Melissa Valentin-Jimenez, MD, FAAP

What is your favorite animated movie or cartoon?

My favorite children’s movie is WALL·E. I love the way it explore friendship, love, and hope. I enjoyed the animations and minimal dialogue that allowed the story to transcend language barriers.

What is your favorite children's book and why?

My favorite book as a child was
the Harry Potter series. I was completely enchanted by the fantasy world J.K. Rowling created, filled with magic, adventure, and memorable characters. The underlying message of hope and the triumph of good over evil resonated deeply with me, inspiring a sense of courage and resilience that has stayed with me throughout my life.

As my children grew, I cherished the opportunity to share these stories with them. Watching their eyes light up with wonder as they discovered Hogwarts and all its secrets brought back my own sense of awe and excitement. It was a joy to see them develop their love for reading through such an iconic series.

When they were younger, I also enjoyed reading "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle with them. This delightful story beautifully illustrates the journey of life and transformation, capturing the essence of growth through various stages. The caterpillar's adventure, from a tiny egg to a magnificent butterfly, serves as a wonderful metaphor for the changes we all experience.

What was your favorite childhood toy?

My favorite toy as a child was definitely dolls. They provided me with a unique avenue to explore various aspects of life through role-playing. With my dolls, I could immerse myself in countless scenarios, whether it was pretending to be a doctor, a teacher, or even a mother. Each character I created allowed me to step into different shoes and experience the world from various perspectives. This imaginative play was not just fun; it was a formative experience that helped shape my understanding of empathy and compassion. These lessons in empathy have stayed with me into adulthood, influencing how I interact with people and approach relationships.

Who is your greatest inspiration and why?

My favorite people and greatest inspirations are my mother and grandmother. These incredible women have played pivotal roles in shaping my values and understanding of life. They instilled in me the importance of hard work and dedication, demonstrating through their own actions how perseverance can open doors and lead to success. Their influence goes beyond just work ethic; they've also shown me the value of integrity, kindness, and the importance of supporting one another. I carry their lessons with me every day, and their legacy continues to motivate me to reach for my aspirations while honoring the hard work they exemplified.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

I enjoy running, reading, baking, and traveling. Additionally, I have a saltwater fish and coral tank, which I take great pleasure in maintaining.

What inspired you to work in pediatrics?

I love taking care of my patients and watching them grow through each stage of life. I enjoy building meaningful relationships with their parents, and most of all, I’m passionate about preventive care and helping my patients stay healthy. I also enjoy the challenge of diagnosing various diseases and supporting families as they navigate complex healthcare decisions.

What unique qualities, skills, or services set you apart, and how do you build a positive rapport with patients and their families?

One of the unique skills that sets me apart is my ability to connect with patients and their families on a personal level while delivering the best care I can’t give. I approach each child with compassion and empathy which helps me not only in diagnosing complex conditions but also in making families feel heard and supported. My understanding of child development, allows me to tailor my approach to each child’s specific needs and stage of life. Building rapport is at the heart of my practice. I take time to listen, speak in terms that families can understand, and ensure that parents feel like partners in their child’s care. I follow up consistently, show genuine interest in their well-being, and create a space where trust and open communication can grow.

How do you accommodate patients with special needs?

I also have experience caring for children with special needs, and I understand that flexibility, patience, and sensitivity are key.