Prior to this role, Dr. Her areas of focus include workforce diversity, health equity, community engagement and health professions education. Valerie Rooney practiced pediatrics in rural Southeastern Vermont for thirty years. She and her partners provided well-child care, managed acute and chronic illnesses, covered children in the Emergency Department and inpatient settings, attended deliveries of at-risk newborns, and stabilized critically ill newborns.
She served as President of the Medical Staff of her local hospital for four years. She precepted first and second year Geisel On-Doctoring students, as well as students in the third-year pediatric clerkship, and has been an On-Doctoring facilitator since , and a PBL preceptor since She loves sharing her knowledge of pediatrics with patients, families and students, with the goal of improving the lives of children and their families.
Nevin Fowler - Co-Leader: I grew up in Colorado and spent much of my youth climbing and exploring the mountains. At eighteen years old, I joined the military and served the next five years in Marine Special Operations. The time I spent conducting operations across the world influenced my understanding of socioeconomic disparities and informed my passion for medicine.
Upon leaving the military, I earned my first undergraduate degree in journalism and economics. For my capstone, I directed a documentary film on veterans who forged a community in the outdoors to overcome combat related trauma; I had the honor of presenting my film at multiple film festivals.
I spent the summer after graduation as a guide on Mt. Rainier, where interactions with clients from all around the world cemented my decision to become a doctor. My most influential experience has been volunteering in a safety-net clinic for underserved people.
