“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.

Episode Links & Resources

Watch this episode on YouTube

Register for the Cancer Care Reimagined Conference

Learn more about Empower Pharmacy

Explore the Riordan Clinic

Listen to more episodes of the Real Health Podcast

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.