Rick Kingston’s career is a testament to the power of combining scientific expertise with a commitment to public safety and corporate responsibility. Rick holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of New Mexico and a Doctorate in Clinical Pharmacy from the University of Minnesota. He furthered his education by completing a residency and post-doctoral fellowship in clinical toxicology and pharmacokinetics at the University of Minnesota. Rick’s early training set the stage for a career dedicated to advancing his field. His work at the University of Minnesota further honed his skills, preparing him to tackle some of the most complex safety challenges in healthcare and consumer products.
As a professor at the University of Minnesota, Rick led toxicology services at a Level One Trauma center, managing cases ranging from drug overdoses to chemical exposures. His passion for public health and safety drove him to co-found and direct the Minnesota Regional Poison Control Center, where he served for 17 years. During this time, Rick's interest in dietary supplements and botanicals deepened as he taught a course on the Therapeutics of Herbs and Other Natural Medicinals at the University of Minnesota, which he still does.
In 2004, Rick co-founded SafetyCall International with Leo J. Sioris, PharmD, to address a critical gap in adverse event management. “We took our toxicology expertise and background in clinical pharmacology and toxicology to develop a business that provides comprehensive adverse event management services for corporate clients," he explained. SafetyCall is the only global, triple-licensed adverse event management health care firm staffed by over 300 pharmacists, physicians, veterinarians, and other licensed allied healthcare professionals. Its comprehensive approach includes monitoring adverse events for safety issues ensuring regulatory compliance, and guiding companies on post market surveillance best practices.
"Our mission is simple: to provide companies with the insights they need to protect their products, consumers, and reputation," Rick explained. Rick and his colleagues at SafetyCall have established industry best practices in adverse event management supporting public health and corporate responsibility.
SafetyCall’s rapid growth and sustained excellence reflect the collaborative leadership philosophy Rick shares with his co-workers. "Personally, I try to surround myself with smart people and listen to them… and there are a lot of smart people at SafetyCall. I always strive to find common ground and work for consensus. I encourage debate and the sharing of different opinions. I think that's where you get the best outcomes,” Rick shared. This shared philosophy has earned SafetyCall recognition as a Minnesota Top Workplace for 14 years and positioned the company as a trusted partner to some of the world’s most respected brands.
Rick’s leadership extends beyond the day-to-day operations of SafetyCall. As a thought leader in adverse event management, he is frequently sought after by trade associations, regulators, and corporate leaders for his insights. “Safety issues, if mishandled, can bring down even the biggest companies. You can’t delegate liability for your product,” he cautioned. This proactive approach underpins his belief that compliance isn’t just a regulatory requirement—it’s a cornerstone of consumer trust, responsibility and ultimately corporate sustainability
Rick praised CRN’s leadership and role in setting industry standards, saying, "CRN has always taken the high road. They've built a reputation for being a trusted resource."
Rick's advice is clear for the next generation of leaders: "Stay engaged, stay on top of the literature, and understand what the science is telling you. Learn from past scenarios where companies failed to do the right things by their stakeholders." He also stressed the value of building public confidence through quality and transparency: "You want to create public confidence that what you say is in your product is actually there, and the quality is there."
Known by many in the industry as the go-to thought leader on adverse events, Rick Kingston is a trusted voice in product safety and compliance. Learn more about Rick Kingston’s leadership and SafetyCall International’s contributions to product safety by visiting www.safetycall.com.