Brief Bio: Christie Kirchoff, RN, BSN, has been a competitive runner since she was six years old. Having competed in the Junior Olympics and various state and national track meets throughout her childhood, she developed a keen awareness of how food, healthy habits and preparation affected the outcomes of her races. Her love for running and nutrition has carried her through her often stressful job as an oncology nurse. She has competed in countless road and trail races of varying lengths and has been a vegetarian for more than 12 years. As a nutrition enthusiast she has created four FitLife menus for Deli Lane Restaurant to offer people healthy options. She studied nursing and clinical nutrition at the University of Miami and began her master’s in human nutrition and functional medicine at University of Western States in January of 2014. Kirchoff is also a certified spinning instructor and a NFHS level 1 coach. In addition to her extracurricular activities, Kirchoff is CPR, chemotherapy and biotherapy certified and is trained to administer chemotherapy to children.
Why did you choose UWS? Why did you choose HNFM?
UWS had the only master’s program in functional medicine and I knew I wanted to be involved in preventative medicine and a whole-person approach to health care.
What has been your favorite class/instructor?
Michael Gonzalez, DSc, NMD, PhD, FACN, was my professor for Structural Integrity and Oxidative Reductive Dynamics and his depth of knowledge is amazing but what is more astonishing is his passion for sharing that knowledge.
What has been your experience with learning in HNFM’s online environment?
I was hesitant to pursue my master’s degree online. I am older and enjoy the interaction with professors and fellow students. I was pleasantly surprised by the efficacy with which classes were structured and organized. Most professors include lectures and live sessions so that you do get to know them a bit.
What has been the most surprising part of the HNFM program at UWS?
I was surprised that as a nurse there was so much I had to learn about nutrition.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
I hope to sit for my CCN and CNS within the upcoming year.
Favorite way to get some stress out from school?
I have always been an avid runner, that came in super handy when I felt like I could not retain one more word of information or was overwhelmed with deadlines. I would run until I felt back to normal and then carry on.
