july 29, 2025
Doctor Lourdes Villaume, Hospitalist at Regions Hospital, shares “I first came to the Twin Cities in 2006 to begin my residency at the University of Minnesota. I was moving here from Chicago where I did medical school and I remember being surprised at how clean, calm and wholesome the area was. Even though it’s two major cities it felt smaller and more inviting.”
“At that time, I did many rotations at Regions Hospital when it was much smaller than it is now and loved it. We moved back in 2017 and I’ve been working at Regions since. I always love the views from the top floors of the hospital- the sunrise over the Mississippi, the sunset kissing the dome of the cathedral and capital buildings, the helicopter landing above us. At Regions we get to work with people from all walks of life and make connections when people are at their most vulnerable. It’s busy and exhausting and many times emotionally draining, but I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
“I love going Downtown Saint Paul to events and shows. We have the Xcel Center for sports and concerts, The Ordway for shows, CHS and Union Depot in the winter for Christmas markets and GLOW. It’s a quick drive from home and there are many fun restaurants to grab a bite before or after any activity. I also have fond memories of taking my children to the various museums including The Children's Museum and Science Museum… I spent many days exploring them with my children when they were younger.”
Doctor Villaume sees room for growth, “I don’t know if Downtown Saint Paul has a real shopping or walk the city in the day kind of atmosphere. It would be nice to have that. It usually feels kind of desolate unless there is an event. I can’t say I would feel safe walking alone either day or night sometimes…”
“I do hope Downtown continues to thrive and attract cultural events and shows to the area. My role will be to continue to care for the sick that end up at Regions and to support the local businesses including shops, theaters, museums and restaurants.”
Lourdes leaves me thinking about how I can be more of service, "Our Senator Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark lived lives of service. I make it a point to volunteer on a regular basis. Whether it's at the school serving lunch to the kids, at the shelter serving meals, organizing a holiday toy drive at the hospital, making meals for chronically ill patients with my colleagues or making Blessing Bags for those with housing insecurity with my moms group, I make sure to take time to do it regularly and include my children when able. I have lots to be thankful for and need to pay it forward. I also want to make sure to instill those values in my children. For it truly is in giving that we receive."
Thank you for sharing your Saint Paul Story with the By A Thread Community, Lourdes! You're so very right, it is through giving that we receive - Thank You for the beautiful reminder✨