Medical Director of LGBTQ+ Services, Valley Home & Community Health Care Inc (Valley Medical Group)
Dr. Raffaele M. Bernardo serves as the Medical Director of LGBTQ+ Services for Valley Medical Group, part of Valley Home & Community Health Care Inc. He holds board certifications in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP), and a Fellow of the American Academy of HIV Medicine Specialist (AAHIVS). Dr. Bernardo graduated from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in 2010 and maintains clinical affiliations with Valley Hospital and Montefiore Einstein Medical Center.
Dr. Bernardo’s leadership role involves overseeing comprehensive, inclusive healthcare services focused on the LGBTQ+ community within Northern New Jersey. This includes the provision of primary care, HIV prevention and treatment services, and transgender care at Valley’s Center for LGBTQ+ Care, located in Paramus, NJ. Under his direction, the center functions as a one-stop destination offering multidisciplinary care tailored to LGBTQ+ patients and addressing healthcare disparities.
He is recognized for his advocacy in healthcare equity and actively participates in community health initiatives such as health fairs, where he provides public health information and promotes inclusive care practices. His work has been acknowledged through local community honors, including recognition by New Jersey’s Fifth Congressional District as a “Hometown Hero” for his commitment to advancing healthcare equity.
Dr. Bernardo has been featured extensively in media outlets including a CBS New York interview, Jersey’s Best magazine, and multiple social media channels, where he discusses LGBTQ+ health issues, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive and culturally competent healthcare. His digital presence includes a professional Instagram handle (@lgbtqdoc), where he shares insights related to LGBTQ+ medicine and general health.
He has contributed to the expansion of Valley Medical Group's services, spearheading the opening of the comprehensive LGBTQ+ Care Center in early 2024. The Valley Health System, with his leadership, earned the “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer” designation from the Human Rights Campaign, underscoring institutional commitment to eliminating disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.
Dr. Bernardo’s clinical expertise is further reflected in his research engagement and board certifications; although specific academic publications or awards directly attributable to him were not identified, his medical background implies a strong foundation in infectious disease and internal medicine, with a subspecialty focus on HIV and LGBTQ+ health.
Key Professional Credentials and Roles
- Medical Director of LGBTQ+ Services, Valley Medical Group
- Board Certified: Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases
- Fellow: American College of Physicians (FACP), American Academy of HIV Medicine Specialist (AAHIVS)
- Clinical Affiliation: Valley Hospital, Montefiore Einstein Medical Center
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School alumnus, Class of 2010
Notable Contributions and Community Engagement
- Founder and clinical leader of Valley’s Center for LGBTQ+ Care, promoting inclusive and comprehensive care.
- Advocate for healthcare equity with significant community outreach, including health fairs and public education.
- Recognized as a Fifth District “Hometown Hero” for healthcare advocacy.
- Participant in media interviews, public speaking, and social media to increase awareness of LGBTQ+ health needs.
- Oversaw launch and operation of a pioneering one-stop LGBTQ+ clinical services center in Paramus, NJ.
Institutional Impact
- Under Dr. Bernardo’s guidance, Valley Health System achieved the Human Rights Campaign’s LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer status.
- Expanded access to multidisciplinary medical, prevention, and support services tailored to the LGBTQ+ population within the region.
This profile positions Dr. Raffaele M. Bernardo as a highly specialized clinician and leader committed to improving health outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals, with demonstrable influence on service expansion and community health advocacy within the Valley Medical Group framework.
