Press Room
Gambit's annual 40 Under 40 selects Dr. Christy Valentine
Dr. Christy Valentine, associate clinical professor of pediatrics at Tulane University, says the purpose of her medical practice isn't simply to treat illnesses. She also shows people how to take care of themselves and each other, healing the New Orleans community one patient at a time.
"When you go to the doctor, you see him for a few minutes, but you spend your time living your life," Valentine says. "I want to empower people to make healthy decisions as they live their own lives."
She established Valentine Medical Center in November 2005 to bring affordable, quality health care to New Orleans, which had minimal infrastructure and drastic physician shortages because of the levee failures. In her subsequent appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Valentine brought national attention to these needs.
New Orleans' rebuilding process has come a long way, but Valentine still sees many issues plaguing her patients. First, many of them can't afford their medications. Second, they don't always eat properly.
"In New Orleans, we love food, but that can cause a lot of problems with health," she says. Valentine is organizing a citywide food drive to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank. The theme, "Strive for Five," urges locals to diversify their palates by selecting food from each of the five basic food groups.
"We have to take care of each other," Valentine says. "That's what helped us get to where we are today. That is why the food drive comes to mind; we have enough of us here that we can help ourselves."
Souce: Gambit Weekly - bestofneworleans.com
Media Contact - Lisa Fedely with Deveney Communication | 504-949-3999 - Ext 204
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