2024 UHF Gala Journal - Flipbook - Page 14
Special Tribute
Denise Núñez, MD
For her commitment to the needs of the Latino
population in the Bronx, with a special focus on
children’s health and welfare
Born in New York City and raised in the Dominican Republic, Denise Núñez, MD,
embodies the spirit of service and resilience instilled by her family, which spans three
generations in New York City. Her dedication to the health and welfare of the Latino
community has been a driving force throughout her life and career. As a pediatric
intensivist at Montefiore Medical Center and founder of multiple health care clinics in
the Bronx, Denise has been a tireless advocate for her patients, many of whom are
part of underserved, Spanish-speaking populations.
Denise’s journey to becoming a health care leader began during her fellowship at
Montefiore Children’s Hospital, where she noticed that language barriers were causing
Spanish-speaking parents to struggle when communicating with English-speaking
doctors. In response, she initiated interdisciplinary hospital rounds that included
interpreters, social workers, and nurses in the hospital room, providing much-needed
support for these families.
Denise’s commitment to health equity also extended beyond the hospital walls.
Seeing the need for accessible, culturally sensitive health care, she founded three
clinics in the Bronx, starting with a pediatric health center in a vacant pizza shop
strategically located in an area with the highest Latino population but the fewest
health care providers. Today, these clinics serve thousands of children and families,
employing more than 20 staff members and offering comprehensive care.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Denise’s leadership shone through as she tackled
the surge of misinformation in her community. Using social media platforms like
Facebook and YouTube, Denise created videos from her basement to inform the
Latino community about the virus, testing, and vaccines, amassing thousands of
views and becoming a trusted voice in public health.
Her passion for health equity goes hand-in-hand with her desire to empower the
Latino community.
