Navigating Medicine & Social Justice: Insights with Dr. Bernice Fokum
In the latest episode of the Black Doctors Podcast, host Dr. Steven Bradley sits down with renowned medical expert, Dr. Bernice Fokum. Known across multiple social channels as Dr. Bernice, she opens up about her transformative educational journey, spanning elite institutions including Princeton, Emory, Harvard, and the University of Chicago. While many dream of a medical career from young ages, Dr. Bernice was initially daunted by the challenges associated with pursuing medicine.
Social Justice Awakening: Discovering Health’s Social Determinants
Dr. Bernice’s perspective took a transformative turn with her foray into social justice. An introductory project analyzing obesity trends in schools of varying resource levels served as her introduction to the social determinants of health. Throughout her scholarly pursuits, she became increasingly aware of systematic disparities in the healthcare domain. Keen to be a change agent, she engaged in a summer initiative at the University of Pennsylvania, interacting with physicians entrenched in realms of advocacy, policy, and activism.
Broadening Horizons at Harvard: MPP and Beyond
Determined to proactively address the social determinants of health rather than just treating established medical issues, Dr. Bernice enrolled in a Master’s in Public Policy (MPP) at the esteemed Harvard Kennedy School. This three-semester program enriched her academic palette, with courses encompassing statistics, economics, behavioral economics, and health-centric policy. The diversity of her cohort, comprising peers from legal, environmental policy, and educational arenas, added depth to her learning experience.
Coming Up: A Glimpse into Dr. Bernice’s ER Experience
Stay tuned for the next Black Doctors Podcast installment. Dr. Bernice will grant listeners an insightful dive into her chosen specialty—emergency medicine, recount her residency days in Chicago, and shed light on an exciting fellowship she’s embarked upon.
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In-house music and audio production, so any ideas for improvements or suggestions for future guests are welcome. Visit www.StevenBradleyMD.com to learn more about our host. He is available for consultations or speaking engagements regarding health equity and medical ethics.
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