Susan Berger is an award‑winning freelance journalist based in Chicago, with bylines in The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Chicago Tribune, among other leading publications.
A 2021 CDC Fellow and 2019 National Press Foundation fellow who studied vaccines and dementia, she brings deep expertise in health reporting. Beyond print journalism, Susan has appeared on outlets such as Today, NBC Nightly News, BBC World News, CNN, and Chicago’s WGN‑TV and WTTW‑TV. As a 28‑year breast cancer survivor, she draws on profound personal experience to inform her impactful health narratives, including groundbreaking stories on the PALB2 genetic mutation published in The New York Times
Susan’s reporting is driven by a commitment to telling human-centered stories that illuminate complex issues—from public health and medical research to social justice and caregiving. Her work often bridges the gap between scientific data and everyday experience, helping readers make informed decisions about their health and lives.
With a background in both print and broadcast media, she brings versatility, empathy, and a journalist’s curiosity to every assignment. Whether she’s interviewing leading medical experts, covering breaking news, policy changes, or sharing deeply personal patient stories, Susan’s writing is marked by clarity, compassion, and credibility.
2016 Finalist for Peter Lisagor Award for Exemplary Journalism "There's new hope for blood cancers and it comes from umbilical cords"/ Washington Post
2016 Finalist for Spotlight Investigative Journalism Fellowship with Boston Globe.
2009 Finalist for Peter Lisagor Award for Exemplary Journalism "The end of a Chicago tradition Is absolutely nothing sacred?" January 23, 2009/ Chicago Tribune
2002 Illinois Press Association Robert M. Cole Award winner - coverage of New Trier High School
