Dr. Julie Tromme

Dr. Julie Tromme helps keep residents of the Haute Valley functioning from the health center in Axat. During the recent coronavirus pandemic, she was forced to “reorganize thought” on dealing with the crisis. Patients of varied ages presented challenges and she spent much of the time on the phone keeping up with the latest information and techniques needed to combat the virus. She asserts that she is now “working normally”. When asked her thoughts on politicians’ management of the crisis, she smiled. No answer was necessary.

A native of Liege, Belgium, Dr. Tromme spent all her formative years in that city. The only girl among three brothers, she “always had the dream” of becoming a doctor. She pursued this goal by attending the University of Liege where she completed her medical training. After her residency her life took an interesting twist. She signed up with Doctors without Borders and was assigned to Colombia. There she spent a year near Choco on the Pacific coast. “It was remote jungle and we travelled to villages in small boats. It was rewarding because the natives appreciated all our efforts.” The head of logistics was Thomas, an experienced guide. By the time she left Colombia, they were a couple and he was her life’s partner. They have been together for twelve years and have two children, Johnathon 8 and Lena 4. They live “in the mountains” not far from Axat, and he follows his passion as a mountain guide.

Two and a half years ago Dr. Tromme opened her practice in Axat. She came to the area “because of the mountains and the peace and quiet”. When asked about hobbies, she could only cite one-hiking in the mountains. It’s a family thing. Presently they have completed a third of the trek from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean on the La Senta trail which winds through the Pyrenees on the Spanish side. The plan is to finish the La Senta trail and then start over on the French side of the mountains. It is obvious she follows her own advice. “Walking is good for anyone.”