Valerie Russell, PA-C
Valerie Russell, PA-C is the first physician assistant at Akron Children’s Vision Center. Passionate about caring for children and providing exceptional care, Valerie is excited to further Akron Children’s mission by joining the ophthalmology team. The Vision Center, an Akron Children’s Center of Excellence, specializes in the comprehensive evaluation, coordinated care and cutting-edge treatment of eye disease and visual system disorders in infants, children, teens and adults.
Why did you choose Akron Children’s?
As a lifelong resident of Northeast Ohio, I have always known of the high-quality care that Akron Children’s provides. After finishing physician assistant school in Tampa, Florida, the decision to come back to Northeast Ohio was easy! I knew that I would be starting my career surrounded by accomplished medical faculty. Akron Children’s has allowed me to combine both my love for children and health care.
Describe your role and what you hope to accomplish.
As the first physician assistant in the Vision Center, there is a lot of growing and learning to be done by myself and the rest of the team. I will be seeing patients in the clinic, as well as assisting in surgery. I hope to show patients, their families and the rest of the providers in the Vision Center the value that PAs add to medical care. I hope to see many more PAs joining the team in the future.
What directed you towards this field of medical care?
Prior to PA school, I worked as an ophthalmology technician. This experience allowed me to be introduced to ophthalmology before being a provider. As a technician, I was able to see what a rewarding field ophthalmology is, and I am honored to begin my career as a provider in pediatric ophthalmology.
The age range of treating a baby or toddler is a different interaction from treating a school-age child. How do you navigate this day to day when it comes to such a delicate part of the face?
Distractions throughout the exam are tremendously helpful! The Vision Center has lots of toys and movies in each exam room to keep patients engaged to allow for thorough exams. By making the exam more of a game and building the trust of both the child and their caregivers, we are able to provide excellent care.
What impression do you hope to leave with your patients each day?
I hope my patients leave each day feeling empowered to continue with their treatment. Whether that means wearing glasses, patches or receiving eye drops, I hope my patients and their families understand the benefit and have all questions answered.
Valerie and her dog, Caesar.
Where did you grow up and who makes up your family?
I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. My family consists of my dad, Todd, my mom, Cindy, my brother, Greg, my sister, Jackie and my giant 160 lb. dog, Caesar.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
Backpack throughout Europe.
