Kristin Bristow, M.D., specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Utica Park Clinic (UPC) on the campus of Hillcrest Medical Center. Her professional areas of interest include electrodiagnostic medicine and diseases of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.

Dr. Bristow has always been fascinated by the human body and all of its capabilities. She said, “From a young age, I desired to learn as much about it as possible. As I got older, I realized that helping people get and stay healthy was the best way to use that knowledge.” This curiosity ultimately laid the foundation for her inspiration to pursue a career in medicine.

As Dr. Bristow navigated medical school, she chose to narrow her focus to specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). “It is the perfect combination of my favorite parts of medicine, getting to truly know patients and their families and diseases of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. I also love that PM&R is a field that brings hope to patients, even in the face of a life-altering injury or diagnosis,” she said.

Dr. Bristow values relationships with each of her patients. That’s why when it comes to building them, she makes sure to start by listening. “I take the time to listen to each of my patients and their caregivers, then work together to come up with treatment plans that ensure they feel heard and cared for while still accomplishing their health care goals,” she said.

“My favorite advice to give to patients is to focus on what can be added to their life to improve overall health and wellness, not what has been or needs to be taken away,” adds Dr. Bristow.

When Dr. Bristow isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and kids, running, watching college football and Texas Rangers baseball.