Bernice Fokum, MD MPP

Bernice Fokum, MD, MPP, is a board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician and Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Chicago. She also serves as the Assistant EMS Medical Director for the Chicago South EMS System – Region 11. Her clinical work is based at University of Chicago Medicine's busy Level 1 trauma center, where she provides acute care to critically ill and injured patients and is actively involved in resident and medical student education.

Dr. Fokum specializes in prehospital care and EMS systems, with an interest in improving emergency response workflows, enhancing bystander CPR engagement, and strengthening medical communication between clinicians and the public. Her experience includes providing air-transport critical care during her training as an EMS flight physician, along with occasional ongoing participation in international transport missions. She also serves as a Clinical Advisor on the executive board of the Chicago Healthcare System Coalition for Preparedness and Response and Co-Chairs the Responder Safety and Health Committee.

Her academic background includes a medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine and a Master’s in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, following graduation with honors from Princeton University. Dr. Fokum is passionate about mentorship, cross-cultural engagement, and public health communication, and has published commentary on emergency preparedness and bystander CPR in media outlets including the Chicago Tribune.