Meet The Team

Chief Executive Director

Founder

Dr. Abdullah Hasan Pratt, is an Assistant Professor and Emergency Medicine Physician at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Known as “Dee”; Dr. Pratt’s goal has always been to have a career advocating for underserved communities and addressing systemic healthcare disparities. He attributes this commitment to his childhood experiences witnessing the poor health conditions, premature deaths, and day to day struggles from a lack of access to proper healthcare by the people he cared about. This was most evident in the wake of his older brother’s murder secondary to gun violence, where in coping with the loss, he dedicated his efforts towards mentoring at risk youth, coaching youth football, and community organizing around violence prevention. As an Emergency Medicine physician, he continues to vigorously work to improve health literacy and emergency preparedness through teaching South-Side residents how to properly respond to cardiac arrests, penetrating traumas (gunshot victims), and strokes prior to the arrival of medical assistance.

As an Emergency Medicine Physician, he has vigorously worked to improve health literacy and emergency preparedness through teaching Southside residents how to properly respond to cardiac arrests, penetrating traumas (gunshot victims), and strokes prior to the arrival of medical assistance. From serving as a ringside/sideline team physician, to cultivating the next generation of healthcare professionals, to simply fighting to preserve lives both in and out of a level one trauma center; it isn’t important to Dr. Pratt what activities he engages in, but rather where and to whom he dedicates his time. By initiating events within the underserved communities closest to his home and hospital where he works, he hopes to help bring change by playing a small roll with others, with hopes of making an impact for all.

Twitter: @DocOffTheBlock

Instagram: @doc_off_the_block

Board Treasurer

Chris Payne serves as the Treasurer on the MedCEEP board and brings a wealth of financial expertise to the organization. Currently a Lead Finance Analyst at GE Aerospace, Chris is responsible for financial forecasting, in-depth analysis, and driving process improvements as new engines near entry into service. He began his journey at GE Aerospace in the Finance Management Program, a competitive two-year rotational program designed to develop corporate finance and business acumen through hands-on experience in commercial, FP&A, and supply chain finance across six-month rotations.

Chris’s background also includes valuable accounting experience, having completed internships focused on internal and external audits. A graduate of Xavier University, Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting with a minor in Information Systems, combining a strong foundation in finance with a robust understanding of technology.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherpayne-12345/

Board Secretary

Tai Donovan is a fourth-year medical student driven by a passion for Emergency Medicine and advancing representation in healthcare. Holding a Bachelor's degree from Howard University in Washington, DC, and a Master's in Health Care Administration, Tai boasts over five years of experience as a Nationally Registered EMT.

Committed to community service, Tai co-founded a non-profit organization delivering resources, health education, and services to unhoused and domestic violence shelters throughout New York City. 

Tai has demonstrated her leadership abilities through various roles, notably serving as the 2022-2023 SNMA Region 4 Leadership Intern and concurrently holding the position of the 2022-2023 President of the organization's Emergency Medicine Interest Group, which boasts over 500 student members. Currently, she plays a pivotal role in the All EM DEI Taskforce, collaborating with multiple emergency medicine medical organizations to implement initiatives aimed at enhancing representation and diversity within the field. Presently, Tai chairs the American Academy of Emergency Medicine's Cabinet of Delegates and actively contributes to the organization's Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion simulation committee, where she focuses on developing a workshop to train URM healthcare professionals in navigating workplace microaggressions.

Her dedication to enhancing representation in medicine and addressing health disparities is a testament to her commitment to effecting positive change in both the medical field and the community.

Twitter: @Tai_Donovan1 

Instagram: @Tai_Donovan1

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taidonovan/

Board Member At Large

Symphony Fletcher is a remarkable third-year medical student at the prestigious Pritzker School of Medicine in Chicago, where she has chosen to specialize in Emergency Medicine. What sets Symphony apart is her unwavering commitment to using her voice as a powerful advocate for marginalized communities grappling with the twin challenges of violence and health disparities. 

Her dedication to creating a positive impact led her to co-found the non-profit organization, MedCEEP, which is dedicated to providing medical career exposure and emergency preparedness training to young minority students living in communities disproportionately affected by violence and health disparities. Through MedCEEP, Symphony aims to empower these young individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in healthcare careers and, in turn, address the pressing issues in their communities.

Symphony's passion for making a difference doesn't stop there. She also served as a Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellow, where she spearheaded the implementation of a trauma recovery and violence prevention program tailored for adolescents. Through this initiative, she played a pivotal role in training hundreds of local students in essential skills geared towards combating the scourge of community violence. Her vision for a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system is not just a goal but a driving force that motivates her every step of the way.

Twitter: @SymphonyFletch

Instagram: @symply_symph

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/symphony-fletcher/

Board Member At Large

Jinger Sanders hails from the south side of Chicago, IL, and pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois Springfield. There, she majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry and African American Studies. Jinger later earned a Master's degree in Biomedical Science from Quinnipiac University, which included a study abroad experience in China, where she became proficient in Mandarin. Following her academic pursuits, Jinger taught high school Biology and STEM before pursuing medical school. She is currently in her third year of medical training and is focused on pursuing a career in Emergency Medicine. 

In addition to her current roles, Jinger Sanders also holds leadership positions in various medical organizations. She is the Medical Student Council member for the International Medical Graduate division of EMRA, and Head Curriculum Liaison for SNMA's Emergency Medicine Specialty Interest Group, which has a membership of over 500 underrepresented minority students. Jinger is also a member of the SNMA AMEC Conference Planning Committee. Jinger is an active student ambassador for the 2023 AAEM Conference and has been invited to speak at multiple organization events, including The National Leadership Conference for Doctors of America and The UChicago Urban Health Initiative High School Healthcare Conference. 

Jinger serves as the Dean of Education for MedCEEP, where she is responsible for designing and executing curricula for the organization's youth pipeline programs. Her contributions have been instrumental in providing engaging and impactful curricula for students across all of MedCEEP's events and programs and she plans to continue to use her voice and career to advocate for health justice, pipeline programs, and promoting health equity.

Twitter: @EmerjinC

Instagram: @Emerjin_C

Board Member At Large

Dr. Trenika J. Williams is a Resident Physician in Emergency Medicine at the University of Chicago. She received her M.D. from the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College. She earned a B.S. in Neuroscience and a B.A. in Psychology and African American African Diaspora Studies from Indiana University and an M.S. in Biological Sciences from Southern Illinois University. As a first-generation college graduate, mentorship is Dr. Williams’ greatest passion. She is a motivational speaker with the Beyond Beautiful Girls Empowerment Movement and released her first co-authored book, Beyond Beautiful Vol 2: A Girls Guide to Studying, Self-Care and Staying Focused During Difficult Times. 

Dr. Williams has served on the National Board of Directors of the Student National Medical Association, the nation’s oldest student-run organization focused on supporting and addressing the needs of underrepresented minority communities and students in medicine. She previously worked with the Kings Against Violence Initiative (KAVI), facilitating programming designed to decrease youth violence in East Flatbush, Brooklyn and co-developing a digital educational platform to enhance medical student training in trauma-informed care. She currently serves the research and grant-writing arms of MedCEEP and as a lead of MedCEEP’s TRAP Violence initiative. Dr. Williams is an Albert Schweitzer Fellow For Life, a UChicago Community Champion, and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 

Her professional interests include service, advocacy, the eradication of health disparities disproportionately affecting her community, and enhancing the pipeline of underrepresented minorities into the field of medicine. 

Twitter: @melanin_med

Instagram: @melanin.med

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trenikajwilliams/ 

Board Member At Large

Dr. Doreen Agboh is a highly involved and accomplished medical professional with a passion for advocating for the underserved and bridging the gap in medical care for those from underprivileged backgrounds. She earned her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience and Behavior from Columbia University in the City of New York, where she was an active member of the student body. As an engaged member of Student Council, an executive board member of The Charles Drew Pre-Medical Society, and the creator of her own performing arts student group, she made an active effort to give back to her community.

During her gap years, she conducted translational laboratory research at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and worked as an ED Medical Scribe, where she fell in love with the fast-paced, ever-evolving field of Emergency Medicine. After beginning medical school at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in 2016, she continued her commitment to service and advocacy as the Class of 2020 Student Council Representative, the Vice President of the Student National Medical Association, the Treasurer of the Emergency Medicine Interest Group, and an Elected-Member of the Rutgers New Jersey School Admission Committee. She also graduated with a distinction in Urban Health and actively gave back to the Newark community through various community service organizations.

Dr. Agboh's professional interests reflect her commitment to serving the underserved and giving back to disadvantaged communities. She is dedicated to exploring ways to bridge the gap in medical care for those from underprivileged backgrounds and advocating for equal access to quality healthcare for all.

Twitter: @DoreenAgbohMD

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doreen-agboh-m-d

Board Member At Large

Isaiah Selkridge is a third-year medical student at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. He was born and raised in the Bronx, NY, and identifies as an Afro-Caribbean and African American male. Isaiah earned his BA in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania in 2015. After that, he worked as a Technical Specialist at Apple Inc. and as a Senior Research Coordinator at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Institute. Isaiah has over 10 peer-reviewed publications and has served as the Co-President of the Student National Medical Association, the nation’s largest organization for Underrepresented Minorities in Medicine.

Isaiah's career interests include Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine, opening his own free clinics, a fashion podcast, and opening his own school. His research interests include addressing and reducing gun violence in underserved communities, mental health in the Black community, and sports medicine. He has also been co-director of HPREP, a program run by medical students catered to high school students interested in healthcare as a career. Currently, he serves as the National Liaison for the SNMA Orthopedic Surgery Interest Group and as co-founder of The Ortho Plug and Sports MedCEEP.

Through his experiences and interests, Isaiah has shown a commitment to promoting equity in healthcare and addressing health disparities in underserved communities. He has also demonstrated leadership and dedication to mentoring and supporting students interested in pursuing careers in medicine.

Instagram: @iselkridge23

Board Member At Large

Dr. Bernice Fokum is an accomplished physician and public policy expert with a unique background that blends medicine and advocacy. She completed a dual degree program, attending medical school at Emory University School of Medicine while pursuing a Master's in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Prior to her medical studies, Dr. Fokum attended Princeton University, where she studied Anthropology with a certificate in Global Health and Health Policy.

During her time in college, Dr. Fokum was highly engaged in medical Spanish interpretation and advocacy work, including internships with the Illinois Department of Public Health's Center for Minority Health and HIV/AIDS research. Her research on novel treatments for Kaposi sarcoma was published in Blood Journal, and she was selected to present at the International Conference on AIDS & STIs in Africa, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Throughout her academic career, Dr. Fokum has been an active member of various organizations, including the Student National Medical Association, Medical Spanish Interest Group, and Emory Health Against Human Trafficking. With the latter, she pioneered the idea to produce and direct The Vagina Monologues with a cast of her classmates, raising thousands of dollars to benefit domestic and international human trafficking organizations.

Following her third year of medical school, Dr. Fokum took a hiatus to study public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. This experience allowed her to reflect on how she could serve as an agent of change, both on the individual and systemic levels. During her time at the Kennedy School, Dr. Fokum was selected for a fellowship that enabled her to work on the gubernatorial transition team for then-incoming Governor JB Pritzker in her home state of Illinois.

Dr. Fokum's passion for health policy and her desire to serve vulnerable populations led her to pursue a career in Emergency Medicine, a field that allows her to apply her skills in both medicine and advocacy.

Twitter: @BeingDrBernice

Instagram: @being.dr.bernice

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernice-f/

Board Member At Large

Johnathan Prunty is a dynamic leader with a passion for driving cultural transformation and organizational growth. With an impressive 19-year career spanning various industries, including medical devices, healthcare, consulting, and technology, Johnathan brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table.

His journey began selling encyclopedias door to door while in college-a testament to his early entrepreneurial spirit and tenacity. From there, his tenure at Medtronic equipped him with invaluable insights into the intricacies of the medical device industry, while his consulting experience at Wipfli honed his strategic acumen and problem-solving skills. As the lead for Healthcare Growth at Wipfli, a renowned business advisory firm with a century-long legacy and $750 million in revenue, Johnathan spearheads initiatives to address healthcare organizations' most pressing challenges, focusing on holistic growth and innovative solutions.

Johnathan's educational background is equally impressive, having earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa, an MBA from the Illinois Institute of Technology, and completing the Organizational Leadership program at Harvard Business School. His commitment to continuous learning and personal development underscores his dedication to excellence in leadership.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Johnathan is a seasoned traveler who has explored all seven continents, a testament to his adventurous spirit. As the lead organizer of TEDxChicago, he fosters dialogue and knowledge exchange, while his passion for fitness is evident in his love for running and walking around Chicago's diverse neighborhoods with his wife, Kelly. 

Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a genuine desire to make a positive impact, Johnathan Prunty stands out as a visionary leader shaping the future of healthcare and beyond.

Board Member At Large

Jurema N. Gorham is a driven and passionate non-profit impact strategist, dedicated to promoting literacy and education in Chicago, IL. Her experience and education have led her to found Burst Into Books, a nonprofit organization that seeks to empower young people to embrace a love for reading and expand their literacy skills. Jurema has developed and implemented innovative literacy programs for children and teens, partnering with schools and community organizations to provide free access to books and hosting engaging literary events and workshops. Jurema's work with Burst Into Books has impacted the lives of many young people, providing them with the tools and resources needed to succeed in their educational journey.

Aside from her non-profit work, Jurema is also a certified teacher and experienced literacy coach. Her expertise in the field has earned her recognition, including the Harris School of Public Policy's Civic Leadership Fellow award and the Humanitarian Award from the Far South Community Action Council for her dedication to community outreach. Currently, Jurema is pursuing a doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Concordia University Chicago, furthering her commitment to educating and serving her community. 

Through her extensive experience and education, Jurema is well-equipped to pour into the communities she serves and make a lasting impact on the lives of many.

Twitter: @BurstIntoBooks

Instagram: @juremagorham

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juremagorham/