Dr. Kristine Parker-Curling
Endocrinologist, Obesity Medicine Specialist, and Advocate for Compassionate Care
About
Dr. Kristine Parker-Curling
Early Life and Education
Dr. Kristine Parker-Curling, a distinguished Bahamian physician, was raised in a family of five children, where her parents instilled values of hard work, prayer, and excellence. She is a proud graduate of Queen’s College and The College of the Bahamas (Now The University of Bahamas). Dr. Parker-Curling pursued her undergraduate studies at McMaster University in Canada, graduating summa cum laude with an Honours Degree in Biology & Psychology. She later earned her medical degree with honors from The University of the West Indies (UWI), where she was recognized as the Most Outstanding Student in her graduating class of 2007.
Advanced Medical Training and Professional Return to The Bahamas
Dr. Kristine Parker-Curling’s postgraduate training took her to the United States, where she completed her Internal Medicine residency at SUNY Brooklyn and a Fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at The Medical University of South Carolina. In 2016, she returned to The Bahamas to serve her community, joining the UWI School of Clinical Medicine & Research as an Associate Lecturer and becoming the only full-time practicing Endocrinologist in the country at that time.
Advocacy and The C.A.R.E Framework
A passionate advocate for compassionate healthcare, Dr. Parker-Curling developed the C.A.R.E framework— Compassion, Awareness, Responsiveness, and Engagement. This framework serves as a guide for healthcare providers looking to build stronger patient relationships and improve outcomes. In her debut book, she introduces this framework, encouraging healthcare professionals to integrate empathy with clinical expertise. Outside of her practice, she enjoys athletics, music, and spending quality time with her husband, Dr. DuVaughn Curling, and their two children.
Hey, it's nice to meet you, I'm Dr. Kristine Parker-Curling
I specialize in Endocrinology, with a focus on diabetes, obesity, and metabolic disorders, where I’m dedicated to advancing not only treatment but also the way we approach patient care. My commitment to humanizing healthcare drives me to prioritize empathetic communication, recognizing that meaningful relationships between healthcare providers and patients can greatly enhance treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction. To me, the art of medicine is as much about connection as it is about expertise, and my mission is to bridge the technical aspects of healthcare with a compassionate, understanding approach that acknowledges each patient’s unique journey.
I actively share these insights in my teaching roles and in collaboration with other healthcare providers, empowering them to view communication as a powerful tool for healing. Currently, I’m developing a range of educational resources that aim to equip providers with practical techniques for improving communication with their patients, ultimately fostering an environment where care is as personal as it is professional.
Programs & Initiatives
Dr. Parker-Curling leads programs aimed at promoting healthy living in The Bahamas, including her former role as Director of the Healthy Lifestyles Team of The Cancer Society of The Bahamas. She offers workshops and lectures focused on her C.A.R.E framework, empowering healthcare providers with tools to create more empathetic, patient-centered care environments.
Featured Book Overview
Beyond The Knowledge: Power Steps On Doctoring With A Human Touch
In Beyond The Knowledge, Dr. Kristine Parker-Curling introduces her C.A.R.E framework, emphasizing the value of compassionate communication in healthcare. Through relatable stories and actionable insights, she guides healthcare professionals on enhancing their interpersonal skills to foster deeper patient connections. This book is essential for medical students, residents, and practicing physicians aiming to elevate their patient interactions and cultivate a more humanized approach to medicine. Dr. Parker-Curling inspires readers to see beyond clinical knowledge, integrating compassion into everyday healthcare practices.
Book Testimonials
Read what clients have to say about my book
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2025
"A compelling read by a compassionate medical practitioner who beckons a paradigm of health care that is holistic and patient oriented. Dr Kristines groundbreaking work is a profound contribution to medical literature that is most welcome."
- Arthur D.
Dr. Kristine, congratulations on this incredible book which I consider a breath of fresh air. With more than 30 years serving seniors, this should be required reading for practitioners.
Beyond The Knowledge permits us to imagine a physician who combines compassion and empathy, making patients feel heard and valued through attentive listening, eye contact, and a reassuring touch. These soft skills create an environment of trust that can make or break the patient experience. While exceptional diagnostic skills are important, possessing these soft skills fosters trust and confidence. Practitioners who are approachable and warm, create a safe environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns, leading to better health outcomes.
Bravo to you on an exceptional piece!
- Jeremy N.
Other Works
Dr. Parker-Curling has contributed several articles on compassionate healthcare practices and is developing further publications on empathetic communication within clinical settings.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Kristine Parker-Curling
What is Dr. Kristine Parker-Curling’s medical expertise?
Dr. Parker-Curling is a board-certified specialist in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Internal Medicine, and Obesity Medicine. She focuses on managing complex conditions such as diabetes, obesity, thyroid, and metabolic disorders.
What is Dr. Kristine’s approach to healthcare?
Dr. Kristine believes in a compassionate, collaborative, patient-centered approach. She created the C.A.R.E framework to enhance provider-patient interactions by focusing on empathy, active listening and meaningful engagement.
What is the C.A.R.E. framework
The C.A.R.E. framework is a model for healthcare providers that emphasizes Compassion, Awareness, Responsiveness, and Engagement. It encourages a more compassionate and human-centered approach to patient care, helping providers connect deeply with patients and enhancing overall care quality.
How does this framework improve patient care?
The C.A.R.E framework can help healthcare providers balance clinical expertise with passion; fostering better patient relationships, improving satisfaction, and promoting effective, holistic care.
What inspired Dr. Kristine to create the C.A.R.E. and R.A.C.E. frameworks?
Dr. Kristine's personal experiences and professional challenges inspired her to develop this framework. It is intended to assist healthcare providers in managing the demands of clinical practice while maintaining empathy and connection with patients, and with themselves. Indeed, these principles are widely applicable across various fields of service and human interaction and communication.
How does Dr. Kristine mentor healthcare providers?
Dr. Kristine mentors by actively sharing her insights through teaching roles, workshops, and speaking engagements. She is also developing educational resources to guide healthcare professionals on improving patient communication and compassionate care practices.
Media & Press
Dr. Kristine Parker-Curling is a featured voice in media, sharing insights on healthcare, the impact of empathy, and the importance of effective communication in medicine. She is available for interviews, podcasts, and speaking engagements.
For media appearances, collaborations, or speaking engagements, Dr. Parker-Curling welcomes professional inquiries and looks forward to connecting with you.
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