Valerie is our 2011 Multicultural Women’s National Conference Legacy Award recipient. Valerie’s school helps diversify the medical workforce and extend cutting-edge care to underserved communities.

I went to medical school thinking I would become a neurosurgeon. But when I did GYN, particularly reproductive endocrinology, things really clicked. Growing up with a strong mother and three sisters, I understood how women think, feel and dream and what I could do to influence better health.

Minority physicians are crucial. They care for a larger percentage of minority patients than do their counterparts. They’re also sensitive to ways health challenges may be culturally driven.

The best part of my day: one-on-one time with faculty working on career development, and also engaging with students. The toughest part of my day: dealing with the challenges of funding our mission-critical initiatives.

Our school recently had a 100 percent pass rate on the first part of the medical boards. I’m proud of that.

We became a commuter family when I took this job last year. Jayne, a high school senior, is in Nashville with my husband. My son will finish his last two years of high school here in Atlanta. we’re together three weekends out of four and holidays. We do a lot of Skyping and texting in between.

This move has taught me how resilient the bonds of a loving family can be if you’ve laid a strong foundation. I’m just amazed at how well my teens have adapted and how supportive they are.

Both kids text me when they get to school. I’ve got LOL programmed as a shortcut. for us it means “lots of love.”

Family dinners are important. But eating together doesn’t have to mean eating the same thing. I’ll fix white rice for the kids and brown rice for Melvin and me. Our dinners are still nutritious.

Date nights are usually dinner and live jazz. Family downtime: a fiercely competitive game of Monopoly or Scrabble.

I grab a pedicure with foot rub when I can steal 45 minutes for myself. Or a massage if I’m in any city more than three days. I’ve been to 112 different day spas in the last ten years!

We all need help. Early on I told Melvin, “I want four kids, I want a dynamic career, I want …” Years later, on a busy night home with the little ones, I was called to handle an urgent issue at the hospital. As my husband took charge, I realized what a significant contribution he makes to the life and career I have.

I count on my village—my girlfriends, sisters and Melvin. I also rely on amazing staffers who support me in unconventional ways.

-As told to Claire Macintosh

Dr. Rice’s Rx for better leaders

Work out.
Make exercise three or four times a week nonnegotiable. I work with a trainer and walk or run other days.

Set goals.
They should be healthy and challenging. Mine is to compete in a half-marathon. Mind the middle. It’s not your weight, it’s your waist. Keep it under 35 inches to fend off heart disease and other illnesses.

Mix it up.
Break up your fitness routine with fun activities. I tried a bellydancing class. It made me feel sexy!

Watch Dr. Rice’s keynote speech for our 2011 Multicultural Women’s National Conference at
workingmother.com/ricetalk