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dr. cristina

My Story

I am a licensed naturopathic physician in the states of Arizona and Washington and a fellow in anti-aging, metabolic, and functional medicine.

I was born and raised in Cluj-Napoca, the most beautiful city (yes, I am biased!) located in the heart of Transylvania, Romania. I earned my MD degree from the prestigious University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hațieganu” in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Upon completing four years of residency in Clinical Pathology, I was awarded a scholarship from the University of Nebraska and moved to the United States. At the University of Nebraska, while working on my Master of Science thesis, I conducted laboratory research exploring the biochemical mechanisms of age-related cataract formation. After graduation, I continued research in glaucoma at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

In 2013, I graduated from Bastyr University, one of the top accredited naturopathic medical schools in North America. For the next six years, I was honored to work as a naturopathic physician at Tahoma Clinic, established by Dr. Jonathan V. Wright, MD—a well-known pioneer in natural medicine and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).

In November 2019, I opened my own practice, Persa Functional Medicine, where I continue to apply the most valuable knowledge gained from my mentors and clinical experience.

My approach is best suited for individuals who want to understand why symptoms are occurring, not just managing them temporarily. Appointments are comprehensive, data-driven, and collaborative, allowing us to connect the dots across hormones, metabolism, thyroid health, immune balance, and lifestyle factors. If you are seeking clarity, personalized care, and a physician who takes the time to truly listen and think critically, you are in the right place.

Philosophy

Holistic: Thoughtful consideration of the whole person when looking to find the root cause of the chronic illness | Integrative: Blending conventional medical treatments with evidence based natural therapies to treat the mind, body, and spirit | Preventive: Identifying and treating your illness before it takes over your life.