BronxCare Health System
May 3, 2023
United Hospital Fund Honors Dr. Gilda Diaz-Fuentes with its 2023 Excellence in Health Care Award
Dr. Gilda Diaz-Fuentes, Chief, Division of Pulmonary/Critical Care, was selected by the United Hospital Fund for its prestigious Excellence in Health Care Award. This award, which recognizes Quality Improvement Champions, will be presented to Dr. Diaz-Fuentes and honorees from other hospitals at a May 8th event.
For Dr. Gilda Diaz-Fuentes, the BronxCare Health System is among the most important parts of her life. Under her leadership, BronxCare’s Pulmonary/Critical Care Division has continued to grow, providing highly specialized care for patients with life threatening conditions, including all forms of lung disease. Dr. Diaz-Fuentes’ staff closely monitors patients in a 26-bed Intensive Care Unit, provides continuing follow-up and treatment on BronxCare’s inpatient units, and is actively involved in addressing asthma, pulmonary, and sleep-related conditions at the outpatient level. The many patients she has helped recover are a source of pride for Dr. Diaz-Fuentes.
During the peak of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Dr. Diaz-Fuentes and her team were pivotal in successfully responding to the surging volume of upwards of 450 patients throughout the hospital. Many of the cases involved life and death situations, and Dr. Diaz-Fuentes worked tirelessly, sacrificing her own health and well-being, to deliver the high intensity care needed. She was also instrumental in establishing a post-COVID Practice at BronxCare, the first in New York City.
Medical Education is another priority for Dr. Diaz-Fuentes, and she takes pride in teaching the physicians of tomorrow. Many of her residents and fellows have decided to stay at BronxCare, a tribute to Dr. Diaz-Fuentes.
In summary, Dr. Diaz-Fuentes’ strong leadership of BronxCare’s Pulmonary/Critical Care Division and heroic response to the COVID-19 Pandemic represent the very best in patient care, translating into her being a true Quality Improvement Champion.