Meet Our Founders
Our History
Founded in 1975 from the shared vision of Dr. Hugh Riordan and benefactor Olive W. Garvey.
The Riordan Clinic was founded in 1975 from the shared vision of Dr. Hugh Riordan and Olive W. Garvey. The existing facility opened in July of 1984. The 8 domes and single 39-foot pyramid have since been a curiosity to travelers along Wichita’s Highway K-96.
The eight geodesic dome structures were cost effective and would serve to promote a “campus” feel for the Clinic. The spherical shape was found to be both structurally strong and the open interiors allowed air to circulate inside without obstruction. The domes at Riordan Clinic were considered “green” long before being “green” was trendy.
The pyramid was originally conceived to be used for research. There were many popular theories in the 70s surrounding pyramid power and energy fields. Those theories suggested the pyramid design was conducive to integrating and amplifying energy fields. For a Center dedicated to spreading an epidemic of health to all people, the pyramid was a fitting addition to the campus at the time the facility was built. Today, the pyramid is used for special events hosted by Riordan Clinic.
The Road to Real Health: 50 Years of the Riordan Clinic
1975: Founding Inception
A connection between philanthropist, Olive W. Garvey and Dr. Hugh Riordan, a visionary psychiatrist led tothe founding of the Center for the Improvement of Human Functioning, later renamed the Riordan Clinic.
Riordan establishes a cutting-edge laboratory to test nutrient levels and their impacts on human health, pioneering direct nutrient testing methodologies.
Core Belief: The clinic operated on the principle that correcting nutrient deficiencies and imbalances can create an environment for healing, reversing chronic illnesses, and improving overall quality of life.
Throwing a Rope: Newsletter developed to spread awareness and invite collaboration for holistic health initiatives.
Biomedical Synergistics Education Institute: Recognizing the need for education in this emerging field, the institute was established to sponsor medical conferences and disseminate knowledge on holistic health.
First Patients: The clinic welcomed its first patient, marking the beginning of its journey in providing orthomolecular health care.
1980
Education through Media: Dr. Riordan begins producing an educational series, One of a Kind on PBS.
1981
Land Acquisition: The clinic secures 90 acres to house expanded operations and visionary campus.
Olive W. Garvey Center for Healing Arts: Established to support the clinic’s growing focus on patient-centered care.
Dr. Riordan became President of the American Holistic Medical Association
1984: Construction of Iconic Campus
New Facility: A distinctive campus featuring eight geodesic domes and a 39-foot pyramid, designed to promote a “campus” feel and support the clinic’s holistic approach.
Mabee Library: Opened as a central resource for patients and researchers, featuring literature on holistic and integrative medicine.
1985
Taste of Health Cafe: Introduced as a community outreach initiative promoting healthy living and sustaining farm to table.
RECNAC Project: Pioneering research into high-dose intravenous Vitamin C (IVC) therapy begins, focusing on its potential for cancer treatment.
1986
Health Hunters Newsletter: a monthly publication to educate patients (co-learners) on wellness and integrative medicine.
1987
Bio-Communications Press: Established to publish materials promoting integrative and orthomolecular health research.
1988
Medical Mavericks: The first volume of Dr. Riordan’s book series highlighting innovators in holistic and integrative medicine is published.
Dr. Ron Hunninghake Joins: A pivotal addition to the clinic, Dr. Hunninghake becomes a leading advocate for Vitamin C therapy and integrative oncology.
1989
Medical Mavericks Volume 2: Published as a continuation of the series.
RECNAC Research Expansion: Progress in studying Vitamin C’s cytotoxic effects on cancer cells.
1993
RECNAC 2: Research expands to further validate Vitamin C’s efficacy in cancer treatment.
Olive W. Garvey’s Passing: The clinic’s cofounder and benefactor passes away at age 99, leaving a legacy of hope and health.
1994
Health Hunter/Beat the Odds Panels: Lab panels developed for corporate and individual wellness assessments.
1995
Patented Testing Methodology: The clinic patents ”Improved Microplate Fluorometer Counting of Viable Tumor and Normal Cells.”
Lunch and Lectures Program: Educational events are introduced to engage the public and promote under- standing of integrative health.
Landmark Research: Riordan Clinic researchers demonstrate that cancer patients can achieve selectively toxic plasma levels of Vitamin C.
1997
Publications on Vitamin C: Findings are published on the preferential toxicity of Vitamin C to cancer cells.
IVC Patent: Drs. Hugh and Neil Riordan patent “Intravenous ascorbate as tumor cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent,” solidifying the clinic’s role in cancer care innovation.
1998
Institutional Review Board (IRB): Established to ensure ethical oversight of research initiatives.
2002
Orthomolecular Doctor of the Year: Dr. Hugh Riordan receives the award for his contributions to integrative medicine.
Linus Pauling Award: Honored for advancing orthomolecular approaches to health care.
2005
Dr. Hugh Riordan’s Passing: The founder passes away, leaving behind a profound legacy in integrative medicine.
Medical Mavericks Volume 3: Published posthumously, continuing his mission of education.
Orthomolecular Hall of Fame Induction: Dr. Riordan is recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to the field.
2011
University of Kansas Endowment: Establishes the Hugh D. Riordan Endowed Chair for Orthomolecular Medicine and Research.
“Pyramid on the Prairie”: A comprehensive book documenting the clinic’s history is published.
2013
Dr. Ron Hunninghake: Inducted into the Orthomolecular Hall of Fame for his leadership in integrative medicine.
2016
Shawnee Clinic Opens: Adding services for a new patient population.
Anti-Aging Excellence Award: Recognized for advancements in longevity-focused integrative care.
2018
Overland Park Clinic: Relocated from Shawnee to accommodate growing patient needs.
2020
Excellence in Geriatric Medicine: Dr. Hunninghake receives recognition for advancements in elder care.
IVC Protocol Recognition: The Riordan Clinic’s Vitamin C cancer protocols gain worldwide acclaim, becoming a global standard in integrative oncology.
2025 50th Anniversary Milestone
- Reflecting on five decades of groundbreaking research, patient care, and education.
- Celebrating 11 patents, 160+ peer-reviewed articles, and the administration of over 150,000 IVC infusions.
- Honoring the clinic’s founders and the patients whose lives have been transformed by its innovative therapies.
- Reaffirming its role as a global leader in integrative health care.
