The Person Behind the Nametag - March 2010



Bianca Beltran

Executive Assistant to the President/CEO

Each month, “The Person Behind the Nametag’’ introduces you to a Westside Family Health Center Team Member. (Click here to read about others.)

March 2010 features Bianca Beltran who was introduced to WFHC six years ago at Venice High School where she attended a Peer Health Educator Training offered by WFHC’s VYBE Department. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are given the opportunity to put what they learned in the program to work with employment at WFHC. "I sent Julie [Kirk, Director of Community & Education] an email to see if there were any openings and here I am." Initially, Bianca worked with VYBE patients, ages 12-24 years, then moved to diabetes patients as a Community Health Worker and two years ago was named Executive Assistant to WFHC President/CEO Debra A. Farmer.


So, Bianca, what’s Deb’s favorite color? Uh, I don’t think I know that one. I would say red. No, black. No, green. I’m just going to throw out colors. I do know she likes iced tea, Dr. Pepper and Pepsi. That I know! Blue? No! This is going to drive me nuts.

Are you a good patient? Yes I am…nah. I am an honest patient. I’m a good patient, yes and no. You have to lie a little bit so you don’t get in trouble.

You are aware that Dr. K [Dr. Archana Kulkarni, WFHC Director of Medical Affairs] reads this column? Yes, I am.

People who know you would be surprised to hear…I’m into black and white photography. It was a very expensive hobby. I took classes for a couple of years. If not for the money, I’d go back in a heartbeat.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were younger? That life is not too easy as an adult as when you were a child. You have to watch your step.

As far as you’re concerned, the greatest invention of all time is: The iPod Touch.

Of your 25 Most Played on your Playlist, what are the top three? Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood by Nina Simone, How Can You Mend a Broken Heart by Al Green and Beggin’ by Madcon.

Your ringtone? Flower by Moby.

Are you a morning person or a night person? Morning. I need two hours before I wake up and am out the door. I like to relax and give myself my own time so I’m not rushed. I wake up to the clock. I get up, brush my teeth, have a half cup of coffee…

Half? I just like the smell.

Of course…I sit in the living room for five minutes and I think. I get up and fix my bed. I cannot sleep in an unmade bed. I check emails, stuff on line. I go in and say good morning to my Mom.

Are you a procrastinator? It depends…No. No, I’m not.

Let’s talk veggies. Spinach or broccoli? Broccoli steamed with anything.  

Smooth peanut butter or chunky peanut butter? Smooth with apples. You dip the apples in the peanut butter.

What’s always in your fridge? Eggs, beans and tortillas.

What’s your favorite food? Pasta—any type of pasta. I like carbs.

Dr. K? Let’s not tell.

Our patients reading this? Oh…pasta, that’s baaad for you. Don’t eat. Not good for you.

What was the last movie you saw? The Book of Eli with Denzel.

Did you like it? Yes, I did. I didn’t expect the end. That’s all I’m saying.

What keeps you up at night? Nothing. When I go to bed, I go to bed.

What concerns you most about health care today? Understanding it—from patients reading [and understanding] a label on a medicine bottle to saying, “I don’t feel good. I’m going to the ER.’’ They need to understand they probably don’t have to go to the ER.

That there are other alternatives to an emergency room if there is no true medical emergency? Yes.

What do you consider your most admirable quality? I’m honest and reliable.

What do you hope to do that you haven’t done yet? I want to go bungee-jumping. I’m assuming it would be similar to a roller coaster.

Worst household chore? I don’t like to clean but I like a neat place. I don’t like laundry—you have to fold it.

Favorite chore? Making my bed.

What was your last impulse buy? I bought winter boots—long, tall boots. They were on sale. If I didn’t buy them, I’d lose money.

Excellent rationalizing. You do realize Los Angeles isn’t exactly boot country? I wear then when it’s raining little sprinkles.

Describe the perfect patient. There is no perfect patient but a good patient is one who follows through with their appointment, comes in, understands the importance of their health.

Describe your perfect day. The weather being at 75, temperature-wise, then it’s perfect. I can do anything. Seventy is cold. I layer and layer. Two shirts, a sweater and a little wool blanket on my chair.

What’s the best gift you ever received? My camera. I asked my mother if I could have a camera to do black and white photography. I was in high school, now that I think of it. It was expensive. I’m sure she sacrificed to give it to me.

 Who or what has been the greatest influence on your life? This might sound repetitive, but I would say my mother. She’s really done a great job raising my brothers and me. She gives good advice, is very honest and doesn’t beat around the bush. I’d also say my grandmother.

[Editor’s Note: Two weeks after this interview Bianca was asked, “So do you know Deb’s favorite color?” She immediately answered, “She doesn’t really have one.’’ “So you checked?” “Right after we finished I texted her and asked.’’] And that’s why she’s Executive Assistant to the President/CEO.