Children's National
Providing Care All Children Can Relate To
Story By: Diane Alter
Denice Cora-Bramble, M.D. and Nathalie Quion, M.D. are considered by many two very special doctors. They have dedicated their whole lives to becoming the best pediatricians they can be. Both doctors have a passion for what they do, and that is taking care of children with kindness, respect and love. And for both, the ultimate feeling of satisfaction is seeing children walk out of the Children’s National Health System with a glowing smile and sparkle in their eyes.
Denice Cora-Bramble, M.D., never questioned her life calling. This highly accomplished and educated individual always knew she was going to be a doctor. It was her enduring dream. There simply was no other choice. And for her, being a physician and being a pediatrician are synonymous.
“I grew up in Puerto Rico, where my aunt practiced as an obstetrician/OB GYN,” Dr. Cora-Bramble, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President of Ambulatory and Community Health Services at Children’s National Health System, told Latino Leaders. “She had a big impact on me as I was growing up. My aunt was an excellent role model as a physician and mother, and she definitely influenced my career choice.”
Intelligence and an overachieving drive allowed Dr. Cora- Bramble to finish high school at 16 years old. She was then recruited to further her studies in the District of Columbia. After finishing her Bachelor of Science degree at The George Washington University, where the very homesick teen cried throughout her first year, Dr. Cora-Bramble completed her medical and pediatric residency at Howard University. She then earned a Master’s in Business Administration degree with a concentration in Medical Services Management from John Hopkins University. Dr. Cora-Bramble is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades.
Despite all of this advanced education and experience, Dr. Cora- Bramble says the best instruction she received to help her in treating children came from her role as a mother and parent. “When I became a mother, I became a better pediatrician.”
Dr. Cora-Bramble credits her Latino heritage, bilingualism and a nuanced understanding of the culture for her success in treating and planning clinical services for the large Latino community, as well as helping her achieve one of the highest clinical positions at Children’s National: Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President of Ambulatory and Community Health Services. “But it goes beyond language and just being able to provide care in their own world and native tongue,” she explained. “We are responsive to Latino culture, values, practices and beliefs. We strive to provide care all kids can relate to.”
Children have the wonderful capacity to believe that anything is possible. They live in the moment. To dare to see the world through the eyes of a child is to rouse a delightful and whole new world. That is what Nathalie Quion, M.D. gets to do every day, and it is what she loves most about her job as a primary care pediatrician at Children’s National Health System.
“I have always enjoyed being around children,” Dr. Quion told Latino Leaders. “They keep me young. And, I can relate to what sick children are going through. I had asthma as a child and was frequently in and out of health care facilities. I was grateful for the care I got and I wanted to be like the doctors and nurses who cared for me.”
For the last 10 years, Dr. Quion has been specializing in asthma, pediatric tuberculosis, and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder at Children’s National Health System. Dr. Quion received her medical degree in her native country, the Philippines. She completed her internship and residency in pediatrics at the University of Texas Medical School. Before “finding her niche” at Children’s National Health System, Dr. Quion completed a fellowship program at the University of Massachusetts.
“We rank among the top 10 children’s hospitals in pediatric care, technology, education, and high level of experience,” Dr. Quion explained. “We all are here for the children and their families. “My job is very fulfilling and I feel like I make a difference every day,” Dr. Quion said. “I am at home here.”