Meet Denise Young, MD | Interim Director, Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program, UH Rainbow Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition

Pediatric Clinical Update | April 2023

Denise Young, MD

How old were you when you felt the call to become a doctor?

I had always been interested in medicine, but did not decide to become a doctor until halfway through college. I was actually deciding between a career as an environmental scientist and physician but came to realize I enjoyed medicine and interacting with patients and families more as opposed to being in a lab.

Who or what inspires you and why? 

My patients. I love listening to their stories and seeing them get better. I strive to provide the best care that I can for each patient, every day. My husband also inspires me with his constant positivity.

Dog or cat?

Dog!

Coffee or tea? 

Coffee! Rising Star is my favorite coffee shop.

Cavs, Guardians or Browns?

I grew up in San Diego so I am a Padres fan.

Favorite book (outside of medical journals)?

The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls.

People would be surprised to know that I …

… have gone white water rafting down the Nile.