Guest: JJ Valdez, MSRC, RRT-ACCS

Respiratory Therapist and Board Member

Respiratory Care Foundation of Texas

Before JJ Valdez became “JJ the RT,” his family was teaching him how to care for people.

We close out Hispanic Heritage Month with this episode of Voices of Vital Care, where the respiratory therapist and educator shares how his Mexican roots, family traditions and personal loss shaped the way he treats patients and supports their families.

Joining host Nohelani Graf, JJ reflects on growing up between English-speaking and Spanish-speaking households, the hesitation he sometimes feels speaking Spanish, and the connection that comes from helping someone feel understood.

He shares how losing his father changed his approach to patient care and recalls a pediatric emergency that has stayed with him throughout his career.

From grandparents who gave Christmas gifts in paper sacks to an emotional reflection on what he hopes to pass to the next generation, this conversation explores Hispanic heritage, cultural identity, empathy in healthcare and the meaning of legacy.

In this episode:

• Growing up in a Hispanic family and reconnecting with the Spanish language

• Understanding cultural differences in patient and family care

• Finding belonging in respiratory therapy and allied healthcare

• How grief can change the way healthcare professionals care for others

• Becoming a role model for young Hispanic people considering healthcare careers

• Carrying family traditions and values into the next generation

“Well, I’m a human taking care of a human.” — JJ Valdez

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The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

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