Buffmire Presentation: Randy Christensen, MD, MPH

Growing up, Randy Christensen, MD, MPH, felt a strong responsibility to take care of his neighbors and community.

“My parents always took the time to make sure those around us had enough food,” Dr. Christensen said. “Although we grew up in a very modest house, I can remember my parents teaching us kids that it was our responsibility to help those who were less fortunate. This way of life formed my career path.”

Dr. Christensen has dedicated his life to providing care for children who live on the streets without access to health care. He launched the Crews’n Healthmobile, a mobile medical unit that delivers free medical care and outreach services to thousands of at-risk infants, children and teens.

He wrote about his experiences of caring for underserved in his non-fiction book “Ask Me Why I Hurt,” a touching and revealing first-person account of his remarkable work.

Prior to his work with underserved communities, Dr. Christensen began his medical career at Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH) in 1999. He served as division chief of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine at PCH. He was also the chief medical officer for Nevada Health Centers, as well as a trustee for Vitalyst Health Foundation.

“Early in my life, I was in awe of medicine,” he said. “Each day in medical school and residency was incredibly exciting, but along the way, I got lost. I found my way back through the help of others, and I hope to share that part of my journey. Maybe hearing my story will, in some way, resonate with folks and give them hope.”

Currently, Dr. Christensen serves as the president and founder of Randal Christensen Consulting, which aims to help foundations, hospitals and nonprofits build programs that are impactful and sustainable.

Dr. Christensen will be presenting on Oct. 28, for the Mini-Medical School and the Flinn Foundation Buffmire Lecture: Ask Me Why I Hurt and Other Tales From the Street.

His presentation will discuss the joys and struggles of establishing the mobile health van while raising a family with his wife, Amy, who is also a pediatrician. His discussion will engage attendees as Dr. Christensen will offer advice on making compassionate connections between physicians and patients, keeping emotionally and physically balanced and leaving a legacy