Meet Dr. Kevin Gardner, Royal’s New Medical Director

Dr. Kevin Gardner brings deep experience, a love of teaching, and a grounded approach to his new role as Medical Director.

“Simple is safe.”

That’s how Dr. Kevin Gardner describes his approach to medicine. Whether he’s leading a critical care team or helping a new EMT feel confident in the field, Kevin believes that clarity, calm, and connection matter most.

He’s not here to micromanage. He’s here to listen, teach, and make sure every patient transfer meets the same high standard of care as an ICU or ED.

His mission is to bring expert-level support, simple tools, and real-time education to the overlooked in-between spaces of healthcare, especially where patient transfers and critical care intersect.

Professional Journey

Kevin’s background spans coast to coast and includes some of the top names in healthcare.

He grew up in Homer, a small town in central New York. After studying at Cornell and completing med school at the University of Pennsylvania, he spent time backpacking through South America. That experience gave him some space before diving into residency in Oakland, where he trained at Highland Hospital in Emergency Medicine and served as chief resident.

After graduation, he worked in the ED at Eden Medical Center and UCSF, then completed a two-year Critical Care fellowship at Stanford. He later joined the Yale New Haven Health System, working at Bridgeport Hospital across both the ICU and ED.

But California pulled him back. In 2024, Kevin returned to Highland as Director of Critical Care in the Emergency Department. And now, he’s bringing his combined emergency and critical care experience to Royal.

Why Royal

Kevin sees interfacility transport as more than a logistical handoff. “It’s a critical moment in a patient’s care timeline,” he says.

“You deserve the same level of support and structure whether you’re in the ICU or in the back of a rig.”

That’s what drew him to Royal. A chance to support a growing clinical team and help shape the protocols, education, and communication systems that guide care between hospitals.

In his first year, Kevin plans to audit and streamline every clinical protocol Royal uses. Almost 100 in total.

“My goal is to make them so clear that they feel like having me in your pocket,” he says.

He’s also focused on showing up. Whether that’s joining training sessions, attending care meetings, or answering field questions, Kevin wants to be available and approachable.

Clinical Philosophy

Kevin doesn’t believe in overengineering. He believes in building systems that help people make safe, informed decisions under pressure. That starts with knowing your audience.

“You have to meet learners where they are,” he says. “Sometimes that’s a brand new EMT. Sometimes, it’s a critical care nurse with 20 years of experience. Both deserve to feel confident.”

His guiding principle is clarity. He distills complex procedures into simple, usable frameworks. It’s not about dumbing anything down. It’s about designing tools that work in the real world.

He also believes education works best when people feel comfortable asking questions. “It’s easy to get caught up in looking competent,” he says.

“But if you stay curious and keep asking, that’s how you grow.”

Beyond the Hospital

Outside of work, Kevin’s most at home in the mountains.

He started mountaineering soon after moving to California. As the climbs got more technical, he picked up rock and ice climbing too. These days, he leans toward sport and trad routes and tries to get outside as much as his schedule allows.

He and his wife, Amelia, also an ER doctor, live in the Bay Area with their daughter Quinn. When he’s not at Highland or with the Royal team, you’ll probably find him on a wall somewhere or chasing a toddler.

What Comes Next

Kevin knows that many Royal team members are just beginning their healthcare careers. He sees that as a strength.

“This is one of the only places I’ve worked where you get that mix of seasoned clinicians and people fresh out of EMT school. It’s exciting. It means there’s a real energy to grow.”

His advice for those just starting out:

"Be curious. Ask questions. Don’t let fear of looking inexperienced get in the way of learning something new."

Whether you’re a field provider with a question about protocol or a new hire looking for a mentor, Kevin wants you to feel comfortable reaching out. And if you see him in the office or at a training, say hi. He’d probably rather hear about your favorite hike or what inspired you to join EMS than talk about himself.

Royal’s lucky to have him. And he’s excited to be here.