About
Dr. James J. Bernick is a board-certified family medicine physician practicing in Baytown, TX. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Southern California in 1972. He then completed his Doctorate of Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in 1977. Before medical school, he earned a Master of Science in Biomedicine from the University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. He completed his internship and residency in Family Practice at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, finishing in 1980. In 1992, he added a Juris Doctorate in Biomedicine from South Texas College of Law.
Dr. Bernick holds three board certifications: the American Board of Family Medicine, the American Board of Family Medicine - Geriatric Medicine, and the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review. He has served as Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine since 1992. He also holds a long-standing appointment as Health Authority for the City of Baytown Department of Health. His published research focuses on geriatric emergencies, including diabetic crises and emergency care for elderly patients. He places strong emphasis on preventive diagnostics and patient engagement in health decisions. Geriatric care holds a central place in his practice, particularly helping seniors maintain functional independence.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of Southern California, Bachelor of Arts, History, 1972
Medical School
University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Doctorate of Medicine, 1977
Residency
Family Practice, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 1977-1980
Additional Training
Internship: University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 1977-1978; Master of Science, Biomedicine, University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, 1973; Juris Doctorate, Biomedicine, South Texas College of Law, Houston, TX, 1992
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Bernick right for?
Dr. Bernick is a strong fit for adults seeking a family medicine physician with deep geriatric expertise. Seniors and their families who prioritize preserving independence and managing chronic conditions will find his approach well suited to their needs. He works closely with patients managing diabetes and other complex chronic illnesses. Patients who value collaborative treatment planning and active involvement in their own care tend to thrive in his practice. His affiliation with San Jacinto Methodist Hospital and Kindred Hospital Baytown also benefits patients who may need coordinated inpatient or specialty care.
Similar Doctors Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Bernick specializes in Family Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. He holds board certification in both fields. His practice covers preventive care, chronic condition management, and care coordination, with particular depth in caring for older adults and seniors.
Yes, Dr. Bernick holds three board certifications. He is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, the American Board of Family Medicine - Geriatric Medicine, and the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review.
Dr. Bernick earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in 1977. He completed both his internship and his Family Practice residency at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, finishing in 1980. He also holds a Master of Science in Biomedicine from the University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
Yes, geriatric care is a central focus of Dr. Bernick's practice. He holds board certification in Geriatric Medicine specifically. He prioritizes preserving functional independence in older adults by responding promptly to acute changes and regularly evaluating chronic conditions. He also coordinates care with other specialists as needed.
Dr. Bernick treats a range of chronic conditions, including diabetes and geriatric-related illnesses. He uses diagnostic studies and preventive screenings to detect modifiable medical problems early. His approach centers on building individualized treatment plans together with each patient.
Dr. Bernick holds affiliations with San Jacinto Methodist Hospital and Kindred Hospital Baytown. These affiliations support his ability to coordinate care for patients who need hospital-level services.
Yes, Dr. Bernick has authored several published works focused on geriatric care. His research includes studies on diabetic emergencies in geriatric patients, EMS-initiated care in the elderly, and hurricane evacuation planning for senior residents. He also published research on acute gastric volvulus in a nonagenarian.
Dr. Bernick has served as Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine since 1992. He also holds a long-standing role as Health Authority for the City of Baytown Department of Health.
Dr. Bernick builds treatment plans collaboratively with each patient. He believes that patients who actively engage in their health decisions achieve better outcomes. Every visit includes a thorough discussion of current medical issues before he and the patient agree on a path forward.
Doctor profile last updated June 8, 2026