Dr. Chris T. Pernell is a dynamic physician leader and social change agent. In her public health practice, she focuses on health justice, community-based advocacy, health promotion, and disease prevention. 

​

Born in East Orange, New Jersey, Dr. Pernell is a true daughter of the state. She attended New Jersey schools up until her undergraduate degree where she attended Princeton University. Dr. Pernell then attended Duke Medical School and Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, gaining her M.D. and MPH respectively. 

​

Upon completing her education, Dr. Pernell has become a nationally recognized champion of health equity, frequently asked to comment on health issues for national media platforms, including CNN, MSNBC, CBS and more. She has served as an associate professor for public health policy and management at New York University, as a Senior Manager at 1199 SEIU overseeing their workplace and community health initiatives, and currently serves as the Chief Strategic Integration and Health Equity Officer for University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey, where she oversees a portfolio that includes Population Health, Strategic Planning, Community Affairs, and the Human Experience.