Growing into the Doctor of Her Dreams
Spring 2025 Graduate Dr. Denise Vera Nemeth
The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) presently has five health professions schools: Feik School of Pharmacy, Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions, Rosenberg School of Optometry, School of Rehabilitation Sciences and School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM). It is through the University’s emphasis on critical thinking, holistic approaches and clinical experience that UIW prepares the next generations of healthcare providers to serve their local and global communities (www.uiw.edu).
One of these remarkable future healthcare practitioners is Denise Vera Nemeth, a UIWSOM Spring 2025 graduate.
Vera Nemeth’s desire to become a doctor began during her childhood. She grew up in Eagle Pass, TX and witnessed the struggles of her medically-underserved community due to limited accessibility and delays. Her uncle Dr. Ruben Chavez, a family medicine doctor, introduced her to the world of rural medicine by having her accompany him on house calls in Mexico.
“In my heart, I have always known medicine is my mission in life,” shared Vera Nemeth. “I began my career as a physician assistant, and while I loved caring for patients, I realized I wanted to take a larger role in shaping the way care is delivered. Becoming a doctor felt like the right next step to make a bigger impact on the communities I care about most, as well as in fulfilling my life's purpose and self-actualization.”
During her search to find the right school to help her fulfill her dream, she came across UIWSOM. She was drawn to its mission of empowering all members of the medical education community to not only be successful in their careers but also in effectively serving and advocating for communities in need. The school’s recognition of the high importance of values such as empathy, advocacy and equity in addition to clinical skills made her feel confident that UIWSOM was the right fit for her.
It wasn’t long until Vera Nemeth felt right at home at UIWSOM. Faculty, mentors and classmates alike offered her support and community during the challenges of medical school. She felt the school’s culture of kindness, collaboration and mutual respect made all the difference.
During her time at UIWSOM, she was involved in a number of organizations both on and beyond campus. At UIWSOM, she served as president of the American College of Surgeons Medical Student Section chapter, was part of the membership committee of the Latino Surgical Society and a member of the Latino Medical Student Association. Additionally, she has been a part of national mentorship organizations including MiMentor and has demonstrated an impressive level of leadership while working with the Texas Medical Association and Bexar County Medical Society to advocate for healthcare access and equity across the state. Vera Nemeth noted that the opportunity to stay grounded in community and mentorship was one of the most meaningful aspects of her time at UIWSOM.
Her efforts were noticed locally and nationally. Vera Nemeth was recognized as the National DO Student of the Year by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) in April during a special ceremony where AACOM presented its annual awards. This distinguished recognition is given annually to an “outstanding students selected by their schools as Student DO of the Year on the basis of their service to their college, leadership and research experiences and dedication to the osteopathic profession” (aacom.org).
“Denise Vera Nemeth and our other honorees represent the very best of the osteopathic medical education community,” says AACOM President and CEO Robert A. Cain, DO. “From lifelong service and innovation to leadership and advocacy, they exemplify the excellence and dedication that define our profession. By recognizing their achievements, we celebrate their lasting contributions and inspire the next generation of leaders in osteopathic medicine.”
“It’s incredibly humbling (to have received this recognition),” said Vera Nemeth. “To be recognized at both the school and national level reminds me that there is space in medicine for people like me ... people who lead with heart, who show up for their communities and who don’t give up. This award isn’t just a personal milestone, it’s a reflection of every mentor, patient and peer who helped me believe I belonged here.”
On Saturday, May 10, she will officially cross the stage as Dr. Denise Vera Nemeth and continue to lead a career based on servantship and advocacy for all. Her next step will be to begin her residency where she will train at HCA Florida Orange Park in Jacksonville, Florida with a focus on General Surgery.
Dr. Vera is excited to finally step into the role she’s working so hard for. The trust patients place in doctors during vulnerable moments is special and she takes the responsibly of healing others seriously. She recognizes that she still has much to learn, but she is committed to showing up, doing the work and growing into the physician she’s always hoped to become.
With Dr. Vera’s time at the Nest coming to a close, she leaves this heartfelt message:
“To anyone chasing a dream that feels too big or too far away keep going. You don’t have to have a perfect path or follow a straight line to achieve your goals. Life happens. Loss happens. Doubt creeps in. But if you stay true to your purpose and keep showing up, even when it's hard, you can get there. It is never too late, you are never too old, it is never too wild of a dream. The key is to believe in yourself, before asking anyone to believe in you. YOU have to believe that you’re worth the effort, surround yourself with people who lift you up, and never forget why you started. I’m proud to be Dr. Vera Nemeth, but even prouder of the journey that brought me here.”
Congratulations, Dr. Vera!