Aimee J. (Midei) Christie, M.S., Ph.D.
Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, Division of Cancer Medicine
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Assistant Professor, Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Dual/Joint/Adjunct Appointment
Assistant Professor, Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 2013 | University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US, Clinical and Biological/Health Psychology, PhD |
| 2008 | University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US, Clinical and Biological/Health Psychology, MS |
| 2002 | Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, US, Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology; Psychology, BS; BA |
Postgraduate Training
| 2013-2014 | Postdoctoral Psychology Fellowship, Primary Care Mental Health, Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas |
Licenses & Certifications
| 2014 | Licensed Psychologist, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists |
Experience & Service
Faculty Academic Appointments
Instructor, Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, 2018 - 2022
Assistant Professor, Menniger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 2015 - 2018
Instructor, Menniger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 2012 - 2015
Other Professional Positions
Health Psychologist, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2018 - Present
Staff Psychologist, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, 2014 - 2018
Psychology Intern, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, 2012 - 2013
Clinical Interventionist, Shape Up to Cool Down Study, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 2011 - 2011
Psychology Extern, Sport Medicine Concussion Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 2011 - 2011
Clinic Assistant, Clinical Psychology Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 2009 - 2011
Psychology Extern, Diagnostic and Evaluation Center, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, PA, 2009 - 2009
Psychology Extern, Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Programs, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 2008 - 2009
Psychology Extern, Clinical Psychology Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 2006 - 2011
Extramural Institutional Committee Activities
Member, Faculty Wellness Collaborative, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2026 - Present
Member, Practitioner Peer Assistance Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2025 - Present
Officer, Electronic Health Records Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2025 - Present
Member, Obesity Management Service Pilot Partnerships, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2024 - Present
Member, Integrative Medicine Working Group, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2024 - Present
Member, Faculty Senate Representative, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2023 - 2025
Member, Faculty Vitality and Engagement Council, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2023 - 2024
Member, Aggregate Root Cause Analysis Committee for Suicide, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, 2017 - 2017
Member, Psychology Medical Records Review Committee, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, 2015 - 2018
Editorial Activities
Editorial Assistant, Molecular Psychiatry, 2002 - 2005
Editorial Assistant, The Pharmacogenomics Journal, 2002 - 2005
Honors & Awards
| 2024 | Top 20 Posters, Society of Integrative Oncology Annual Meeting |
| 2013 | Best Clinically-Focused Poster, Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals Annual Meeting |
| 2012 | Bassell Student Award for Outstanding Achievement and Promise for Future Accomplishments, University of Pittsburgh |
| 2012 | Distinguished Contribution Poster Award, Society for a Science of Clinical Psychology |
| 2011 - 2012 | Pre-doctoral Fellowship Award (T32), University of Pittsburgh |
| 2011 | Presentation Chosen for Press Release, American Psychosomatic Society Annual Meeting |
| 2011 | Dr. Ruth L. Myers Memorial Award in Mentoring Excellence, University of Pittsburgh |
| 2011 | E.B. Huey Research Award, University of Pittsburgh |
| 2011 | Outstanding Diversity Poster Presentation, University of Pittsburgh |
| 2010 | Pittsburgh Mind-Body Center Research Support, University of Pittsburgh |
| 2010 | Elizabeth Baranger Excellence in Teaching Award, University of Pittsburgh |
| 2010 | David Lazovik Research Award, University of Pittsburgh |
| 2009 - 2011 | Bassell Student Publication Award, First-Author Publication |
| 2009 - 2010 | Outstanding Paper, University of Pittsburgh Graduate Exposition |
| 2005 - 2009 | Pre-doctoral Fellowship Award (T32), University of Pittsburgh |
| 2002 | Summa Cum Laude, Emory University |
Professional Memberships
Selected Presentations & Talks
Local Presentations
- 2026. Helping cancer survivors sleep better: Interventions that work. Invited. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2026. Maximizing behavior change strategies to improve physical and emotional wellbeing. Invited. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2025. Facilitating behavior change and maximizing medications to improve survivorship wellbeing. Invited. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2024. Maximizing CBT-I and yoga therapy to improve sleep. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2024. The ABCs of healthy living in challenging times: Let’s sleep better. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2023. From clinical practice to dissemination: Telehealth delivery of the IM Healthy group. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2023. A qualitative study of knowledge and attitudes about lifestyle modifications and preferences for lifestyle interventions among patients with cancer and metabolic syndrome. Poster. The University of Texas at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2022. Health psychology in integrative oncology: Telehealth delivery of CBT for insomnia. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2022. The ABCs of healthy living in challenging times: Let’s sleep better. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2021. Health psychology in integrative oncology: Are our patients special?. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2020. Stress management. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2020. Health psychology: a vital component of integrative oncology with Covid updates. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2020. New year, new you: Tips for a healthy lifestyle. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2019. Intensive, multidisciplinary lifestyle modification program (IM FIT) for overweight/obese cancer survivors. Poster. Houston, TX, US.
- 2019. Health psychology: a vital component of integrative medicine. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2019. Managing scanxiety. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2010. Childhood physical abuse is associated with the metabolic syndrome in mid-life women. Conference. 10th annual Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic Research Day. Pittsburgh, PA, US.
- 2009. Childhood abuse and neglect are associated with body fat distribution in adulthood. Poster. 9th annual Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic Research Day. Pittsburgh, PA, US.
National Presentations
- 2026. Maximizing behavior change strategies to improve physical and emotional wellbeing. Invited. General Internal Medicine Grand Rounds. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2026. Insomnia: Diagnosis, assessment, and first-line treatments. Invited. Pediatric and Adult Palliative Care, US.
- 2025. Let's Get Unstuck: Finding Momentum for Change to Improve Survivorship Wellbeing and Minimize Cancer Side Effects. Invited. Society of Integrative Oncology. Boston, MA, US.
- 2025. Improving your sleep with gold-standard skills from health psychology. Invited, US.
- 2025. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): Delivery Made Easy. Invited. National Institute of Health Social Work Group. Washington, DC, US.
- 2025. What is CBT-I and How Do We Use It?. Invited. Association of Oncology Social Workers Integrative Oncology Special Interest Group, US.
- 2024. Insomnia: Diagnosis, assessment, and treatment recommendations. Invited. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Grand Rounds. Houston, TX, US.
- 2024. Lifestyle modification program (IM Healthy) for cancer survivors: Implementation of a reimbursable telehealth group program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Poster. Society of Integrative Oncology. Costa Mesa, CA, US.
- 2024. Unlocking better sleep: Synergizing CBT-I and yoga methods at the bedside/clinic (Workshop). Invited. Society of Integrative Oncology. Costa Mesa, CA, US.
- 2024. Preliminary outcomes from a telehealth physical therapy intervention in a lifestyle modification program (IM FIT). Conference. Society of Integrative Oncology. Costa Mesa, CA, US.
- 2024. Treating insomnia: Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). Invited.
- 2024. A comprehensive lifestyle program (CLP) improves anthropometric, fitness, and dietary measures and multiple pros in women with breast cancer. Poster. International Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health. Cleveland, OH, US.
- 2023. Patients with metabolic syndrome and cancer: What they know, think, and want. Poster. Denver, CO, US.
- 2023. Health psychology and lifestyle change programs. Invited. Integrative Medicine Workshop. Houston, TX, US.
- 2023. Wellness and workforce recruitment and retention strategies in the COVID era. Invited. The Center to Advance Palliative Care Master Clinician, US.
- 2023. Integrative oncology referrals to health psychology: Frequencies, predictors, and patient-reported outcomes. Conference. Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine & Health. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2022. Telehealth based music therapy in integrative oncology: A real-world, case-based discussion. Poster. Scottsdale, AZ, US.
- 2021. Integrative oncology health psychology referrals at a comprehensive cancer center: Analysis of demographic, clinical, and patient reported outcomes. Conference. Society for Integrative Oncology. Baltimore, MD, US.
- 2021. Health psychology and lifestyle change programs. Invited. Integrative Medicine Workshop. Houston, TX, US.
- 2020. Intensive, multidisciplinary lifestyle modification program (IM FIT) for overweight/obese cancer survivors. Poster. Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine & Health, US.
- 2019. IM FIT: A multidisciplinary lifestyle program for cancer survivors. Invited. Integrative Medicine Workshop. Houston, TX, US.
- 2019. Health psychology in integrative medicine. Invited. Integrative Medicine Workshop. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. The Diener satisfaction with life scale and spinal cord-injured Veterans. Poster. Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals. St. Louis, MO, US.
- 2014. Opioid risk assessment check-list for chronic pain resulting from spinal cord injury. Poster. Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals. St. Louis, MO, US.
- 2014. Predicting weight loss in Veterans: Confidence may matter but importance is not important. Poster. Association of VA Psychology Leaders. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2014. Compensation and pension: An overlooked opportunity for excellence in training and professional development. Poster. Association of VA Psychology Leaders. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2014. Correlates of suicidal ideation in outpatient Veterans with SCI/D. Poster. Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals. St. Louis, MO, US.
- 2014. Factor structure of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 with a veteran population. Poster. St. Louis, MO, US.
- 2014. Examining the mediating role of emotion regulation in the association of PTSD and suicidal ideation among women Veterans with combat or military sexual trauma. Conference. Arlington, VA, US.
- 2013. The Patient Health Questionnaire depression screen in spinal cord injury. Poster. Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals. Las Vegas, NV, US.
- 2013. Poly-victimization in childhood is related to lower cortisol stress response in young adult women. Conference. American Psychosomatic Society. Miami, FL, US.
- 2013. Caring for suicidal Veterans with SCI/D. Poster. Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals. Las Vegas, NV, US.
- 2013. Appraisals of disability: Primary and secondary scale and life satisfaction. Poster. Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals. Las Vegas, NV, US.
- 2013. Lifetime violence exposure and alcohol misuse in OEF/OIF Veterans. Poster. International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. Philadelphia, PA, US.
- 2013. Appraisals of disability: Primary and secondary scale (ADAPSS) - Normative Data. Poster. Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals. Las Vegas, NV, US.
- 2013. Let’s talk about sex: Discussing sexual health with Veterans. Poster. Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals. Las Vegas, NV, US.
- 2013. Intra and inter-personal resources and cardiovascular risk among black and white adolescents. Invited. American Psychosomatic Society. Miami, FL, US.
- 2012. Childhood victimization and perceived task performance predict caloric intake following stress exposure. Poster. Association for Psychological Science. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2011. Negative emotions and poor relationships are associated with an increased number of metabolic risk factors in adolescents. Poster. American Psychosomatic Society. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2010. Childhood physical abuse is associated with the metabolic syndrome in mid-life women. Conference. Portland, OR, US.
- 2009. Socioeconomic status and sub-clinical cardiovascular disease in adolescence: Do psychological factors matter?. Invited. American Psychosomatic Society. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2009. Childhood abuse and neglect are associated with body fat distribution in adulthood. Conference. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2008. Hostility and attachment anxiety are associated with arterial stiffness in healthy adolescents. Poster. American Psychosomatic Society. Baltimore, MD, US.
- 2007. Do anger, anxiety, and social relationships predict central adiposity in adolescents over time?. Poster. Society of Behavioral Medicine. Washington, DC, US.
International Presentations
- 2023. Spiritual pain symptom clusters in integrative oncology consultations. Conference. Society of Integrative Oncology. Banff, CA.
- 2022. Insomnia: Comprehensive course in symptom assessment and management. Invited. International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care, US.
- 2019. Intensive, multidisciplinary lifestyle modification program (IM FIT) for overweight/obese cancer survivors: A Preliminary Report. Poster. American Psychosomatic Society. Vancouver, CA.
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Powers-James, C, Christie, AJ, Arun, BK, Austin, T, Babiera, G, Basen-Engquist, KM, Carmack, CL, Chaoul, MA, Connelly Newton, L, Haddad, R, Harrison, CA, Leung, CH, Li, Y, Mallaiah, S, Nagarathna, R, Parker, PA, Perkins, GH, Spelman, AR, Sood, AK, Wagner, R, Yang, P, Yeung, SJ, Cohen, L. Lifestyle Program for Breast Cancer Improves Body Composition, Fitness, and Patient-Reported Outcomes. Cancers 18(11), 2026. e-Pub 2026. PMID: 42279341.
- Christie AJ, Bolden C, Park ER, Yeh GY, O'Cleirigh C, Lee H, Peppercorn J, Wagner LI, Henley E, Traeger L, Adamson A, Sung AD, Hall DL. Teaching cancer survivors coping skills for managing fear of recurrence: Insights from a pilot randomized controlled trial. Glob Adv Integr Med Health, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 41445966.
- Zimmaro LA, Christie AJ, Nicklawsky A, Altman JK, Carson JW, Lieu CH, Fang CY, Reese JB. Beyond mindfulness: The importance of body compassion in colorectal cancer distress. Front Psychol, Psycho-Oncology Section 16, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 41132604.
- Christie AJ, Bolden C, Park ER, Yeh GY, O'Cleirigh C, Peppercorn J, Denninger JW, Hirschberg AM, Lee H, Markwart M, Siefring E, Mizrach HR, Bullock AJ, Hall DL. Managing, not lessening, uncertainty: A novel mind-body intervention for fear of cancer recurrence. J Cancer Surviv, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 40887510.
- Christie AJ, Powers-James C, Cohen L, Cusimano A, Wagner R, Nelson M, Narayanan S, Lopez G. Lifestyle modification program (IM Healthy) for cancer survivors: Implementation of a reimbursable telehealth group program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Support Care Cancer 33(3):157, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 39912954.
- Morse M, Christie AJ, Cusimano A, Nguyen C, Wagner R, Narayanan S, Lopez G. Nutrition assessment and counseling in integrative cancer care: effects on patient self-reported symptoms. Integr Cancer Ther 24, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 40413565.
- Brehm CA, Christie AJ, Cohen L, Lilly S, Powers-James C, Lopez G. Physical therapy as part of a telehealth multidisciplinary lifestyle modification program (IM FIT): Preliminary outcomes and program feedback from cancer survivors. Integrative Cancer Therapies. Integr Cancer Ther, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 39497653.
- Zimmaro LA, Christie AJ, Altman JK, Nicklawsky A, Carson JW, Lieu C, Fang C, Reese JB. Body compassion in the context of cancer: A novel exploration among colorectal cancer survivors. Support Care Cancer 32(12), 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 39604567.
- Martinez Leal I, Pillai AB, Foreman JT, Siu KW, Heredia NI, Escalante CP, Manzullo EF, Christie AJ, Lacourt TE, Razouki ZA, Hwang JA. A qualitative study of knowledge of metabolic syndrome, attitudes about lifestyle modifications, and preferences for lifestyle interventions among patients with cancer and metabolic syndrome. Cancers 16(18):3147, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 39335119.
- Christie AJ, Lopez G, Nguyen CH, Chen M, Li Y, Cohen L, Delgado-Guay MO. “A pain deep in your soul (being) that is not physical:” Assessing spiritual pain in integrative oncology consultations. J Pain Symptom Manage 65(6):562-569, 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 36804423.
- Lopez, G, Chaoul, MA, Warneke, C, Christie, AJ, Powers-James, C, Liu, W, Narayanan, S, Delgado Guay, MO, Li, Y, Bruera, E, Cohen, L. Self-administered meditation application intervention for cancer patients with psychosocial distress. Integrative cancer therapies 22, 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 36680352.
- Powers-James C, Christie AJ, Narayanan S, Liu W, Gomez T, Cohen L, Lopez G. Frequencies and predictors of health psychology referrals after integrative oncology consultation. Support Care Cancer 30(8):6963-6972, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35545723.
- Mallaiah S, Narayanan S, Wagner R, Cohen C, Christie AJ, Bruera E, Lopez G, Cohen L. Yoga therapy in cancer care via telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Integr Cancer Ther 21:15347354221141094, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 36510480.
- Christie AJ, Powers-James C, Narayanan S, Chen M, Eddy C, Gomez T, Crawford K, Cohen L, Lopez G. Multidisciplinary lifestyle modification program (IM-FIT) for cancer survivors: Implementation of a reimbursable model in a cancer hospital. Support Care Cancer 29(12):7365-7375, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 34050398.
- Folsom S, Christie AJ, Cohen L, Lopez G. Implementing telehealth music therapy services in an integrative oncology setting: A case series. Integr Cancer Ther 20:15347354211053647, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 34706566.
Invited Articles
- Ferretti M, Christie AJ, Zimmaro LA. The Essential Role of Mental Health Professionals in Integrative Oncology Teams. J Integr Complement Med.
Professional Educational Materials
- Moadel-Robblee A, Christie AJ, Lopez G. Managing Stress; Patient Education Handbook. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 2023.
- Christie AJ. Goodbye 2021, Hello 2022. Integrative Medicine Center Newsletter, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2022.
- Christie AJ, Lopez G, Cohen L. New Year, New You. Integrative Medicine Center Newsletter, The University of Texas at MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2021.
- Moadel-Robblee A, Christie A, Powers-James C, Lopez G. Stress management; Patient Education Handbook. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 2018.
- Powers-James C, Christie A, Zuniga D. Health Psychology during and after cancer care. Integrative Medicine Center Newsletter, The University of Texas at MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2018.
- Christie AJ, Andrews SA. Reducing stress and preparing for success: tips to help you cope with the transplant process, Patient Handout. Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, 2014.
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified September 24, 2026