Healing in Her Own Words
When Doña Ramonita Santana first met Dr. Carlos Valentin, something clicked. He wasn't just a doctor — he was someone who saw her, respected her culture and spoke her language. For Hispanic communities, this kind of connection can make the difference between illness and well-being.
October 14, 2025
Where trust begins
“We started with another doctor,” one of Doña Ramonita’s daughters recalls. ”Whatever I told him to prescribe, he would prescribe it. There wasn’t a lot of trust.”
Confidence, she learned, isn’t about compliance — it’s about connection.
Dr. Valentin wasn’t just kind — he was direct in a way that earned precisely that: trust. During one visit, one of Doña Ramonita’s daughters, who is also his patient, said, “Doctor, I’m going to tell you the truth.”
He smiled and replied, “You have to tell me the truth — because whether you do or not, I still go home the same, but without being able to help you the way you really need to be helped.” That simple honesty opened the door to a deeper, more genuine relationship.
Since starting with Dr. Valentin in 2016, Doña Ramonita’s health has improved significantly. Her asthma, which used to send her to the hospital, is now under control.
The difference is clear — and her daughters see it too. “She hasn’t been to the hospital,” one of Doña Ramonita’s daughters says proudly.
What makes the difference? Culture, language and family-centered care.
Speaking from the heart
Dr. Valentin speaks Spanish and shares the family's Puerto Rican heritage. “I want someone who speaks Spanish and is Puerto Rican,” Doña Ramonita insists.
For her — and for her daughters — it’s not just a preference, it’s peace of mind. Dr. Valentin’s cultural understanding is a key part of the care he provides.
“It’s very valuable that she can tell exactly what she feels without having to translate,” one of Doña Ramonita’s daughters explains.
This is especially important because, while she speaks English, medical terminology can be complicated. With Dr. Valentin, there’s no need for a middleman — Doña Ramonita can communicate directly in Spanish, ensuring that nothing gets lost in translation and that her needs are fully understood.
This level of understanding is part of what makes Dr. Valentin’s care so exceptional. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to support my patients in a way that honors and respects their individual beliefs and values,” he says.
“Being able to provide care that aligns with what matters most to them is not only fulfilling but also essential to building trust and delivering truly compassionate health care. It is a privilege to serve in this capacity."
Care that feels like home
With older adults, patience isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. As one of Doña Ramonita’s daughters puts it, “Not everyone has the patience to deal with the patient.” That patience shows in the way Dr. Valentin cares — not just medically, but personally.
He doesn’t just monitor Doña Ramonita’s medications — he makes sure she takes the right dose and has everything she needs, especially before traveling.
On one occasion, as she was getting ready for a trip to Puerto Rico, he reassured her: “If you need to call me or write to me, do it — don’t wait.” Then, with a smile, he added, “But not at 4 a.m. — at 4 a.m., don’t call me!”
During another trip preparation, Dr. Valentin also took time to address her concerns about the COVID vaccine.
“She was a little hesitant,” he recalls. “I told her, ‘Doña Ramonita, if you get sick with COVID while traveling, especially with your asthma, you could end up in the five stars hotel!'” — his playful nickname for the hospital.
His clear, caring and humorous explanation helped ease her worries, and she felt more confident in getting the vaccine.
A standard worth striving for
This kind of culturally compatible health care isn’t just preferred—it’s essential.
Studies show that patients are more satisfied and have better outcomes when they receive care from providers who understand their language and culture. According to the National Academy of Medicine, culturally competent health care leads to better patient engagement and trust.¹
For Hispanic older adults, family plays a central role in health care. It’s not just about the patient—it’s about daughters, sons, and caregivers being part of the process.
“He explains everything to us as my mom's daughters,” one daughter says. Dr. Valentin doesn’t just treat Doña Ramonita—he includes the whole family in her care.
That connection extends beyond clinical advice. It’s in the way he speaks to her, listens, and makes her laugh. “If you’re misbehaving—if you’re not taking your pills—I’ll know in the bloodwork,” he teases.
It's that mix of humor, honesty, and respect that makes his care feel personal. And it’s what keeps her coming back—with trust, not fear.
Today, Doña Ramonita says with pride: “I am doing great, thanks to God. I love the way he treats me.” She laughs at her doctor’s jokes, feels safe during visits, and most importantly, feels heard.
It’s a kind of care that leaves a lasting impression. “He doesn’t do it for the money—he does it for vocation,” one of her daughters reflects.
Culturally relevant health care isn’t a luxury. For families like Doña Ramonita’s, it’s the foundation of health. It’s time we make it the standard.
Sources
¹ National Academy of Medicine. (2016). Culture and health literacy: Tools for health professionals. nam.edu