Jennie Berkovich

As a community pediatrician, Jennie has been able to combine what she describes as her two favorite things-practicing medicine and serving the local Jewish community.

When she moved to Chicago, Jennie volunteered with Refuah 311, where she saw patients in her basement; when the pandemic hit, she treated people in their backyards and their cars. She also volunteered on a phone hotline to answer questions about the COVID vaccine.

Around this time, Jennie saw the need for a community health practice and helped to launch Midwest Refuah Health Center, which serves children in the community.

Jennie also lectures on pediatric health and writes articles for magazines like Mishpacha, Bina, and the Jewish Press, as well as materials for doctors to distribute in Jewish communities. Her podcast, Kidz Doc Talk, features interviews with medical specialists and parenting experts to help parents navigate the best choices for their children. She lives with her husband and three children in West Rogers Park.

AGE:
35

PRONOUNS:
she/her/hers

PRIMARY GIG:
I have two! I work full time as a Medical Director of Patient Access for a large multi-state pediatric practice. I also work as a pediatrician for the new Midwest Refuah Health Center. MRHC is a federally qualified health center (FQHC) in the making and aims at serving the children of the Chicago Jewish community in a culturally sensitive and evidence-based practice.

ON THE SIDE:
I am Director of Education for JOWMA (Jewish Orthodox Women's Medical Association).

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 10 WORDS OR LESS:
Efficient! (See, I only needed one word)

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME:
I like to run, and recently completed two half marathons.

HOW YOU JEW IN CHICAGO:
I love attending local lectures given through shuls and learning organizations. And of course, Dairy Star.

A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
Chana the Prophetess. Her prayers broke through the gates of Heaven.