Bernadette Lim, MPH
Founder and Executive Director, Freedom Community Clinic
Professional Overview
Bernadette Lim is a seasoned healthcare executive with extensive experience in community-based medicine, holistic health, and social justice advocacy. As the Founder and Executive Director of Freedom Community Clinic, she leads a team dedicated to providing accessible, equitable, and integrative healthcare services to underserved populations in San Francisco. With a strong background in research, program development, and non-profit leadership, Bernadette is a recognized expert in addressing the social determinants of health and promoting wellness through a holistic approach.
Current Role
As the Founder and Executive Director of Freedom Community Clinic, Bernadette is responsible for setting the strategic vision, overseeing daily operations, and driving the organization's mission to deliver high-quality, culturally responsive healthcare services. Under her leadership, the clinic has expanded its reach, established partnerships with local organizations, and secured funding to support its innovative programs, including integrative medicine services, mental health support, and community outreach initiatives. Bernadette's commitment to empowering marginalized communities and addressing systemic inequities has positioned Freedom Community Clinic as a trusted healthcare provider and a vital resource for the San Francisco community.
Career Progression
Bernadette's career has been marked by a steadfast dedication to improving healthcare access and outcomes for underserved populations. Prior to founding Freedom Community Clinic, she co-founded the Institute for Healing and Justice in Medicine, a non-profit organization focused on advancing holistic and equitable healthcare practices. Bernadette has also held leadership roles at Women SPEAK, a non-profit dedicated to amplifying the voices of women of color, and served as a fellow at the Center for Applied Molecular Medicine at the University of Southern California and a principal investigator for Project SHE at Massachusetts General Hospital. Her diverse experiences and deep understanding of the healthcare landscape have enabled Bernadette to develop innovative solutions and drive meaningful change within the industry.
Academic Background
Bernadette holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the University of California, Berkeley, where she specialized in health policy and management. Her academic achievements include serving as a "Freshman 15" panelist and blogger for Seventeen Magazine, leveraging her expertise to provide guidance and support to young people navigating the transition to college.
Areas of Expertise
- Holistic and integrative healthcare practices
- Community-based medicine and social determinants of health
- Non-profit leadership and organizational development
- Advocacy and activism for marginalized communities
- Program design, implementation, and evaluation
- Collaborative partnership-building and stakeholder engagement
Professional Impact
Under Bernadette's leadership, Freedom Community Clinic has emerged as a beacon of hope for the San Francisco community, providing high-quality, affordable, and culturally responsive healthcare services to individuals who have historically faced barriers to accessing care. Through her tireless efforts, the clinic has expanded its reach, secured funding to support its innovative programs, and established partnerships with local organizations to address the systemic inequities that contribute to poor health outcomes. Bernadette's work has been recognized by her peers, and she currently serves as an Affiliated Faculty member at the Institute for Holistic Health Studies at San Francisco State University, where she shares her expertise and inspires the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Conclusion
Bernadette Lim is a visionary leader and passionate advocate for healthcare equity and social justice. With her extensive experience, strong academic background, and unwavering commitment to empowering marginalized communities, she continues to drive positive change within the healthcare industry and beyond. As she propels Freedom Community Clinic forward, Bernadette remains dedicated to expanding access to holistic, culturally responsive healthcare services and addressing the systemic barriers that prevent individuals from achieving optimal health and well-being.
