
Raffaele M. Bernardo, DO
LGBTQ+ Medicine
Highlights
Languages
- Spanish
- Italian
- English
Gender
MaleAbout
VMG Provider
Yes

Bio
What are some of the specific conditions you treat?
Some of the specific conditions that I treat include HIV infection, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, HIV post-exposure prophylaxis, chronic hepatitis B infection, chronic hepatitis C infection, as well as other sexually transmitted infections.
Describe some of your professional highlights.
I am a devoted healthcare professional committed to enhancing the well-being and quality of life within our local communities. With training in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, my primary clinical interests include the management and prevention of HIV, chronic viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections, and delivering empathetic and comprehensive care to the LGBTQ+ community, with a particular emphasis on gender-affirming hormone therapy.
Throughout my professional career, I have actively participated in clinical trials aimed at the treatment and prevention of HIV infection, alongside those contributing to the therapeutic landscape of chronic hepatitis C. I have also played a pivotal role in the creation of status-neutral comprehensive care programs for the LGBTQ+ community.
I am board certified in both Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases and am credentialed through the American Academy of HIV Medicine.
What would you like patients to know about your approach to care?
My perspective on health goes beyond traditional metrics, valuing the uniqueness of each patient's journey and acknowledging the intricate interplay of factors influencing well-being. I am committed to fostering a healthcare environment that is not only medically proficient but also culturally sensitive and compassionate.
Podcast Episodes
Title(s)
Medical Director, LGBTQ+ Services, Valley Medical Group
Insurances Accepted
ColigoCare
ColigoCare is a network of physicians working collectively to provide the highest quality care to patients and the community

Video
Locations
- VMG LGBTQ Primary Care - Paramus
- 95 Rt 17 South, Paramus, NJ 07652
- Get Directions
- phone: 201-612-4735
- fax: 201-291-3757
- VMG Primary Care - Paramus
- 95 Rt 17 South, Suite 105, Paramus, NJ 07652
- Get Directions
- phone: 201-612-4737
- fax: 201-689-6009
Expertise
Education
- Fellowship: Yale - New Haven Medical Center Program, Infectious Disease, 2016
- Residency: Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School, Chief Medical Resident, 2014
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine: Rowan University School Of Osteopathic Medicine, DO, 2010
- Bachelor of Arts: Villanova University, BA, 2005
Ratings & Reviews
4.9 out of 5
288 ratings, 65 reviewsThe Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/28/2026
I have recommended Dr Bernardo to other people multiple times
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/27/2026
Friendly, honest, caring, loving, professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/25/2026
Dr. Bernardo is one of the, if not the most excellent physician I have ever had the privilege to be seen by. From his bedside manner to medical expertise, Dr. Bernardo not only meets, but rather sets the standard for the qualities of an excellent physician. An anxiety-inducing appointment was very quickly turned around into one of comfortable and compassionate care from Dr Bernardo and his entire team.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/24/2026
I recommend Dr Bernardo to all my friends. [...]
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/13/2026
Everyone was extremely kind and helpful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/12/2026
He's one of the best healthcare providers I've ever dealt with.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/10/2026
You are treated with such love and compassion every visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/7/2026
He listens and talk to you in simple terms that makes you understand what is going on with you. He takes the time to explain everything
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/6/2026
Dr Bernardo is the greatest
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/1/2026
Provider Dr. Bernardo is excellent. Will recommend this practice to others.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/31/2026
This doctor stands out. [...] My experiences with Dr. Bernardo have been better than with any provider there. In particular, I feel that he very capably and quickly assesses my understanding and knowledge level and works to improve it.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/23/2026
Very good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/20/2026
I had a wonderful interaction with Dr. Bernardo I felt seen and heard.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/17/2026
Dr.Bernardo is an amazing doctor. I have zero complaints.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/7/2026
Dr. Bernardo always goes above and beyond to ensure that I understand options and risks in regard to my healthcare.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/24/2025
Dr. Bernardo is the absolute best listener.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/24/2025
More attentiveness to anxious patients
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/22/2025
All very good.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/20/2025
Very professional.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/14/2025
I cannot thank Dr. Bernardo enough - he is so engaged, actively listening and has excellent bedside manner. I left feeling heard and cared for!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/6/2025
I just wanted to take a moment and really sing the praises of Dr. Bernardo. He is an excellent physician and I am so grateful to be under his care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/5/2025
The Dr was very knowledgeable and listened to all my concerns and was very relatable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2025
Dr. Bernardo is great. He is very attentive and caring. I have never felt rushed or like any of my concerns are disregarded. He is very clear when he describes my treatment options and allows me to make my own decisions in the end. I tend to get anxious before doctor appointments due to some previous interactions that made me feel ignored and misunderstood. This feeling goes away as soon as I'm in Dr. Bernardo's office, something that really means a lot to me. I feel super secure in his care. His friendly demeanor and his clear passion for [...] health, especially preventative care, makes me feel more empowered with my sexual health (and otherwise). I recently moved to [...] and feel so lucky that I established care with him. The quality of care that he provides is unfortunately rare for me as a trans patient, and he has set a new standard for what I want for myself in the future and for my community.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/26/2025
Wow! I am so glad I am working with Dr. Bernardo. His knowledge and listening skills are off the chart. I find myself more confident in my treatment path after my visit with him. He seems to be a genuinely good person who cares about the well-being of his patients.Bravo to you for having him on your staff. Find more like him, if that's possible!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/25/2025
I heard great things about Dr. Bernardo before coming in for the appointment, and he lived up to it.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2025
Dr Bernardo has been life changing for me. I recommend him to everyone and most of my family sees him now also. He is the best. So kind and caring and actually listens and includes me in all decisions. I don't know where I would be if I hadn't switched to him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/16/2025
Excellent experience and very good bedside interaction
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/14/2025
Very good service the best
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/29/2025
After coming here. I definitely will not go anywhere else. The doctors are awesome, I feel taken care of and I feel like they really care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/17/2025
He's the best
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/30/2025
Dr. Bernardo is an excellent doctor and I could not be happier that I found him and that he's my PCP!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/26/2025
Dr. Bernardo and [...] were both outstanding caregivers and spent the necessary time with me to explain the subject I was visiting for.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/23/2025
This was without a doubt the best doctor experience I have ever had. Within minutes of speaking to [...] and then Dr. Bernardo, this was unlike any other visit I have had with any doctor in the past. I felt not only at ease to be able to speak authentically about myself and my health, but felt like what I was saying was being received and understood and the responses were thoughtful and thorough. I felt like the doctor took his time with me and didn't just rush through my visit which most doctors visits feel like these days. I left my visit feeling confident in my health moving forward knowing that I am being taken seriously as a patient.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/15/2025
Dr. Bernardo isn't genuine and wholesome care provider in person. He took his time and was patient with us and explained everything thoroughly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/12/2025
I am thrilled to be a patient of Dr. Bernardo. The relief of knowing I'm working with someone for medical needs is fantastic.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/10/2025
All very good.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/9/2025
One of the best doctors I have been to in my opinion. Attentive, compassionate, and overall knowledgeable. You can tell everyone loves what they do. 10/10
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/30/2025
Dr. Bernardo is very patient and kind. He listened to all my concerns and gave great advice. I highly recommend him to all my family and friends.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/6/2025
I am differently going to recommend Doctor to friends. He nailed the problem and explained everything so I understood. Actually, I was extremly empress.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/2/2025
I was looking for a new pcp since I just moved to [...] and was worried about finding someone who knew how to handle my gender affirming care alongside my health concerns. I am so glad I found Dr. Bernardo from a suggestion online, since he went above and beyond. I felt listened to and he did a great job easing my anxiety. I had a few things I wanted to get to chat with him about and we got through each point and I got the information I needed. I really liked that he summarized what we went over at the end. Truly I am so relieved that I established care with him and would recommend him with no hesitation!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/23/2025
Very good care provider.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/22/2025
Dr Bernardo was amazing. I hadn't been to a doctor in many years so I was nervous heading into the appointment. He immediately put me at ease, listened to my concerns and got to know me. He explained options for medications in words I could understand, he was very thorough, and included me in the decision.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/12/2025
Dr. Bernardo is incredible, I recommend everybody go see him. Have never known a more friendly, caring, thorough primary care provider before.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/11/2025
Dr. Bernardo and [...] were very easy to speak with and showed concern.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/11/2025
Dr Bernardo is the best!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/10/2025
This is the first doctor and doctor office I ever felt truly comfortable. Dr Bernardo explains everything so well and always takes his time listening
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/8/2025
Dr. Bernardo is the best doctor I've ever had. I'm so grateful for him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/6/2025
The best in the world
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/2/2025
This was my first visit with Dr. Bernardo and I was so pleased with him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/27/2025
Dr. Bernardo is always very patient, kind, and supportive.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/24/2025
I've never met such a kind and patient doctor. He was incredibly compassionate, he made efforts to use affirming language, he thoroughly explained and pro/conned all options to me, he was clear about next steps and ensured I left with a plan that worked for me for follow-up treatment. He really put me at ease and I'm excited to work with him again!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/18/2025
Dr. BERNARDO was very kind, didn't rush me at all, and directly addressed the reasons I came in for my appointment.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/17/2025
The doctor was amazing
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/17/2025
Pleasant, Caring
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/9/2025
I love my doctor, wish I found him sooner.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/6/2025
I have no complaints with Dr. Raffaele Bernardo and his team.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/28/2025
Although he is not my primary doctor, he cared about my health and I liked that very much
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/16/2025
Dr Bernardo is fantastic.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/9/2025
Dr. Bernardo is a wonderful doctor who cares about his patients and understands medicine.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/5/2025
[...] I am pleased to have found Dr. Bernardo who is 10 years younger than myself and hope to be able to have a trusted health partner that I can grow older with and can count on. [...]
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/30/2025
Dr Bernardo was very professional and friendly. He displayed genuine care for my well being.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/25/2025
Dr. Bernardo is incredibly kind, accommodating, knowledgeable, friendly, enthusiastic, caring I am so happy to have found them, & really look forward to working together, & finally having a doctor & clinic that I can call home.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/24/2025
Goood
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/19/2025
The best doctor I have seen in quite a long time. He took the time to listen to me, answering all my questions and providing as much information as possible.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/16/2025
I've recommended Dr B to all my friends and two of them have started seeing him as well. Nothing but great things to say.