By Professor J. Johnson

The Town of Paradise Valley invites the community to observe and celebrate Martin Luther King Day at 11 a.m. on Jan. 20. During the ceremony, the Chief Medical Officer of one of the largest academic teaching hospitals, Dr. Victor Waters, will be awarded the 2025 Martin Luther King Diversity Award.

Demonstrating hope, unity and inclusion as it applies to diversity in the healthcare arena, Dr. Waters, much like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream, promotes the rights of individuals and groups to have access to quality healthcare. Whether speaking about the affordability of healthcare, the quality of care, equal treatment or facilities for providing health services, there is always a need for champions to promote, inspire and ensure that everyone has access to this essential service.

Driven by his passion, Dr. Waters used his skills to serve the community, dedicating himself as a practicing doctor committed to helping underserved populations. He achieved this by studying medicine and then also pursuing and practicing law, advancing the opportunity for medical care by working within both systems — law and medicine. Looking at his personal history of achievements, it is clear why he excelled in this role.

Dr. Waters grew up in the dynamic city of New York, where he witnessed the challenges faced by people from diverse ethnicities and walks of life. These experiences inspired him along his journey to become a significant advocate for healthcare access and equality. His academic journey, which includes graduating from Brown University, Temple University School of Medicine, and Rutgers University of Law provided him the foundation to give others hope by creating opportunities for access to healthcare.
With 40 years of experience in emergency medicine, Dr. Waters has dedicated his career to improving lives. Together with his wife, Dr. JoAnn Yanez, a naturopathic physician and executive director of an international nonprofit organization, the couple has made service to humanity a cornerstone of their household. Their two children also encourage and support their parents’ impactful work.

Dr. Waters’ work resonates deeply with the dreams and hopes for a better society. When individuals see and feel they have equal access to opportunities and necessities like healthcare, they experience a sense of unity with the broader community. This access to essential functions allows people to live well and thrive in our country.

Organizers of the upcoming event invite the community to join in celebrating this remarkable individual’s contributions. They say Dr. Waters exemplifies the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by making equality in healthcare a reality for others.

The Jan. 20 ceremony will take place at Town Hall, 6401 E. Lincoln Drive.