Name: Denise L.
Passport Health location: San Diego, CA (Mission Valley)
We truly value our team members at Passport Health. They are the ones that make a direct impact in our clients’ lives as they entrust us with their healthcare needs. Denise has been with Passport Health for 10 years. Since the start of her adventure with Passport Health, she has been a key part in supporting smooth operations in her home clinic in San Diego. Not only does she provide excellent care and a high-level of service to clients seen in our clinic, but she also delivers this same level of care to the employees of our national account clients at their on-site events. We asked Denise about her role at Passport Health and the overall experience she delivers to our clients’ to care for their healthcare and travel needs.
What is your background? What did you do before you started working at Passport Health in 2004?
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. For many years I worked with children in the foster care system. One of my favorite projects was as a director, I developed a transitional housing program for young adults exiting foster care. This program assisted young adults by providing housing, along with career and living skills. It was a great success and it is still operating today.
What drew you to travel medicine?
I’ve always enjoyed helping others and experiencing other cultures. Travel medicine allows me to bring my experience from my own travels and my medical knowledge to assist others in preparing for their international adventure.
How do you stay up to date on the latest developments in travel medicine?
I stay up to date by reading medical reviews about diseases related to travel medicine, the websites of the Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization. Due to my expertise in travel medicine and vaccines, I have been a speaker for 3 pharmaceutical companies. I have spoken to large health organizations and public health departments regarding vaccine preventable diseases and the corresponding vaccines.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
Hearing the patient’s excitement of their upcoming adventures and knowing that I am helping them stay healthy during their trip.
Are you an international traveler yourself?
Yes, I have traveled to the Caribbean, Central America, Europe and Africa.
What do you think differentiates a Passport Health appointment from an appointment at another clinic that does not focus on travel medicine?
Passport Health staff have extensive training on vaccines, medications and preventive measures for the travelers. Patients enjoy their appointments with Passport Health because they are given a relaxed atmosphere, a generous amount of time to learn about health risks of the country they are visiting and they have time to ask questions. They like that Passport Health staff’s primary focus is pre-travel medicine and the various diseases that they may encounter.
Are you planning a trip abroad? Be sure you are healthy and prepared for your adventure by scheduling a visit with a travel health specialist before you go!
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