Jean Fisher Brinkley is NCMB’s Communications Director, a role that involves developing and overseeing production of communications materials and strategies needed to enhance public and professional awareness and understanding of the Board and its mission. She joined NCMB in 2008, after an 11-year career in newspaper journalism, most of it dedicated to reporting on medicine, health policy and the business aspects of health care.

Brinkley earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Mills College in Oakland, CA, and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of California, Berkeley. She lives in Raleigh with her husband and two daughters.

You can reach Jean at podcast@ncmedboard.org

Pat Berckmiller joined the staff of the North Carolina Medical Board as Chief Investigative Officer in October 2019. Before coming to the North Carolina Medical Board, Pat retired from the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a Special Agent after nearly 30 years of service. He has also worked with Blue Cross Blue Shield as an Investigator.

Karen Burke-Haynes, MD, is Chief Medical Officer for the North Carolina Medical Board. Dr. Haynes, a pediatrician, has more than 25 years of experience working in academic and private practice settings. Prior to joining NCMB as its Assistant Medical Director in 2014, she was owner and managing physician of Stepping Stones Pediatrics in Raleigh. Dr. Haynes earned her medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and completed postgraduate training in pediatrics at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. She is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.