Brought to you by Hartford HealthCare
Meet Dr. Valerie Brutus; breast surgeon, healthcare leader, and devoted mom, Dr. Brutus brings compassion, precision, and heart to everything she does. As Director of Breast Surgery for the Fairfield Region at Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute and an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Quinnipiac University’s Frank Netter School of Medicine, she is deeply committed to caring for women at every stage of their health journey. Rooted in Fairfield for the past decade with her husband, son, and their beloved pets, Dr. Brutus is passionate about family, education, and empowering her community through advocacy, outreach, and exceptional care.
Fairfield Cancer Center press conference
Tell us about your family!
My husband and I have been living in Fairfield for the past 10 years. We are the proud parents of a 12-year-old boy who just started middle school. Watching him grow up has been such a fun adventure. Our family would not be complete without our dog Ugo and our 2 cats Beau and Nerina.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Most people do not know this about me is that I am a pretty good cook. I love baking and according to my family my home-made Bolognese sauce and seafood paella are amazing.
One thing you wish someone would have told you about motherhood?
I wish someone had told me that patience would be my superpower as a mom. The best part ? Finding pure joy in simple and smallest things like a quick hug or playing silly games
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Fairfield?
There are so many reasons why I love living in Fairfield. There is a strong sense of community, endless kid friendly activities, excellent schools, and many cultural events. It’s safe, full of coastal charm and close enough to NYC.
What inspired you to go into healthcare?
I was inspired to work in healthcare because I wanted to do meaningful work. I truly enjoy caring for my patients and working with supportive colleagues. Teaching and inspiring future healthcare workers is incredibly rewarding. Healthcare is also endlessly stimulating- there is always something new to learn.
What do you love about working at Hartford HealthCare?
I love working at Hartford HealthCare because it is a place where I feel supported and valued. I truly believe that we provide the best care in Fairfield. I am surrounded by supportive colleagues who work closely together. There is a culture that strongly supports continuous learning and professional growth.
How do you all support women and moms in Fairfield County?
As a breast surgeon, I support women and moms in Fairfield by doing community outreach to educate them and their family about breast cancer screening, early detection and advancement in cancer care. I volunteer at local school and community events to talk about health and careers in healthcare. Helping family stay informed and empowered is something that I am really passionate about.
Who has most influenced you to be the mom that you are today?
My mom has always been my greatest inspiration. She taught me to be resilient, compassionate and to always pursue my passions. She also taught me the importance of a supportive community. Becoming a mom myself had made me appreciate her lessons even more.
Life as a mom is busy, and finding time to take care of yourself is not always easy. Having access to trusted care that fits into real life can make such a difference. Hartford HealthCare is here to support moms and families in our community with care that feels accessible, thoughtful, and personal. If you want to learn more about the resources and support available for women and moms, click here to explore Hartford HealthCare and see how they can support you too.
