About
Melanie Christina, MD, FACP, earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Louisiana State University in 1984. She then completed her Doctorate of Medicine at Tulane University Medical Center in New Orleans in 1990. Her internship and residency in Internal Medicine followed at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, concluding in 1993.
Dr. Christina holds board certification from both the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Palliative and Hospice Medicine. She has chaired the Palliative Care Subcommittee at Presbyterian Hospital since 2003 and serves as Medical Director of Kindred Hospice since 2017. She trained with the Institute of Functional Medicine in the Reversal of Cognitive Decline and continues expanding her expertise in anti-aging and natural approaches to chronic disease. D Magazine named her Best Physician in 2005, and she earned the Vitas Physician of the Year award in 2003. Dr. Christina views her role as both physician and health coach, guiding patients on diet, prevention, and nutrition. She describes caregiving as a sacred honor and follows patients from young adulthood through end-of-life care.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA - Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (1984)
Medical School
Tulane University Medical Center - Doctorate of Medicine (1990)
Residency
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX - Internal Medicine Residency and Internship (1990-1993)
Additional Training
Institute of Functional Medicine - Training in Reversal of Cognitive Decline
Certifications
Languages
English
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Christina right for?
Dr. Christina is a strong fit for adults who want a physician to guide them across all stages of life. Patients managing chronic conditions, cognitive concerns, or complex end-of-life needs benefit from her dual-board expertise. She works well with those who value nutrition, prevention, and functional approaches to health. Patients seeking a physician who addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of care will find a natural match here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Christina treats a broad range of adult conditions, including chronic disease, cognitive decline, and end-of-life diagnoses. Her clinical focus also includes preventive care, metabolic health, and age-related concerns. She integrates functional medicine approaches to address root causes alongside conventional treatment.
Yes. Dr. Christina holds dual board certifications from the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Palliative and Hospice Medicine. Few primary care physicians carry both credentials, making her well-suited for patients with complex or serious illness.
Dr. Christina approaches each patient as a whole person, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of health. She views her role as both physician and health coach. She guides patients on diet, nutrition, and prevention alongside managing clinical conditions.
Dr. Christina trained with the Institute of Functional Medicine in the Reversal of Cognitive Decline. She applies functional medicine principles to chronic disease management and anti-aging care. This training complements her conventional internal medicine background.
Yes. Dr. Christina holds board certification in Palliative and Hospice Medicine. She has chaired the Palliative Care Subcommittee at Presbyterian Hospital since 2003 and serves as Medical Director of Kindred Hospice since 2017. She follows patients through end-of-life care as a natural extension of her primary care relationships.
Dr. Christina earned her medical degree from Tulane University Medical Center in 1990. She completed her Internal Medicine residency and internship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas in 1993. Her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry came from Louisiana State University in 1984.
Yes. D Magazine named Dr. Christina Best Physician in 2005. She also earned the Vitas Physician of the Year award in 2003. These recognitions reflect her standing in the Dallas medical community over more than three decades of practice.
Dr. Christina serves adult patients across the full arc of life, from young adulthood through end-of-life care. Her training in both internal medicine and palliative medicine allows her to provide continuity across many stages of a patient's health journey.
Doctor profile last updated March 21, 2026