"No matter what type of problem you face with a patient, you do whatever it takes to get to the bottom of what is going on for the patient. You make sure you are always respectful, compassionate and scrupulously fair. That is who I am as a doctor and person."

Dr. Kunke practices comprehensive ophthalmology at EHNW. He has a great deal of experience working with patients who have unique conditions related to diabetes. Thus, a large part of his practice focuses on laser treatment for diabetic and retinal eye problems. 

Dr. Kunke went through most of his life with an undiagnosed condition that made it extremely challenging for him to learn in a traditional educational environment. This meant that from a young age he always gave 110% effort. Ultimately, his condition did not prevent him from achieving success. In fact, he graduated 2nd in his medical school class. He was able to excel because of a combination of fierce intelligence, tremendous work ethic and creative problem-solving.

As an ophthalmologist, Dr. Kunke gives the same tireless effort to every patient. He is undaunted by difficult conditions, and he ensures that each patient receives what he or she needs. He is exhaustively thorough and deliberate. "I don’t let my patient leave until I hear what they have to say, and they understand what they need to know. It might take longer, but I will never rush a patient, and my patients are always happy when they leave."

Dr. Kunke has a good sense of humor, and he likes to poke fun at himself. His new patients are quickly put at ease by his quirky humor. And his returning patients know that he provides them with excellent care while making them laugh too.

As a volunteer, Dr. Kunke has provided surgery for cataract removal to many people during two medical mission trips to Mexico. He deeply appreciated the opportunity to help so many people on those trips. Currently, he volunteers on the board of Northwest Vision Association, which is a group of optometrists and ophthalmologists that credential eye doctors who want to participate in offering companies a discounted group rate for eye exams.

Dr. Kunke’s wife of two decades is Carol. She is an anesthesiologist. They have four teenage children: Robbie, Kiersten, Chris and Matt. As committed as he is to his patients, he gives the same devotion to his family. Carol says, "He is the nicest person ever. As a father, he does everything for them, and he loves it." Since the children were in kindergarten, he has coached their basketball teams all the way through high school. 

When it comes time for a personal indulgence, Dr. Kunke likes to get his adrenaline going. He loves fast cars and enjoys pastimes that involve pushing his intellectual and physical limits. Though he played collegiate golf and basketball, these days, he prefers to play golf socially and go to the gym for exercise. And he never misses his children’s sports events

DR. KUNKE'S EDUCATION: