Melanie J. Bernitz

Dr. Melanie Bernitz is Interim Executive Vice President for University Life and Senior Vice President for Columbia Health. In these roles, she is responsible for strengthening the student experience at Columbia on issues of campus-wide concern, including inclusion and belonging, antidiscrimination, sexual respect, health and well-being, antiracism, and community citizenship. Dr. Bernitz joined Columbia Health in 2016. Previously, she served as the Executive Director of the Student Health Service at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

Prior to that position, Dr. Bernitz was a resident, chief resident, and faculty member in Columbia’s Center for Family and Community Medicine. Growing up in the United Kingdom, she received both her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a degree in medicine at University College London. She then received her master’s degree in public health at Columbia University. She is an Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine in the Center of Family and Community Medicine.