Kinninger named executive medical director for Blue Ridge Medical Group

UNC Health Blue Ridge has named Dr. Adam Kinninger executive medical director for Blue Ridge Medical Group.

In the role, Kinninger will help lead clinical strategy, physician engagement, and quality initiatives across the organization’s employed medical practices.

Kinninger, a physician at McDowell Family Practice, will continue seeing patients there.

“I’m honored to serve,” he said. “Our group is deeply committed to providing exceptional care to the communities we serve. I look forward to partnering with our clinical and administrative leaders to strengthen access, support our care teams, and continue building a medical group that delivers outstanding patient care.”

As executive medical director, Kinninger will provide physician leadership and professional guidance to Blue Ridge Medical Group physicians, advanced practice providers, and administrative teams. He also will help strengthen clinician engagement and experience across the medical group.

Kinninger will work closely with Brittany Dobbins, executive director of Blue Ridge Medical Group, to align clinical and operational priorities, enhance practice performance, and promote standards of quality, safety, and accountability.

“Dr. Kinninger is a highly respected physician leader who brings credibility, experience, and a genuine passion for improving patient care,” Dobbins said. “I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand his thoughtful leadership, unwavering integrity, and deep commitment to both his patients and his colleagues. He has earned the trust and respect of those around him, and I look forward to partnering with him as we continue strengthening Blue Ridge Medical Group and advancing our mission of providing exceptional care to the communities we serve.”

Kinninger serves on the UNC Health Blue Ridge Board of Directors. He is a board-certified family physician and sports medicine specialist with more than 15 years of clinical, leadership, and governance experience.

Throughout his career, Kinninger has been involved in patient-centered care, physician leadership, and health care system improvement. He has held numerous senior leadership roles within hospital and physician organizations.

He also serves as adjunct clinical faculty for Campbell University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has precepted medical students, residents, and fellows.

Outside medicine, Kinninger is involved in community leadership and service. He serves as an elder and chair at Grace Community Church, leads community groups, coaches youth athletics, and has provided sports medicine coverage for high school and collegiate athletes throughout the region.

Kinninger earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his residency through Ohio University and his sports medicine fellowship at Kettering Medical Center.

UNC Health Blue Ridge said Kinninger’s clinical expertise, leadership experience, and dedication to service will support the continued growth of Blue Ridge Medical Group and its mission to improve the health and well-being of the communities it serves.

— AKC