CLOSE-UP: Family physican honored by Girl Scouts

VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON

Dr. Aleli Romero wasn't a Girl Scout growing up in the Philippines, but her service as an adult volunteer reflects the organization's core principles of leadership, strong values, social conscience and personal conviction.

Romero's history with the Girl Scout Council of the Colonial Coast spans more than a decade. As a volunteer, the practicing family physician launched a physicians' mentoring program and organized annual health fairs. She also played a leadership role as the council's board president from 1999 to 2001.

The council, which serves girls in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina, recently bestowed Romero its highest adult honor, the Dorothy Barber Award.

Romero said her Girl Scout participation stems from a belief in the organization's mission of encouraging and empowering girls. The award came as a surprise, but she is thankful to have been chosen.

In addition to helping found the Filipino Health Alliance, Romero is the founder and organizer of Dance for Cancer, a fundraiser that benefits the Patient Assistance Fund at Chesapeake General Hospital's Cancer Treatment Center and Lee's Friends in Norfolk. The advocate for cancer awareness said she is busily preparing for the 14th annual event, which will be held in March.

What do you love most about the Girl Scouts as an organization? It is an organization with a definite mission of building girls of courage, character and confidence

What do you enjoy most about being a doctor? Making sick people well

What frustrations to you often face as a doctor? Losing a patient of any age

What is the number one health tip you give your patients? Have a regular check-up

Describe your perfect day Go to church, eat a healthy meal, spend time with family, get enough sleep and wake up refreshed for the next day of work

If you could invite three famous people, living or dead, to dinner, who would they be? Pope Benedict XVI, Queen Elizabeth II and President George W. Bush

Favorite way to unwind after a long day Play card games like Mahjong

Your first celebrity crush Robert Taylor

The most recently read book you'd recommend to a friend "Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness" by Robert K. Greenleaf

Pet peeve People asking me how tall I am

Hobbies Collecting shot glasses

How did you meet your spouse? In high school

Favorite movie of all time "The Ten Commandments"

What adjective would you use to describe yourself? Active

Favorite comfort food Cashews

Favorite night on the town Being with family and friends and planning future events

The one television show you never miss "Jeopardy!"

Of what achievements are you most proud? Being a physician with a loving husband and three wonderful children

What is the biggest challenge you've ever faced? Dealing with a diagnosis of breast cancer, then having Guillain-Barre Syndrome

What motivates you? The feeling that some people can benefit from who I am and what I can do

What song might someone catch you dancing to? "No Other Love"

Favorite sport Tennis

Dream vacation Holy Land pilgrimage

What is your favorite sound? Sounds from waterfalls

What is your least favorite sound? Dental drills

What is your good luck charm? Two Tiffany bracelets

What are the first words of wisdom you ever received and from whom did you receive them? "Study hard because you'll be a doctor when you grow up." My uncle, a Catholic priest, said (this) to me when I was in third grade.