Chen Senior Medical Center

Bios

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  Naima Jihad Anderson

  DO, MPH

  Dr. Naima Jihad Anderson became interested in medicine while assisting her grandmother with rehab after a stroke. She served as her “little doctor” and says, “honoring seniors is a natural fit and an honor for me to do.” Dr. Anderson says her favorite part of being a physician is “watching the excitement in a patient’s face when they achieve a personal health goal.” She takes pride in creating a safe space for patients. “If they care about their own health and feel they have my support, hopefully they lead healthier, longer lives,” she says. In her free time, Dr. Anderson loves spending time with her family by the water and enjoys “anything that makes us smile and laugh.” She also likes painting and listening to live music.

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  Link: Naima Jihad Anderson

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  Valeria Jimenez

  MD

  Dr. Valeria Jimenez has always had an interest in learning how the body works, and she knew medicine was the perfect opportunity to use that knowledge to help people live healthier lives. Her favorite part of being a physician is building relationships with patients. She enjoys learning about them beyond their health concerns. “I strive to provide care that goes beyond treating illness and prescribing medication. I want to make sure my patients know I am there and will care for them as individuals,” she says. She is passionate about caring for the senior population and considers them the “backbone of our society.” When not caring for patients, Dr. Jimenez enjoys going on walks, visiting the beach, and reading.

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  Link: Valeria Jimenez

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  Emerson Valdez

  DPM

  Dr. Emerson Valdez explains that he was in high school when he realized his desire to pursue a career as a physician. “I chose podiatry because I can help patients with many different modalities,” he elaborates. For Dr. Valdez, seeing his “patient’s appreciation” is the best part of his profession. He specializes in all forms of podiatry, including wound care and surgery. He is grateful for the opportunity to care for the senior population and has done so for nearly fifteen years. When Dr. Valdez is not caring for his patients, he can be found enjoying quality time with his son and granddaughter. He also enjoys listening to audio books and playing sports with friends, especially soccer and golf.

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  Link: Emerson Valdez

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  Kira Balestrini

  MD

  At a young age, Dr. Kira Balestrini knew she wanted to be a physician. “I was fascinated by the complexity of our bodies and wanted to learn more about it. Then, I realized how much we can help others with this profession, and I liked it even more,” she explains. She believes in frequent visits with patients and always takes the time to understand their concerns. “Every day I listen to them and do my best to help them deal with their conditions,” she says. She genuinely cares about them and enjoys guiding them through the medical system. She loves learning and often attends conferences and reads journals. Dr. Balestrini can be found enjoying her free time with family. She also loves exploring the outdoors and exercising.

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  Link: Kira Balestrini

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  Maher Balkis

  MD

  Dr. Maher Balkis strives to make a positive impact in his patients’ lives. “I show up every day with the mentality that I want to help my patients and offer compassion, love, and best standards of medical care that they deserve,” he says. He adds that he is “always available” for patients and “wants them to be healthy and happy for many more years to come.” If he could change anything about the current medical system, he would increase access to care, especially for the senior population. “They’re the most vulnerable population that deserves the best care,” he explains. In his free time, Dr. Balkis enjoys lifting weights, walking, and engaging in HITT exercises. He also likes traveling and collecting antiques.

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  Link: Maher Balkis