As an educator and clinician, Dr. Christián Jovanovíc has strived to advance the ethical and patient centered practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine. With a background in integrative medicine and higher education, he has assisted in advancing the broader dialogue concerning the practice of Chinese Medicine in Minnesota, and ensuring the training of future practitioners is grounded in safety, ethical practice, and professionalism.
He received his doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice as a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac). Dr. Jovanovíc is board certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. He also holds a Masters of Oriental Medicine, and a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology degrees.
In his professional roles, he has the opportunity to interface with future health care providers and health care consumers. Dr. Jovanovíc is an advocate for advancing the broader dialogue on current health care disparities, especially among underserved or represented populations.
His clinical experience has allowed him to be part of traditional practice settings in addition to integrated care models in acute care facilities. Dr. Jovanovíc’s primary clinical specialization has focused on providing holistic care to those with terminal diagnoses and assisting with improving quality of life for the patient and their families.
Dr. Jovanovíc is currently a faculty member for the Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine programs at Pacific College of Health Science guiding new students in their education to ensure mastery of Chinese medicine principals. Dr. Jovanovíc is an advocate for evidence informed, patient centered care supported by best practice models and policies. He has had the good fortune to be on the front end of policy development as it applies to acupuncture practice for one of the largest integrative medicine programs in Minnesota. Outside of the clinical setting, Dr. Jovanovíc is passionate about patient education and ensuring the safe and ethical practice of his profession.
Happy to have Found a Drug Free, Surgery Free Way to Treat My Back Pain
“I have been dealing with lower back pain for many years. it became more difficult to deal with as time went on. I had stiffness and pain getting out of bed in the morning. I had a difficult time with leg pain, walking and rising to a standing position from sitting. I had pain pills, pain injections and suggestions of surgery and trigger point injections. I decided I needed to do something and did not want to go on with pain pills, invasive procedures or surgery.
I began seeing a chiropractor who gave me moderate relief of my pain, but I needed to continue with anti-inflammatory drugs in addition to his adjustments. I would have facet joint flare ups where I could not straighten up without great pain. My chiropractor suggested acupuncture as an adjunct treatment. I was also doing yoga, but had difficulty with certain poses that seemed restricted by pain or discoordination of movement.
I made an appointment with Stephanie at Mankato Acupuncture Clinic. She did an extensive assessment and listened to my concerns. She explained acupuncture, TCM theory and how she would proceed. She suggested some lifestyle changes and that I receive 8 treatments.
After the first treatment I felt some unexpected relief as I thought it would take several to really get an effect. Treatments gave me a sense of overall wellbeing, in addition to decreasing my pain in a way that had me not focus my energy on it. Pain was tolerable on a daily basis. My ability to do yoga poses improved. Due to my arthritis, I will never be 100% pain free, but continued treatment makes a big difference in my quality of life. When I do not follow her recommendations on lifestyle changes, I can feel the difference. I continue to have treatments when I can and look forward to them as I know how much better I will feel after. I am now off of any pain medications. I continue to have maintenance chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture treatments, and have not had any flares. Any increased pain I do have is usually a result of myself making unhealthy choices in my diet or weekend warrior activity.
I am happy to have found a drug free, surgery free way to treat my back pain.”
