About
Dr. Kristy Riniker is a board-certified family and lifestyle medicine physician with over ten years of clinical experience. She earned her BA in cultural anthropology at the University of Texas, then pursued her Master of Public Health and medical degree at UT Health. Her family medicine residency took place at the University of New Mexico Santa Fe Rural Training Track, where she trained in underserved and rural settings. That rural foundation shaped her commitment to accessible, community-rooted care.
Dr. Riniker holds board certification from both the American Board of Family Physicians and the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine, and she holds Fellowship status in the American Academy of Family Physicians. She serves as Vice President of the New Mexico Academy of Family Physicians and sits on the AAFP Commission on Health of the Public and Science. Her clinical interests include chronic disease management, preventive medicine, lifestyle medicine, and complementary and alternative approaches. She guides patients using the principles she lives by: eat plants, keep moving, sleep well, be present, stay calm, and love people. Outside medicine, she enjoys cross-country skiing and yoga in Northern New Mexico with her two sons. She also advocates for the Rio Rancho Public Library and state parks.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of Texas, BA Cultural Anthropology
Medical School
UT Health
Residency
Family Medicine, University of New Mexico - Santa Fe Rural Training Track
Additional Training
Master of Public Health, UT Health
Certifications
Languages
English, Spanish
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Riniker right for?
Dr. Riniker serves patients of all ages, from newborns to older adults. She is a strong fit for people managing chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, or depression who want a physician involved in long-term care planning. Patients drawn to lifestyle-based approaches, including nutrition, movement, and sleep, will find her philosophy well-matched to their goals. Spanish-speaking patients benefit from her fully bilingual practice. Those seeking immigration physicals also find a qualified civil surgeon in Dr. Riniker.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Riniker treats a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. Her chronic disease focus includes diabetes, prediabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, COPD, asthma, fatty liver, and weight management. She also addresses mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, and insomnia. For acute needs, she treats respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, ear infections, skin infections, sexually transmitted infections, and abdominal pain.
Yes. Dr. Riniker holds dual board certification. She is certified by the American Board of Family Physicians and by the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. She also holds Fellowship status in the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Dr. Riniker builds individualized care plans that integrate healthy lifestyle strategies with medications and supplements as needed. She draws on training in lifestyle medicine, pharmacology, and complementary and alternative medicine. Her goal is to understand each patient's health goals and preferences before creating a sustainable, long-term plan.
Yes. Dr. Riniker sees patients in both English and Spanish. Ikigai Family Physician is a fully bilingual practice.
Dr. Riniker performs a broad range of in-office procedures. These include point-of-care ultrasound using the Butterfly IQ device, trigger point injections, joint injections, skin biopsies, lesion removals, Nexplanon insertion, and IUD insertion.
Yes. Dr. Riniker is a certified US Civil Surgeon and performs immigration physicals for I-693 status adjustment. The exam costs $250 per person and covers the medical history and physical examination. Laboratory screening tests and required immunizations carry separate costs.
Dr. Riniker earned her medical degree and Master of Public Health at UT Health. She completed her family medicine residency at the University of New Mexico Santa Fe Rural Training Track. Before medical school, she studied cultural anthropology at the University of Texas.
Dr. Riniker holds several leadership positions. She serves as Vice President of the New Mexico Academy of Family Physicians and as Co-Chair of its Government Affairs Committee. She also serves as Alternate Delegate to the Congress of Delegates of the American Academy of Family Physicians and sits on the AAFP Commission on Health of the Public and Science.
Yes. Dr. Riniker makes home visits within Rio Rancho and Corrales. She also sees patients via telehealth. For home visits beyond those areas, a travel charge may apply.
Doctor profile last updated April 10, 2026