PARTNERING WITH PATIENTS FOR HEALTHY LIVING

Kristin van Konynenburg, MD, CHom

Dr. Kristin van Konynenburg’s clinic days are Tuesday, Wednesday afternoon and Friday.

After earning my BA in Women’s Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, I went on to study Medicine at the University of California, Davis and graduated in 1995. I then completed a Family Medicine internship and residency at Contra Costa County Hospital in Martinez, California, where I stayed on to work in a county clinic in Richmond, California, and also as a surgical hospitalist. During this time I began to study and then teach Wilderness and Expedition Medicine. These experiences prepared me well for fulfilling a dream I had long held, to become a Station Physician at a scientific research station in Antarctica. I worked at Palmer Station on Anvers Island, along the Antarctic Peninsula for three seasons 2001-2003. My favorite experience was finding penguins outside the clinic doorstep on several occasions! At Palmer Station, my patients were mostly very happy with their lives and work, and the connection between emotional health and physical health was illustrated very well for me.

While working in Antarctica, I fell in love with Joe, and moved to Boulder to be with him. Prior to this time, I had numerous positive experiences with Traditional Chinese Medicine and homeopathy and herbal therapy in my personal health care, so it was a natural choice for me to work at Boulder Community Hospital’s Holistic Medical Center and then Holistic Family Practice from 2004 – March 2010. During this time I became certified with the American Board of Holistic Medicine and completed a certification in Classical Homeopathy at the Homeopathy School of Colorado (now Homeopathy School International) in 2007.

Starting My Family Doctor with Dr. Rosenthal has been a culmination of my experiences and beliefs about quality health care and healing. While providing a wide spectrum of basic Family Medicine, including minor procedures, I also use plant medicine, pharmaceutical medicine, homeopathy, and nutrition to address my patients’ concerns and health issues. I also believe true healing must begin at an emotional level, and I see my role as an advocate for my patients to discover resources within themselves to promote their own health and well being.