Update (February 25, 2026): Dr. Cynthia Aks is no longer with Riordan Clinic.

“Healing involves addressing the whole person — body, mind, and lived experience.” — Dr. Cynthia Aks

In this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Ron Hunninghake, MD, welcomes Cynthia Aks, DO, FACOS, ABIHM, to the Riordan Clinic team. A board-certified General Surgeon and Integrative Healthcare Practitioner, Dr. Aks brings more than three decades of experience in breast health, integrative medicine, and whole-person perspectives on care.

Dr. Aks shares her professional journey from osteopathic medical training and surgical leadership to her work integrating education, lifestyle considerations, movement, and complementary modalities into oncology and survivorship conversations. She reflects on her pioneering work in breast health innovation, her belief in collaborative, patient-centered relationships, and her interest in helping individuals stay informed and engaged throughout their health journey.

Highlights include:

→ Dr. Aks’ path from surgery to integrative healthcare perspectives

→ How osteopathic philosophy informs her approach to patient care

→ Insights from decades specializing in breast disease and oncology settings

→ The role of education, lifestyle considerations, and complementary modalities in survivorship discussions

→ How ongoing connection and accountability factor into long-term health engagement

About Cynthia Aks, DO, FACOS, ABIHM

Dr. Cynthia Aks is a board-certified General Surgeon and Integrative Healthcare Practitioner at Riordan Clinic. She has specialized in breast health since 1997 and is recognized for her role in breast health innovation, including being the first surgeon in Oregon to perform cryoablation for breast cancer. Her background includes leadership of comprehensive breast centers, advanced training in integrative and complementary disciplines, and extensive experience in oncology-focused education and survivorship-oriented care conversations.

👉 Learn more about Dr. Cynthia Aks or explore care at Riordan Clinic

Read the full Riordan Clinic Welcomes Dr. Cynthia Aks article

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Episode Chapters

00:00 Welcome + introducing Dr. Cynthia Aks

01:08 Dr. Aks’ medical background and osteopathic training

03:54 Specializing in breast health and integrative medicine

06:22 Leadership in comprehensive breast centers

08:49 Innovation in breast health and cryoablation

11:47 Integrative and complementary perspectives on care

15:00 Survivorship education and long-term engagement

18:42 Holistic philosophy and whole-person considerations

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 include:

osteopathic medicine, integrative healthcare, breast health, survivorship education, oncology care perspectives, patient-centered care, complementary modalities, lifestyle considerations, Riordan Clinic providers, doctor-patient relationship, preventive health