I am a proud first-generation San Diegan, a devoted daughter of Polish immigrants, a small business owner of a private practice family medicine clinic in Hillcrest, a hot “yogi,” and an active philanthropist. I am thrilled to have been nominated for Faces of San Diego. My journey through medicine was unique. After graduating from Francis Parker School in 2009, I bypassed college to attend a six-year direct-admit medical school in Poznan, Poland. With an MD at age 24, I returned to California for a post-doctoral research year at the UC San Diego Sulpizio Cardiovascular Institute, where I managed a “Biobank” under the guidance of the multi-talented Dr. Lori B. Daniels, MD. We conducted numerous research studies focusing on the role of cardiac biomarkers in atrial fibrillation management. I then completed a three-year Family Medicine residency at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Riverside under the distinguished Dr. Walter Morgan. Finally, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I returned home to San Diego and joined my dear mother, Dr. Barbara Denysiak, in private practice at Medicus MD. Since 2020, I have enjoyed providing full-spectrum primary care to the San Diego community and have spent a considerable amount of time teaching as a clinical & didactics professor to the University of San Diego Nurse Practitioner program at the Hahn School of Nursing. I have always had a passion for children and education and I am an avid supporter of local organizations such as Patrons of the Prado (since 2020) and Autism Tree Project Foundation (since 2009). These nonprofits are near and dear to my heart, and I would like to take this opportunity to emphasize why as they are a huge part of who I am today:
~ Patrons of the Prado is committed to raising funds to benefit arts, science, and cultural centers on the Prado in Balboa Park, and for programs that provide educational access for San Diego County, K-12 school children to the world-class treasures of Balboa Park, inspiring cultural fluency for future generations. My favorite part of Patrons of the Prado is the Bucks-4-Buses educational project; “B4B” funding has bussed in 356,484 San Diego school children to experience the cultural richness of Balboa Park since its inception in 2012. This past year, a record-breaking 47,484 children were provided the opportunity to experience hands-on science, the treasures of the Prado museums, historical archives, and witness the magic of live theatre, often for the very first time-at an average cost per child of only $2.95. We firmly believe that “You don’t aspire to be something you’ve never seen.” That’s why we focus on underserved populations: 83.5% of the children who benefited from B4B came from Title 1 schools. Please join us for our Masterpiece on July 27th to support Patrons of the Prado, tickets are available: https://www.patronsoftheprado.org . I look forward to serving as President in 2024-2025.
~Autism Tree Project Foundation (ATPF) – Founded in 2003, Autism Tree serves one family at a time through four core values: Embrace. Connect. Empower. Create. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) currently impacts 1 in every 22 children in California and 1 in every 36 children nationwide. Autism Tree provides over 200 annual in-person, hybrid, and virtual events under 20 programs at no charge to families living with autism; offering an abundance of social opportunities for neurodiverse children and their families to connect, engage and play in a safe, loving and supportive community. The 20 programs are designed to benefit the entire family and build the social confidence, language and communication skills of the autistic individual. Since 2015, Autism Tree has produced and hosted a world-class annual Hybrid Global Neurodiversity Conference to create a heart connection between the internationally renowned neuroscience researchers on Miracle Coast in La Jolla and the Autism Tree children and families. The global conference recordings have been viewed by over 247,725 people across 16 different countries to date. Over the past decade, this annual conference has evolved into a powerful platform for the voices of our global neurodiverse community. You can watch all past conference talks online: https://uctv.tv/autism-tree-project/ . I have been an active supporter since I was in high school where I first served doing community service projects. I am so proud to be a part of this grassroots organization that impacts families on deep levels.
Additionally, I am a devoted Alumni Advocate for my alma mater Francis Parker School for which I am hosting the 15-year class of 2009 reunion this October 2024. Go Lancers!
About Jacqueline J. Denysiak, MD
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My father is an engineer named Andy and my mother is a physician named Barbara. Together my folks opened our family medicine clinic in 1995, so it’s been a family business and family affair. My older sister Joanna is also a primary care doctor living and practicing fulltime in the UK. I have a Maltipoo named “Honey” who is 6 pounds of absolute perfection.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am a full spectrum Family Medicine physician and I plan to be for a career. I get great satisfaction from this humbling and challenging job because I absolutely love what I do. I very early in my career learned that healthcare is a business, medicine is a science and healing is an art. I take my role as a PCP seriously and strive to provide the highest quality of care for my patients while helping them navigate our complicated (and frankly broken) medical system. It is an honor to be chosen to be someone’s physician and I approach my practice as holistically as possible.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing. Always be willing to learn more and give 100% of yourself to the task or situation at hand.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself expanding my medical clinic. I see myself continuing to take part in organizations that I love and have great impact for our San Diego community. I also see myself married with children.
Jacqueline J. Denysiak, MD & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Frost Me Cafe, Cesarina, Parc Bistro, Mister A’s
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Born & raised in San Diego, working here since 2015
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I met Doug Manchester serendipitously when I was 21 years old at The Grand Del Mar. Without knowing who he was, I invited him and his Labrador Retriever to join my friend and me for afternoon tea by asking him to pull his chair over to our table. We had a delightful conversation, and at the end, I asked his name. When he said, “Papa Doug,” I was floored! What a humble and incredible philanthropist in our community who supports programs for “at risk youth” especially at Ignite Academy through the San Diego Automotive Museum.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Mister A’s — the iconic restaurant which boasts the most gorgeous view of the city has been a place where my family and friends retreat for celebrations like Thanksgiving, graduations, happy hour, and taking photos for our family Christmas cards!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
San Diegans come from all walks of life—spanning from North County to South Bay, and from inland areas to the coastal cities. The one thing that unites us all is our love for this city. We are blessed with countless treasures, such as Balboa Park, Cabrillo National Monument, and Mt. Soledad Memorial Park. It is a privilege to live here, and I’ve found that most people I know share this sentiment.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I love the movie “Bridesmaids” which provides guaranteed laughter every time.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I speak 4 languages: English, Polish, Spanish and French. I’ve also traveled to 44 countries and counting.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
San Diego weather and the variety of activities there are to do here : beach, desert, mountains, we truly have it all!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My mentor, Dr. Julie Cowan Novak, whom I lovingly refer to as my “Mother Deux” (French for mother #2), has been a guiding force in my life. It was her encouragement to join Patrons of the Prado that led to my current role as President for 2024-2025. Julie is a passionate philanthropist, deeply committed to numerous organizations in San Diego, and has left an indelible mark on our community through her meaningful contributions. Her inspiring career in healthcare and academia, combined with her giving, loving, and loyal nature, make her one of the most remarkable individuals I have ever met. Having known Julie since birth, she has continually influenced me to give back and make a difference.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
Patrons of the Prado, Autism Tree Project Foundation, Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, Francis Parker School
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
If someone closes the door, find a way to climb in through the window. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I rarely accept “no” as an answer and that when I decide I want something, I will do what it takes to accomplish the goal.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Marina District in Downtown San Diego. Catch me at Spill the Beans coffee shop or Salvatore’s for a delicious bite.
What I love about my Neighborhood:
Walkability – I am 12 minute walk to Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church and farmer’s market in Little Italy. I walk Honey all over Seaport Village and the Waterfront.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
A Saturday morning should start by enjoying a lavender latte and slice of quiche from Frost Me Cafe, a walk through the Little Italy farmer’s market, a visit to Balboa Park to meet my parents for lunch at the Prado and a tour through the Timken Museum,. Then, an afternoon walking in Coronado and taking Honey to Dog Beach followed by a game of pickle ball, then dinner at Mister A’s. Sundays would start at Our Lady of the Rosary with Father Joe, followed by a hike in Torrey Pines, picnic lunch at the beach, a hot yoga session at Yoga 6 , and a sunset cruise departing from Kona Kai for a ride around the harbor.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
America’s Finest City!
