For 25 years, this National City physician has been showing his patients how to enjoy a heart-healthy holiday meal
National City, CA – December 13, 2012 – While many San Diego physicians advise their patients to avoid weight gain over the holidays—one physician, Dr. Jerome Robinson, has been literally showing his patients how-to for 25 years.
More than two decades ago, Dr. Robinson, a cardiologist with Paradise Valley Hospital, recognized that his patients were struggling with weight gain over the holidays. He decided to throw a party for all his patients with healthy but great-tasting holiday fare—such as orange cranberry-glazed chicken and roasted potatoes, along with music and other festivities.
It was such a success that it has become an annual tradition, growing to more than 300 patients attending year after year. His 25th annual holiday party occurs Friday, Dec. 14, from 1:30-4:30 at Paradise Valley Hospital conference center. Newly elected Mayor Bob Filner will be in attendance this year.
For many of his party guests in this underserved area, this is the highlight of their year.
“Not only is this an opportunity for me to give back to my patients and community, but the repetition of serving heart-healthy tasty food helps them comply with good eating habits and avoid weight gain,” said Dr. Robinson. “It truly is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in my patients’ lives during the holidays because I am actually engaging with them instead of just instructing them.”
Many National City companies also donate raffle prizes and gift cards, which often make a big difference in the party guests’ lives. In fact, last year, a guest won a gift card and said that it meant she could buy Christmas presents for his kids.
“As far as I know, he is the only San Diego physician that invites all his patients to a holiday party every year,” added Neerav Jadeja, administrator of Paradise Valley Hospital. “He is committed to making a difference.”