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At the heart of Huntsman Cancer Institute’s Sexual ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ and Wellbeing Clinic is Kristianna Kundrat, DNP, women’s health nurse practitioner and an advocate for women navigating life during and after cancer treatment.
Her passion for women’s health began during her years as a nurse with the gynecologic oncology surgery team. Kristianna’s dedication to women’s health led to her doctorate degree, but it was her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis that truly shaped Kristianna’s path.
“It became clear to me that recovery needs to go beyond treating the disease.”
“Watching my mom go through a journey that included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation during nursing school was life-changing,” Kristianna shares. “Her treatment focused solely on the cancer, but I saw firsthand how it affected every part of her—body image, diet, mental health and overall well-being. It became clear to me that recovery needs to go beyond treating the disease.”
This holistic philosophy guides her work at the clinic, which opened its doors in December 2024. Designed as a safe, welcoming space, it addresses delicate issues often overlooked in the rush of medical appointments—low libido, pain with intercourse, vaginal dryness, and other challenges to intimacy. “Sexual health often falls through the cracks because providers have so many important things to cover during appointments,” Kristianna explains. “But here, women have the time and space to talk openly about what they’re experiencing and reassurance that this can be a normal part of their cancer journey and recovery.”
“Sexual health often falls through the cracks...But here, women have the time and space to talk openly about what they’re experiencing.”
Kristianna meets with patients every Friday in Huntsman Cancer Institute Hospital North at the to develop tailored plans that address every patient’s unique needs. Whether it’s exploring nonhormonal or hormonal treatments, referring patients to pelvic floor therapy, or finding ways to restore intimacy without sexual activity, she approaches each case with sensitivity and expertise. “It’s amazing to see the difference these conversations make,” she says. “When patients realize their concerns are valid and treatments are available, they feel empowered.”
Her work extends to patients with a wide range of conditions, including those with breast, ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers, and even rare issues like . Kristianna hopes to expand the clinic’s services, ensuring every woman feels supported. “The care we provide is exceptional at Huntsman Cancer Institute,” she notes. “We have many resources—nutrition, acupuncture, physical therapy—all under one roof.”
“When patients realize their concerns are valid and treatments are available, they feel empowered.”
Kristianna’s dedication is rooted in more than just clinical expertise—it’s about breaking stigmas. “In Utah, there’s often a hesitation to discuss sexual health,” she observes. “But these conversations are crucial. No one should feel ashamed or think their concerns are not important.”
Her work is already making a profound impact. Patients leave the clinic feeling seen, heard, and hopeful. Kristianna’s unwavering commitment to women’s health shines as she helps patients reclaim their sense of self after cancer. “It’s incredibly rewarding,” she says. “Every day, I’m reminded why I chose this path—to help women feel their best, no matter where they are on their journey.”
The critical research happening every day at Huntsman Cancer Institute is supported by the National Institutes of ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝/National Cancer Institute, including cancer center support grant P30 CA042014, as well as Huntsman Cancer Foundation.