One of the things we plan to share with you every month is a provider or employee spotlight. This month, we asked provider Valerie Monroy some questions that hopefully give you a little more insight into what makes Valerie tick.
What was the last experience that made you a stronger person?
Becoming a mother has been an amazing experience. My husband and I welcomed Anna into our family three years ago, and she has made me a better person and a better provider. Being a parent has been challenging, humbling and the most rewarding experience thus far. We welcomed our second child, a son, a year ago. Since becoming a parent, I am able to better understand parent’s concerns about my patients and my own experiences provide me with better understanding outside the medical realm.
What’s your favorite indoor/outdoor activity?
Indoor; I love to cook and try new things in the kitchen. Outdoor; I love to travel and learn new cultures.
I guess I was bitten by the travel bug early in life. During college I was fortunate enough to study abroad for a semester in Sevilla, Spain. While there, I took the opportunity to visit neighboring countries. I have traveled to most of the continents but one of my favorite trips was to South America to meet my husband’s family. We hope to return and take our whole family soon. In the meantime, we practice Spanish at home and are raising our children bilingual so they will be familiar with this part of their heritage and be able to communicate with all of their family members.
What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
I would have my own food truck! That way I can travel and cook.
How do you define success?
Success for me starts at home. No professional or personal achievements can compensate for a lack of meaningful relationships in my life. If I am able to succeed as a wife and mother the rest seems to fall into place.
What is your favorite thing about working at Lee’s Summit Physicians Group?
Lee’s Summit Physicians Group is very family oriented. We provide great care and I am always proud to tell people about where I work.
What drew you to LSPG originally? And how has LSPG changed since?
LSPG has an outstanding reputation in the community. As a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurse at Children’s Mercy for over 6 years, I always knew I wanted to continue my career in a clinic that was well regarded and known for the good care provided to their patients. That is how I found LSPG. Many things have changed and will change in the future, but I believe our reputation will remain the same; a welcoming office that provides outstanding care to all.
What is your role at LSPG. What does that really mean you do on a daily basis?
As a Nurse Practitioner I see patients in the urgent care or in clinic during scheduled appointments. One of my favorite things about this job is being able to see my patients grow and watching families grow over the years. It is always exciting to see the newest member of the family.
What is one thing that the rest of the staff at LSPG doesn’t know about you?
I played the saxophone for many years and I plan to join a jazz band when I retire. (Well, only the first part is true!)