Bert M. Petersen, Jr., M.D. was born in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Throughout his 30-year career, Dr. Petersen has been committed to eliminating healthcare disparities in people of African descent. He played a leading role in collaboration with the Virgin Islands government in developing a state-of-the-art cancer center to care for residents of the Virgin Islands and the Eastern Caribbean.  

A former medical correspondent for WCBS TV in New York City, Dr. sits on the Board of Trustees of National Black Leadership Commission on Health and Harlem Dowling Westside Association, NYC.  He has been honored with many distinguished awards and recognitions for his work, including: The Unsung Hero Award from The National Cancer Institute/National Black Leadership Initiative on Cancer; The Breast Health Hero Award from The WNBA & NABCO; the 40 Under 40 Achievement Award from The Network Journal.

Bert holds immense knowledge in DEIA, having held numerous leadership roles in organizations driving forward equity in healthcare.

He received his undergraduate degree from The Johns Hopkins University and his medical degree from The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland.