Reinier Gonzalez

UConn School of Medicine

Reinier was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. After completing high school, he came to the U.S. Here, he graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in molecular and cell biology, with a minor in global studies. He then obtained his master of science degree through the Young Innovative Investigator Program (YIIP) at UConn Health.

During his undergraduate and throughout his master’s studies, Reinier was one of the coordinators for UConn Health Leaders, participating in multiple efforts relating to screening for and addressing social determinants of health in underserved communities. He was especially involved at the Family Medicine Center at Asylum Hill, John Dempsey Hospital sites, and virtually with the Center for Population Health. Additionally, as a bachelor’s student, Reinier served as a medical lesson planner and Spanish translator for Migrant Farm Worker Clinics across Connecticut.

“I sought to be involved in UST/AS to further hone my skills and acquire new tools that better allow me to have a positive impact on an entire community,” he says. “I have learned firsthand how important social determinants of health care are,” he adds, “and how big an impact being able to address them can have on a patient and that patient’s entire community. I hope the UST/AS curriculum and the added clinical training will allow me to better serve my patients and community.”