Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 2, 2019

KH . ORG 11 ValerieRounds, NP Internal medicine, Kootenai Clinic Internal Medicine Tell us a little bit about you and your family: I live in Coeur d’Alene with my husband and our two children, Cole (3 years) and Madison (6 months). Why did you pick your specialty? I want people to be as healthy and happy as possible. Choosing internal medicine provided me the tools and opportunity to best serve my patients and the community I live in. What can patients expect when they first meet with you? Patients can expect me to listen to their needs and work with them to achieve their health goals. What are some of your hobbies? Painting, reading, hiking and camping with my husband and our two children. What drew you to Kootenai Health? I moved from the Seattle area five years ago and continued my career with Kootenai Health on the progressive care floor. During nurse practitioner school, I had the opportunity to intern with Dr. Daugharty and fell in love with the practice and their focus on individualized patient care. What is your favorite healthy tip? Never underestimate the power of a hug. To schedule an appointment, call (208) 625-4965 . ErikaValtinson, PA-C,MHS Cardiology, Kootenai Heart Clinics Northwest Tell us a little bit about you and your family: My husband Mark and I are originally from the Northwest and relocated back to this area in 2010. We have a German shepherd, Buddy, and two cats, Reba and Woody. We live on 10 acres northwest of Spokane. Why did you pick your specialty? I’ve been in primary care for the past 12 years and was looking to advance my knowledge in cardiology since it is an ever-changing field that will always keep you on your toes. What can patients expect when they first meet with you? I smile a lot and try to think of each patient as being a person before they are a patient . My job is to make sure my patients understand the information they are given to help them achieve their health goals. What are some of your hobbies? I co-host a radio show about medicine on KYRS every Sunday. I also have a cut-flower farm business, WoodBridge Flower Farms, that keeps me busy from February through November. My husband and I are avid concertgoers. I also love to cook, read and be active outdoors. What drew you to Kootenai Health? I have several friends who work for Kootenai and have for many years. When I came to interview, everyone from the billing department to the physicians all said they loved the family atmosphere here. I also was excited to be able to be here in Spokane working, yet not employed by one of the local giant health care organizations. What is your favorite healthy tip? Move! If there are stairs available, take those. If you can park farther away, do it. If you have five minutes during the day, throw in a set of push-ups. Do squats while brushing your teeth. It will all add up, and you will feel better! To schedule an appointment, call (509) 847-2500 .