February 28 1924 – July 1 2025
With deep sadness, we share news of the passing of Ken Walker, widely known as W. Gifford-Jones, MD, who died at the age of 101. His loss will be mourned by orthomolecular colleagues, readers, patients, and all who were touched by his compassionate, courageous, and forward-thinking approach to medicine.
Ken Walker earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto, and graduated Harvard medical school. Over the decades that followed, he served as a surgical specialist, family physician, hotel doctor, and ship surgeon. He also reached millions of people as a syndicated medical columnist, writing weekly without interruption, for nearly 50 years.
Dr. Walker championed natural healing long before it was mainstream. Influenced by orthomolecular pioneers Linus Pauling and Abram Hoffer, he became an influential advocate for nutritional therapy, detoxification, and individualized care. His experience with the therapeutic potential of vitamin C for cardiovascular health was applied after he suffered a a heart attack at age 75. Opting to use high-dose vitamin C over medications, Ken went on to live another 26 years.
Dr. Walker was also a fearless advocate for progressive causes. He stood for a woman’s right to choose, the use of heroin for terminal cancer pain, and medical assistance in dying. He took these positions not for popularity, but out of principle and compassion.
Dr. Walker’s passing marks the end of an extraordinary life in medicine, defined by his dedication to natural healing and patient-centred care.
