Denise Barajas, MD

Dr. Denise Barajas is a highly skilled general surgeon with over 13 years of exclusive focus on breast disease. She serves as the Medical Director of The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, where she leads a comprehensive breast care center that combines advanced diagnostic technology, a team of highly trained physicians and staff, and a patient-centered healing environment.

Dr. Barajas’s clinical expertise is exemplified by her leadership in providing a complete range of personalized breast care services, including two digital mammography suites, two breast ultrasound suites, and state-of-the-art stereotactic biopsy.

With a career dedicated to medical education and clinical excellence, Dr. Barajas has been instrumental in shaping the surgical curriculum at the Frank H. Netter School of Medicine where she serves as the site director for the third-year surgery clerkship. Her innovative teaching methods and commitment to student mentorship have significantly enhanced the educational experience for aspiring surgeons. She also leads Hereditary Risk Assessment and Genetic Testing programs at Griffin Health, and serves as Griffin Hospital’s Associate Chair of Surgery, a Counselor for the CT Chapter of the American College of Surgeon, and as a Site Reviewer for the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.

Dr. Barajas is actively involved in community outreach, promoting breast cancer awareness and education through collaborations with local organizations. As a published author and active participant in professional societies, she continues to contribute to the advancement of surgical practice and education.

Dr. Barajas has received numerous awards and accolades including the Outstanding Resident Research Award, Chief Resident of the Year, Excellence in Teaching and Comprehensive Clinical Services Award, and the Hope Lives Award.

Publications

• Colwick, S., Pace, P., Barajas, D., Kyriakides, T., Mammography vs Ultrasound in the Differentiation of Fibroadenoma and Phyllodes Tumors: A Retrospective Analysis, Annals of Surgical Oncology, 2012 May, 36.
• Colwick, S., Gonzalez, A., Ngo, N., Barajas, D., Bilateral Radiation Induced Angioscarcoma of the Breast. The Breast Journal, 2013 Sept-Oct 19(5)547-9.
• Barajas, D., Glomus Tumor of the Male Breast. The Breast Journal. 2019 Sept 4.

Clinical Services and Expertise

Dr. Barajas provides prompt consultations and specializes in a complete range of breast health services, including:

• Hidden Scar Surgery: Certified expert in innovative technology allowing nipple-sparing mastectomy or lumpectomy in a less invasive manner.
• Diagnostic Breast Biopsies.
• Lumpectomy and Mastectomy.
• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy.
• Treatment of Benign Breast Conditions (including fibroadenomas, cysts, and infections).
• Oncoplastic Surgery (if applicable).
• High-Risk Screening and Surveillance.

Memberships

• American College of Surgeons
• The American Society of Breast Surgeons
• National Consortium of Breast Centers
• Association of Women Surgeons
• New Haven Medical Society
• Connecticut State Medical Society
• Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons