Rhonda Rowland BA

Rhonda Rowland is a trusted health communicator, nonprofit leader, and former CNN medical correspondent known for translating complex medical information into compelling, human-centered stories. With more than 16 years at CNN, including a decade as an on-air medical correspondent, she covered a wide range of health topics such as cardiovascular disease, neurology, women’s health, mental health, pediatrics, and emerging medical treatments.

Today, Rowland serves as president of the Wilson Disease Association, where she combines professional expertise with personal experience as someone living with Wilson disease, a rare genetic disorder diagnosed when she was 21 years old. Through advocacy, storytelling, and education, she works to improve awareness, diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for people affected by rare diseases.

Before her nonprofit leadership role, she founded R2 Communications, a health communications and video production company focused on medical education, patient advocacy, and healthcare storytelling. Throughout her career, she has partnered with organizations including WebMD, academic institutions, advocacy groups, and healthcare companies to create educational campaigns and media content that bridge the gap between science and lived experience.

Rowland is also a filmmaker, speaker, and writer whose work highlights the patient perspective in healthcare. Her documentary storytelling and advocacy projects have helped bring visibility to Wilson disease and other rare conditions, empowering patients and families while advancing public understanding.