[1][2] She began medical studies in 1941, which she interrupted during the war to work as a nurse.

Carstens was by profession a doctor of medicine, and she maintained her practice throughout her husband's tenure as president.

She was a strong advocate of naturopathy and homeopathy, and in 1982 the Carstens established the Carstens-Foundation (Carstens-Stiftung) – a major funder of alternative medicine research in Europe.

[2][3] She was an honorary member of the Order of Saint John (Bailiwick of Brandenburg).

This article about a German person in the field of medicine is a stub.