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, Division of Cancer 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; BA, Psychology, BS |
Postgraduate Training
| 2013-2014 | Postdoctoral Psychology Fellowship, Primary Care Mental Health, Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas |
Experience & Service
Academic Appointments
Instructor, Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, 2018 - 2022
Assistant Professor, Department of Menniger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 2015 - 2018
Instructor, Department of Menniger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 2012 - 2015
Other Appointments/Responsibilities
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
Institutional Committee Activities
Member, Obesity Management Service Pilot Partnerships, 2024 - Present
Member, Integrative Medicine Working Group, 2024 - Present
Member, Faculty Senate Representative, 2023 - Present
Member, Faculty Vitality and Engagement Council, 2023 - Present
Member, Aggregate Root Cause Analysis Committee for Suicide, 2017 - 2017
Member, Psychology Medical Records Review Committee, 2015 - 2018
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 | Distinguished Contribution Poster Award, Society for a Science of Clinical Psychology |
| 2012 | Bassell Student Award for Outstanding Achievement and Promise for Future Accomplishments, University of Pittsburgh |
| 2011 | Outstanding Diversity Poster Presentation, University of Pittsburgh |
| 2011 | Presentation Chosen for Press Release, American Psychosomatic Society Annual Meeting |
| 2011 | Pre-doctoral Fellowship Award (T32), University of Pittsburgh |
| 2011 | Dr. Ruth L. Myers Memorial Award in Mentoring Excellence, University of Pittsburgh |
| 2011 | E.B. Huey Research Award, University of Pittsburgh |
| 2010 | David Lazovik Research Award, University of Pittsburgh |
| 2010 | Elizabeth Baranger Excellence in Teaching Award, University of Pittsburgh |
| 2010 | Pittsburgh Mind-Body Center Research Support, University of Pittsburgh |
| 2009 | Bassell Student Publication Award, First-Author Publication |
| 2009 | Outstanding Paper, University of Pittsburgh Graduate Exposition |
| 2005 | Pre-doctoral Fellowship Award (T32), University of Pittsburgh |
| 2002 | Summa Cum Laude, Emory University |
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- 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. e-Pub 2025.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Lopez G, Christie AJ, Narayanan S, Powers-James C, Liu W, Garcia MK, Gomez T, Wu J, Chunduru A, Williams JL, Li Y, Bruera E, Cohen L. Effects of center-based delivery of tai chi and qi gong group classes on self-reported symptoms in cancer patients and caregivers. Integr Cancer Ther 19:1-8, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 32686504.
- Lopez G, Christie AJ, Powers-James C, Bae MS, Dibaj SS, Gomez T, Williams JL, Bruera E. The effects of inpatient music therapy on self-reported symptoms at an academic cancer center: a preliminary report. Supportive Care in Cancer 27(11):4207-4212, 2019. e-Pub 2019. PMID: 30825024.
- Lopez G, Lacey J, Christie A, Powers-James C, Narayanan S, Liu W, Cohen L. Patient-reported outcomes in integrative oncology: Bridging clinical care with research. The Cancer Journal 25(5):311-315, 2019. e-Pub 2019. PMID: 31567457.
- Christie AJ, Matthews KA. Childhood poly-victimization is associated with elevated body mass index and blunted cortisol stress response in college women. Ann Behav Med 53(6):563-572, 2019. e-Pub 2019.
- Poritz JMP, Mignogna J, Christie AJ, Holmes SA, Ames H. The Patient Health Questionnaire depression screener in spinal cord injury. J Spinal Cord Med 41(2):238-244, 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 28355958.
- Banihashemi L, Sheu LK, Midei AJ, Gianaros PJ. Childhood physical abuse predicts stressor-evoked activity within central visceral control regions. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 10(4):474-85, 2015. e-Pub 2015. PMID: 24847113.
- Mignogna J, Christie AJ, Holmes SA, Ames H. Measuring disability-associated appraisals for veterans with spinal cord injury. Rehabil Psychol 60(1):99-104, 2015. e-Pub 2015. PMID: 25706194.
- Thurston RC, Ewing LJ, Low CA, Christie AJ, Levine MD. Behavioral weight loss for the management of menopausal hot flashes: a pilot study. Menopause 22(1):59-65, 2015. e-Pub 2015. PMID: 24977456.
- Midei AJ, Matthews KA. Positive attributes protect adolescents from risk for the metabolic syndrome. J Adolesc Health 55(5):678-83, 2014. e-Pub 2014. PMID: 25060290.
- Midei AJ, Matthews KA, Chang YF, Bromberger JT. Childhood physical abuse is associated with incident metabolic syndrome in mid-life women. Health Psychol 32(2):121-7, 2013. e-Pub 2013. PMID: 22775234.
- Midei AJ, Matthews KA, Bromberger JT. Childhood abuse is associated with adiposity in midlife women: possible pathways through trait anger and reproductive hormones. Psychosom Med 72(2):215-23, 2010. e-Pub 2010. PMID: 20064904.
- Midei AJ, Matthews KA. Social relationships and negative emotional traits are associated with central adiposity and arterial stiffness in healthy adolescents. Health Psychol 28(3):347-53, 2009. e-Pub 2009. PMID: 19450041.
Manuals, Teaching Aids, Other Teaching Publications
- 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.
Other Articles
- Midei AJ, Matthews KA Interpersonal violence in childhood as a risk factor for obesity: a systematic review of the literature and proposed pathways. Obes Rev 12(5):e159-72, 2011. PMID: 21401850.
Selected Presentations & Talks
Local Presentations
- 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
- 2024. Insomnia: Diagnosis, assessment, and treatment recommendations. Invited. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Grand Rounds. Houston, TX, 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. Unlocking better sleep: Synergizing CBT-I and yoga methods at the bedside/clinic (Workshop). Invited. Society of Integrative Oncology. Costa Mesa, CA, 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. Treating insomnia: Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). Invited.
- 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. Health psychology and lifestyle change programs. Invited. Integrative Medicine Workshop. Houston, TX, 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.
- 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. Factor structure of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 with a veteran population. Poster. 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. 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.
- 2014. Correlates of suicidal ideation in outpatient Veterans with SCI/D. Poster. Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals. St. Louis, MO, US.
- 2013. Lifetime violence exposure and alcohol misuse in OEF/OIF Veterans. Poster. International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. Philadelphia, PA, 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. Intra and inter-personal resources and cardiovascular risk among black and white adolescents. Invited. American Psychosomatic Society. Miami, FL, US.
- 2013. Appraisals of disability: Primary and secondary scale and life satisfaction. Poster. Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals. Las Vegas, NV, US.
- 2013. Appraisals of disability: Primary and secondary scale (ADAPSS) - Normative Data. Poster. Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals. Las Vegas, NV, US.
- 2013. The Patient Health Questionnaire depression screen in spinal cord injury. 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.
- 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. Childhood abuse and neglect are associated with body fat distribution in adulthood. Conference. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2009. Socioeconomic status and sub-clinical cardiovascular disease in adolescence: Do psychological factors matter?. Invited. American Psychosomatic Society. 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.
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified March 03, 2025