Valentine Santarlas, DO

As a child, Valentine Santarlas, DO, grew up riding horses and thought she would grow up to become a veterinarian. It was in high school that she became curious about human medicine and shadowed a family friend who is a general surgeon. It was then that she discovered her true calling was taking care of people. Dr. Santarlas attended the University of South Florida in Tampa where she received her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She obtained her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, Florida.

Dr. Sanatarlas feels that Family Medicine is the backbone of healthcare – an all-encompassing specialty that allows every day to be diverse, to form life-long bonds, and to be there for her patients through all stages of life. She chose to come to Lincoln Family Medicine Residency Program because of the people, location, and program structure. She enjoys that it is unopposed, and the faculty and residents were extremely welcoming and kind during the interview process. With her husband in the Air Force at Offutt AFB in Omaha, the location allowed her to keep her family together.

Dr. Santarlas grew up in Brazil before relocating to Tampa, Florida at age 17. She and her husband, Christopher, have two dogs, Odin and Thor. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, traveling, hiking, and weightlifting. She grew up playing volleyball and competing in show-jumping equestrianism.