Great River Symposium: Kim Christensen
Kim Christensen, L.Ac, DAOM
Dr. Kim Christensen is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese medicine herbalist and instructor at the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing. As a clinician, educator, and entrepreneur, Kim is dedicated to providing affirming, whole-person health care and highlighting discussions about integrative medicine, health equity, and ethical entrepreneurship in the clinic, classroom, and community.
Kim is co-owner of Constellation Acupuncture & Healing Arts (www.constellationacu.com) in Minneapolis, MN, where she has her clinical practice. As a clinician, Kim prioritizes a personalized approach rooted in transparency, empowerment, and education. Her areas of specialty include pain, complex and chronic medical conditions, reproductive and sexual health, fertility (including integrative IUI and IVF support), and mental health and trauma. Kim is passionate about providing comprehensive care for LGBTQ+ individuals, including holistic support for queer family planning and gender-affirming hormone therapy and surgeries. As part of her independent doctoral research, Kim focused on Chinese medicine approaches to support transgender and gender-diverse individuals using gender-affirming hormone therapy.
Kim is passionate about forming collaborative relationships with practitioners across disciplines to support integrative management of acute and chronic health concerns and provide educaton about acupuncture and Chinese medicine. She has partnered with the University of Minnesota School of Nursing and Mayo Clinic to develop acupressure and auriculotherapy training materials for nursing staff.
Session
FRIDAY, MAY 2 | 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Providing Person-Centered Care for LGBTQ+ Patients
This presentation explores the importance of LGBTQ+ care through an interdisciplinary lens, with a focus on fostering inclusive healthcare practices. Participants will develop linguistic skills to create more affirming interactions while gaining insight into the history that has shaped healthcare access for LGBTQ+ communities. Attendees will deepen their compassion for experiences beyond their own and explore the considerations for working with LGBTQ+ individuals within the context of Chinese medicine theory, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. The session also provides practical resources for continued learning and implementation.