Dr. Christy Valentine, Skip of ‘92

1. In what ways did your Ursuline education prepare you for the work your doing now?
   Ursuline made learning fun for me. The teachers made learning engaging and interactive. I learned study methods at Ursuline that I was able to continue through medical school. I also learned what study methods worked best for me. It was upon this foundation I was able to continue my passion of learning about people and how to possibly make their lives better. The Ursuline teachers were not only interested in my success, but the success of all the students. The love and support I felt at Ursuline was all embracing. The moment I returned to the campus last month, many comforting memories returned and I knew I was home.

2. Please describe the most significant value you learned from Ursuline Academy.
   I know many have said this before, but it is true. The most significant value I learned from Ursuline was the importance of service. When I evacuated for Hurricane Katrina, I knew I was returning to the New Orleans area to help rebuild the medical community. The importance of serving others especially in difficult times is what Ursuline teaches girls to make them steadfast women. I am grateful to be a part of the Ursuline Family.

3. Describe Ursuline in one word.
   Embracing

About Dr. Christy Valentine

Dr. Christy Valentine, a native of New Orleans, LA, is an Internal Medicine and Pediatrics physician whose practice serves the greater New Orleans area by providing urgent care as well as primary care for patients with and without insurance from all walks of life. In November 2005, shortly after the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Dr. Valentine incorporated what is now Valentine Medical Center. However, due to construction difficulty and unavailable resources, Valentine Medical Center was unable to open its’ doors to service the people of the New Orleans area until July 2007, nearly two years after these storms. Dr. Valentine has devoted her time to re-establishing efficient and affordable services for her community. She believes in maintaining a strong doctor-patient relationship because she thinks this is vital to the ongoing health and wellness of the family. The mission of Valentine Medical Center is to put PATIENTS FIRST.

Dr. Valentine received her undergraduate degree in 1996 from Xavier University of Louisiana and her medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in 2000. She completed an Internal Medicine and Pediatrics residency at Tulane University Medical Center in 2004. During her residency she received many awards and honors. In 2002, she was the recipient of The 2002 Gold Foundation Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award. She is currently an Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at Tulane University.

Dr. Valentine works to ensure the availability of quality healthcare for the Gulf Coast region that was destroyed by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Today she is driven to prevent others from experiencing the same degree of devastation. These hurricanes taught Dr. Valentine some valuable lessons about protecting her patients and their information. Dr. Valentine believes that it is important that everyone develops a plan in case they are faced with a natural disaster, and she is sharing her experiences in health records recovery and the lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina. Dr. Valentine’s motto is to “Continue Living Vibrantly”. Her strength, passion and commitment to quality patient care are inspiring and give hope to her community.