When asked why she joined the Palo Alto Medical Foundation's (PAMF) Cosmetic Surgery Department, Valerie Quinn, R.N., BSN, is quick to respond. "The people," she said. "We have great teamwork and a positive working environment. I also enjoy building relationships with my clients and seeing the positive outcomes."

For example, a young woman recently came to the clinic seeking advice. She had previously gone to a non-licensed clinic for a skin peel that resulted in hyper-pigmentation, causing large dark areas resembling burns on her arms. Quinn performed several laser treatments to clear up the areas.

"After the treatments, she was able to wear short sleeves in public again without feeling self-conscious," Quinn said. "It was very gratifying to build a relationship with this young woman and know that I had been able to help her. In general, I enjoy seeing this type of transformation in people-when simple treatments visibly boost their confidence and contentment."

During the week, Quinn performs a wide array of non-surgical cosmetic procedures at PAMF's Palo Alto Clinic and Fremont Center. For example, she administers Botox and fillers such as Restylane and collagen, laser treatments for skin pigmentation and rejuvenation, and skin care treatments and peels. She also educates clients about various procedures, provides them with quotes, schedules surgical and non-surgical treatments, and prepares clients for the operating room.

In addition to working at PAMF, Quinn has been in the Navy Reserve for more than 10 years and has been active as an officer for the past five years, since Sept. 11. At least two weekends a month, she works as a nurse and division officer for a naval medical clinic in Alameda, overseeing its operations.

"I work with a lot of Marines and sailors who are either being mobilized because of the war or coming back home after being deployed," she said. "My team oversees the flow of care to make sure our soldiers are physically ready to be deployed or to transfer to another unit."

Military service runs in Quinn's blood. "My father served in Vietnam and my brothers were deployed during Desert Storm," she said. "We feel very strongly about serving others in our country."

Quinn is also making time to pursue her MBA at the Pleasant Hill campus of John F. Kennedy University. She takes night classes and hopes to have her degree within a year. She says she enjoys learning about the business side of health care and hopes to apply this knowledge at PAMF. Quinn earned her bachelor's of arts degree from the University of Washington and her bachelor's of science degree from Valdosta State University.

Quinn lives in Concord. Her 19-year-old son, Zachary, attends college in Texas. Quinn is also a sports enthusiast. She runs, plays tennis and is a ski instructor.