Lauren Elizabeth Berninger, DO, MBE

Dr. Lauren Berninger is an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and associate program director for the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program.   

Dr. Berninger received her undergraduate degree in political science from Bucknell University and her medical degree from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.   She completed internal medicine residency training at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, where she also served as chief resident.  Dr. Berninger is a graduate of the Johns Hopkins Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Training Program. 

Dr. Berninger's professional interests lie at the intersection of palliative medicine and clinical ethics.  She holds a master's degree in bioethics from the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health and is an active member of the Johns Hopkins Hospital ethics committee.  

Dr. Berninger is committed to medical education with a focus on advanced communication skills and complex-symptom management for patients with serious and life-limiting illnesses.  She co-directs the medical school's TIME Palliative Care and End-of-Life Course and is dedicated to the clinical teaching of learners at all levels of training.  

Dr. Berninger embraces a humanistic, patient, and family-centered approach to care and is the recipient of the 2023 Clinical Excellence Award for best consulting physician at Johns Hopkins Hospital.