About Bernice
Bernice Fokum, MD, MPP is the Clinical Advisor on the Executive Committee of the Chicago Healthcare System Coalition for Preparedness and Response and Co-Chair of the Responder Safety and Health Committee. In her current roles, Dr. Fokum contributes clinical insight to regional emergency preparedness and initiatives to protect frontline responders during public health emergencies. Dr. Fokum is an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, and Assistant EMS Medical Director for the Chicago South EMS System – Region 11. Dr. Fokum’s prior experience includes health policy research, medical education, international air medical transport, and advising on initiatives to strengthen emergency systems of care. Dr. Fokum earned her MD from Emory University, MPP from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and completed emergency medicine residency and Emergency Medical Services fellowship at the University of Chicago. Dr. Fokum enjoys mentoring future healthcare professionals and creating educational content through her YouTube platform.
