Women In... Episode 85: Valerie Brooke Courage in the White Coat: Choosing Medicine at 35 and Sobriety for Life

Dr. Valerie Brooke has led many different lives before finally settling on the white coat and the stethoscope around her neck. She started out with a BA in English Literature from Portland State University in Oregon, where she first found her love of writing. She then had a decade-long career as a successful sports massage therapist, with her clients including athletes from the Portland Trail Blazers NBA team. She started medical school at Oregon Health and Sciences University in Portland at the age of 35, and was the oldest woman in her class, raising a daughter in high school. She completed her residency in her chosen speciality, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, at the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, where she learned how to care for patients with physical impairments and disabilities. She is married to a spirited man Ronando who makes her laugh while they experience many adventures, and has a grown daughter Erinna living in Seattle. Dr. Brooke currently resides in Anchorage Alaska with Ronando and their two cats Bandit and Stryder. She works at Providence St. Elias Speciality Hospital, caring for patients who have suffered strokes, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and accidental trauma that breaks patients bones and spirits. She is passionate about creating a health care system that prevents burnout in its doctors, and destigmatizes mental health and substance abuse disorders. She has been sober for 5 years and has recovered from a crippling depression. In her spare time she can be found reading, writing, creating art, spending time in the mountains of Alaska with Ronando, and building community with like minded sober souls.