Dr. Berkson graduated from Brown University and University at Buffalo School of Medicine which his Father also attended. He served as Chief Fellow in diabetes at the Joslin Clinic in Boston, Massachusetts, the largest outpatient center for diabetes in the US and affiliated with Harvard Medical School. He then had a second fellowship studying thyroid diseases at UCLA under world experts Andre VanHerle, Inder Chopra,and David Salomon. His mentor at UCLA was Dr. Mayer Davidson, a well known expert in diabetes.
Dr. Berkson was a founding member of the Long Beach Chapter of the American Diabetes Association and served as it's president for 5 years. He spearheaded the very successful Long Beach walk for Diabetes and has been a speaker and participant for 13 years. He is pleased to note that ProHealth took this on as it's major fundraising activity. The walk has grown to over 1,000 participants, had Mayor Foster's wife as it's honorary chair and raised over $150,000 last year.
Dr. Berkson has been a featured speaker at the annual Diabetes Expo at the Long Beach Convention Center for the last 4 years. This year over 7300 people attended this free educational event.
Dr. Berkson is an Associate Clinical Professor at UCLA School of Medicine, Teaching Head in Endocrinology at St. Mary for over 20 years, and winner of the 2000 Mary O' F. Horn, M.D. award for Excellence in the Teaching of Ambulatory Medicine.
Dr. Berkson was featured in "The Best Physicians in Los Angeles" in LA Magazine. He was included in the best experts in men's health in Men's Health Magazine. Dr. Berkson was listed in the 2009 Castle- Connolly guide to"America's Top Doctor's,",his eighth consecutive year in that publication.
Dr. Berkson and his bride of 36+ years, Andrea, have four daughters.
Dr. Berkson joined ProHealth Partners in 1996.
His Hobbies:
Dr. Berkson was a member of his college basketball team and remains an avid fan and player.
Dr. Berkson has organized several basketball games between ProHealth and the St. Mary Residents, including two games at the Pyramid (no comment on the outcome of the games).
Dr. Berkson remains a "die hard" Buffalo Bills fan.
Little Known Facts about Dr. Berkson:
Dr. Berkson hails from Buffalo and for years drove the "BuffaloBillsMobile" which was an old Mustang painted Blue and Red (the Bills colors).
Dr. Berkson was the "Chick Hearn" of Miraleste High School in Rancho Palos Verdes where he was the play by play announcer for the basketball games.
Dr. Berkson started the ProHealth Doctor's Happy Hour tradition.
Dr. Berkson recently defeated the Argus CEO at a one on one "shootout" (Dr. Berkson had home court advantage). There is no truth to the rumor that the stakes were one years worth of Argus Fees.
Motto: :
"Treat your patients like your family"
Favorite Sayings: "Are you going to retire? No-my boss gave me a 10 year extension"
