Dr. Francine Pearce was born and raised in New York. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University and practiced as a physical therapist for three years before pursuing her Doctorate in Medicine at the University of Illinois. Following medical school, she completed a three-year pediatric residency at Hope Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois.
For the past 25 years, Dr. Pearce has practiced as a pediatrician and hospitalist, operated her own practice, and actively served her community. Much of her work has focused on addressing the social drivers of health and building partnerships with local nonprofit and government organizations. During this time, she held several leadership roles, including Medical Director of Health Promotions for the State of Illinois, Chair of the Pediatric Department at Franciscan Health, and Medical Director of the Physician Assistant Program at Chamberlain University. She has since transitioned from clinical practice and now serves as the Medical Director of Health Equity at Sentara Health System in Virginia.
Dr. Pearce is deeply passionate about advancing health equity. She firmly believes everyone deserves access to quality healthcare and the opportunity to live a healthy life, regardless of their background. She is dedicated to addressing systemic barriers, socioeconomic disparities, and cultural biases by implementing sustainable solutions that bridge these gaps. Through the promotion of inclusive policies, the delivery of culturally competent care, and the amplification of marginalized voices, Dr. Pearce strives to eliminate health disparities and help build a future where everyone has the resources and support they need to thrive.