riordan Clinic [https://riordanclinic.org] Become a new patient at Riordan Clinic [https://riordanclinic.org/become-a-patient/] Listen to more episodes of the Real Health Podcast [https://realhealthpodcast.org] Episode Chapters 00:00 Welcome 01:10 How medical thinking has shifted 03:42 Whole-person perspectives 05:25 Left brain, right brain, and seeing the whole picture 08:28 Imagination and the wider view 09:42 The three generations of Riordan Clinic 12:48 Dr. Ron’s reflections on his years at the clinic 14:38 Looking ahead 15:59 Why co-learning remains important Disclaimer The information contained on the Real Health Podcast and the resources mentioned are for educational purposes only. They are not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as medical or health advice. The information contained on this podcast is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Information provided by hosts and guests on the Real Health Podcast or the use of any products or services mentioned does not create a practitioner-patient relationship between you and any persons affiliated with this podcast. Topics covered in this episode: integrative health, medical history, whole-person perspectives, co-learning, Riordan Clinic history, Dr. Hugh Riordan, Olive Garvey, sustained illness, patient context, provider communication, health education, Kansas health, Wichita community

What Is OMM? Understanding Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine with Dr. Drew Rose

“OMM helps us look beyond the place where pain shows up and understand what may be contributing to it.” —Dr. Drew Rose In this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Ron Hunninghake, MD, sits down with Drew Rose, DO, to explore how Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) offers a hands-on way of understanding the body’s structure and movement patterns. Dr. Drew explains how structure and function are interconnected, why touch can offer insight that standard testing may not provide, and how OMM can be used as part of an individualized approach for people navigating chronic pain, headaches, fatigue, inflammatory conditions, COPD, fibromyalgia, and other complex concerns. He also shares lessons from his years practicing hospital and ICU medicine, including why one-size-fits-all care often falls short—and how osteopathic principles offer a deeper perspective on what the body may be signaling. Highlights include: → What OMM is and how it differs from chiropractic care → Why osteopathic medicine focuses on structure and function → How foot and gait mechanics can influence low back pain → What NASA research revealed about cranial motion → How hands-on assessment can offer a different perspective than imaging alone → Using OMM within individualized care for chronic and complex concerns → The role of lymphatic flow, fascia, and subtle motion → How OMM complements the Riordan Clinic approach to whole-person care About Drew Rose, DO Drew Rose, DO, is an internal medicine physician with advanced training in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. Before joining Riordan Clinic, he spent six years practicing hospital and ICU medicine in Kansas. He brings a whole-person, hands-on approach to patient care, integrating structural evaluation, osteopathic principles, and nutritional insights to support alignment, mobility, and overall well-being. Learn more about Dr. Drew or schedule a new patient appointment [https://riordanclinic.org/doctors/drew-rose/]. Episode Links & Resources Learn more about the Riordan Clinic [https://riordanclinic.org] Listen to more episodes of the Real Health Podcast [https://realhealthpodcast.org] Episode Chapters 00:00 Welcome + introducing OMM 01:10 MD vs DO vs chiropractic training 02:46 Structure, function, and whole-body evaluation 04:18 Low back pain and the kinetic chain 06:01 Foot mechanics and alignment 07:34 Cranial motion, NASA research, and headaches 10:14 OMM and migraines 12:19 Foundational osteopathic principles 14:11 OMM in chronic and complex experience 17:22 Nervous system sensitization and subtle motion 20:05 Individualized care in hospital medicine 22:12 How OMM complements whole-person care Disclaimer The information contained on the Real Health Podcast and the resources mentioned are for educational purposes only. They are not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as medical or health advice. The information contained on this podcast is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Information provided by hosts and guests on the Real Health Podcast or the use of any products or services mentioned does not create a practitioner-patient relationship between you and any persons affiliated with this podcast. Topics we explore in this episode: osteopathic medicine, OMM, osteopathic manipulative medicine, cranial motion, cranial rhythmic impulse, chronic pain, migraines, headaches, low back pain, gait mechanics, kinetic chain, lymphatic flow, fascia, COPD, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, integrative medicine, functional medicine, hands-on medicine, individualized care, whole-person health, Riordan Clinic providers, structural alignment, root-cause perspective

Redefining Medicine Through Innovation with Shaun Noorian

“When you bring care back to patients and providers, everyone heals faster.” —Shaun Noorian In this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Ron Hunninghake is joined by Shaun Noorian, CEO and founder of Empower Pharmacy, for a conversation about how innovation and integrity are transforming the future of medicine. Shaun shares how a personal health journey led him to reimagine what pharmacy could be — one built around compassion, access, and individualized care. He and Dr. Ron explore how integrative medicine and personalized compounding can support patient well-being and advance the field of preventive pharmacology. Part of the Cancer Care Reimagined Speaker Series, leading up to Riordan Clinic’s 25th International Conference on Human Functioning: Cancer Care Reimagined, held in early November. Highlights include: → How Shaun Noorian's own healing journey inspired Empower Pharmacy → Why individualized compounding plays a vital role in patient care → The evolving role of pharmacy in integrative and functional medicine → How collaboration between providers and pharmacists improves patient care → What the future of personalized and preventive medicine looks like About Shaun Noorian Shaun Noorian is the CEO and founder of Empower Pharmacy, the largest compounding pharmacy and 503B outsourcing facility in the United States. With a background in engineering and a mission to make high-quality, affordable, and personalized medications accessible to all, Shaun has built Empower into a national leader serving millions of patients. Empower Pharmacy operates with a simple but powerful belief: behind every order is a person in need. This philosophy drives their commitment to compassion, innovation, and excellence in every aspect of care. Sponsor This series is made possible by Empower Pharmacy, Platinum Sponsor of the Cancer Care Reimagined Conference. Empower is a national leader in compounding and 503B outsourcing, serving providers and patients in all 50 states with safe, affordable, personalized medications. Guided by the belief that behind every order is a person in need, they bring compassion and innovation to everything they do. Learn more at empowerpharmacy.com [https://www.empowerpharmacy.com/]. Episode Links & Resources Watch this episode on YouTube [https://youtu.be/OOPtSWIMMtQ] Gain Access to the Cancer Care Reimagined Conference [https://cancercarereimagined.org/] Learn more about Empower Pharmacy [https://empowerpharmacy.com/] Explore the Riordan Clinic [https://riordanclinic.org/] Listen to more episodes of the Real Health Podcast [https://realhealthpodcast.org/] Episode Chapters 00:00 Welcome + Speaker Series intro 01:24 Meet Shaun Noorian, founder of Empower Pharmacy 02:28 From patient to pharmacist to pioneer 05:05 The power of personalized medicine 07:40 Integrative therapies in oncology and chronic illness 10:50 Vitamin C and nutrient therapy in cancer care 13:40 Why individualized treatment improves outcomes 16:25 The role of compounding in preventive pharmacology 19:10 Partnering with providers for better patient results 21:00 How Empower Pharmacy supports integrative medicine 23:30 Looking ahead: innovation, prevention, and collaboration Topics we explore in this episode include: compounding pharmacy, integrative medicine, functional medicine, individualized care, preventive pharmacology, IV nutrition therapy, vitamin C research, cancer care innovation, metabolic health, patient empowerment, provider partnerships, and the evolution of personalized medicine Disclaimer The information contained on the Real Health Podcast and the resources mentioned are for educational purposes only. They are not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as medical or health advice. The information contained on this podcast is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Information provided by hosts and guests on the Real Health Podcast or the use of any products or services mentioned does not create a practitioner-patient relationship between you and any persons affiliated with this podcast.

The Next Chapter of Healing with Michelle Niesley, ND, MS, FABNO

“When you understand the why behind illness, that’s when healing truly begins.” —Dr. Michelle Niesley In this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Ron Hunninghake is joined by Michelle Niesley, ND, MS, FABNO—Chief Executive Officer of Riordan Clinic, clinical research, and naturopathic doctor specializing in integrative oncology—to explore how science, compassion, and curiosity come together in modern medicine. Dr. Niesley shares her path from research to leadership, the Clinic’s 50-year legacy of innovation, and the importance of bridging conventional and integrative care. From terrain-based medicine to whole-brain thinking, this conversation highlights the next chapter of healing at Riordan Clinic. 👉 Part of the Cancer Care Reimagined Speaker Series, leading up to Riordan Clinic’s 25th International Conference on Human Functioning: Cancer Care Reimagined this November. Highlights include: → How Dr. Niesley’s journey from research to leadership is shaping Riordan Clinic’s future → Why understanding the “why” behind illness transforms care → The “weed and soil” model of terrain-based oncology → What whole-brain medicine means for modern healthcare → How communication and connection empower patients as co-learners About Dr. Michelle Niesley Dr. Michelle Niesley, ND, MS, FABNO is the Chief Executive Officer of Riordan Clinic. She earned her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University and a Master’s in Evaluative Clinical Sciences from Dartmouth College, focusing on biostatistics and epidemiology. With more than 20 years of experience in integrative medicine, clinical research, and leadership, Dr. Niesley bridges evidence-based science with a whole-person approach to care. Her work continues to advance Riordan Clinic’s mission to combine research, education, and compassionate medicine that addresses the root causes of illness and fosters real healing. Sponsor This series is made possible by Empower Pharmacy, Platinum Sponsor of the Cancer Care Reimagined Conference. Empower is a national leader in compounding and 503B outsourcing, serving providers and patients in all 50 states with safe, affordable, personalized medications. Guided by the belief that behind every order is a person in need, they bring compassion and innovation to everything they do. Learn more at empowerpharmacy.com [https://www.empowerpharmacy.com/]. Episode Links & Resources Watch this episode on YouTube [https://youtu.be/LDTepBKw_Tw] Register for the Cancer Care Reimagined Conference [https://cancercarereimagined.org/] Learn more about Empower Pharmacy [https://empowerpharmacy.com/] Explore the Riordan Clinic [https://riordanclinic.org/] Listen to more episodes of the Real Health Podcast [https://realhealthpodcast.org/] Episode Chapters 00:00 Welcome + Speaker Series intro 01:44 Meet Dr. Michelle Niesley 02:28 From naturopathic oncology to CEO 04:10 Finding purpose through individualized medicine 05:57 The “weed and soil” analogy of terrain-based care 07:19 Why she was drawn to Riordan Clinic 09:09 The story behind the 25th Conference 10:36 Whole-brain medicine and bridging both sides of care 13:19 Integrative oncology in mainstream medicine 15:51 Empowering patients as co-learners 18:05 Building community + innovation between visits 19:19 Conference invitation + closing reflections Topics we explore in this episode include: integrative oncology, naturopathic doctors who specialize in integrative oncology, terrain-based care, functional medicine, whole-brain medicine, personalized healing, biostatistics and research, individualized treatment, patient empowerment, the future of cancer care, Riordan Clinic leadership, education and research in medicine, and bridging conventional and integrative approaches Disclaimer The information contained on the Real Health Podcast and the resources mentioned are for educational purposes only. They are not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as medical or health advice. The information contained on this podcast is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Information provided by hosts and guests on the Real Health Podcast or the use of any products or services mentioned does not create a practitioner-patient relationship between you and any persons affiliated with this podcast.

Healing at the Intersection of Science and Humanity with Dr. Lise Alschuler

“True healing happens when medicine honors both evidence and intuition — when we use science to guide us, and humanity to connect us.” —Dr. Lise Alschuler In this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Ron Hunninghake sits down with Dr. Lise Alschuler, a leading naturopathic oncologist, educator, and author who has spent more than three decades advancing integrative approaches to cancer care. Together, they explore how the next generation of oncology is being redefined through the union of measurable science and the wisdom of the human body. Dr. Alschuler shares how her philosophy of medicine has evolved — from recognizing the innate healing intelligence within each person to embracing technology and data as powerful, but incomplete, tools. She discusses the importance of terrain-based care, personalized nutrition, and the role of natural agents like medicinal mushrooms in complementing conventional therapies. She invites us to preserve compassion, connection, and curiosity as medicine grows more data-driven and digitally advanced. 👉 This conversation is part of the Cancer Care Reimagined Speaker Series [https://realhealthpodcast.org/category/cancer-care-reimagined-speaker-series/], leading up to Riordan Clinic’s Cancer Care Reimagined Conference this November. Highlights include → The evolving role of naturopathic and integrative oncology in modern cancer care → How terrain-based medicine strengthens resilience and recovery → Why measurement and personalization matter in nutritional medicine → The importance of preserving humanity in a data-driven medical world → Natural agents and the science of immune support, including medicinal mushrooms About Dr. Lise Alschuler Lise Alschuler, ND, FABNO, is a board-certified naturopathic oncologist, author, and Professor of Clinical Medicine at Sonoran University of Health Sciences. She also serves as Associate Director of the Fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine. Dr. Alschuler is internationally recognized for her leadership in integrative oncology and evidence-based natural medicine. She co-authored The Definitive Guide to Cancer and The Definitive Guide to Thriving After Cancer and co-hosts Five to Thrive Live!, a radio show dedicated to helping people create wellness in the face of cancer. Sponsor This series is made possible by Empower, the Platinum Sponsor of the Cancer Care Reimagined Conference. As a national leader in compounding pharmacy and 503B outsourcing, Empower serves providers and patients across all 50 states with safe, affordable, and personalized medications. Guided by the belief that behind every order is a person in need, they bring compassion and innovation to everything they do. Learn more at empowerpharmacy.com [https://www.empowerpharmacy.com/]. Episode Links & Resources Watch this episode on YouTube [https://youtu.be/jyTRSE8R8U0] Register for the Cancer Care Reimagined Conference [https://cancercarereimagined.org/] Learn more about Empower Pharmacy [https://empowerpharmacy.com/] Explore the Riordan Clinic [https://riordanclinic.org/] Listen to more episodes of the Real Health Podcast [https://realhealthpodcast.org/] Episode Chapters 00:00 Welcome + introduction to the Speaker Series 01:26 Meet Dr. Lise Alschuler 02:55 Her path to naturopathic and integrative oncology 05:58 Nutrition, measurement, and the science of healing 09:25 Terrain-based and personalized approaches to care 12:11 Preserving humanity in a data-driven medical world 18:33 Resilience, meaning, and growth through cancer 21:42 Integrative therapies and IV vitamin C 22:53 Closing reflections + thank you to Empower Pharmacy Topics we explore in this episode include integrative oncology, Lise Alschuler, naturopathic medicine, terrain-based care, functional medicine, personalized nutrition, Sonoran University, Andrew Weil Center, medicinal mushrooms, vitamin C therapy, AI in healthcare, whole-person healing, cancer resilience, human connection in medicine, integrative oncology conference Disclaimer The information contained on the Real Health Podcast and the resources mentioned are for educational purposes only. They are not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as medical or health advice. The information contained on this podcast is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Information provided by hosts and guests on the Real Health Podcast or the use of any products or services mentioned does not create a practitioner-patient relationship between you and any persons affiliated with this podcast.