In this special episode of WOCTalk, we’re joined by Chris Berke, the 2025–2027 President of the WOCN® Society, for a fun and thoughtful conversation that goes beyond the clinical setting. From her goals as President to her favorite comfort food, Chris opens up about her leadership journey, what fuels her passion for WOC nursing, and a few surprising facts that help us get to know the woman behind the title.
Whether you’re a longtime WOCN member or new to the community, this episode is a warm reminder of the heart, humor, and humanity at the center of the WOCN Society.
Episode Resources:
Message from the President – featured in the July/August JWOCN®
Peristomal Skin Assessment Guide for Clinicians
Peristomal Skin Assessment Guide for Consumers
Support Surface Algorithm
Body Worn Absorbent Product Guide
A View From Here: Ostomy Life Coach – featured in the May/June JWOCN®
Minnesota Wild Rice Soup Recipe
About the Speaker:
Christine Berke, MSN, APRN-NP, AGPCNP-BC, CWOCN-AP, has been a nurse for 42 years, a certified WOC nurse for 24 years, and a nurse practitioner for the past 17 years. She has served on the WOCN® Society Board of Directors for nine years and counting, holding roles as Director, Secretary, President-Elect, and now President.
In 2009, Chris established a wound and ostomy clinic at a tertiary, university-affiliated hospital—after helping to launch a smaller clinic in 2008. Since 2003, she has contributed to numerous WOCN Society committees and played a key role in developing the inaugural advanced practice exams for the WOCNCB between 2011 and 2012, continuing to support their rollout and management through 2015.
Chris has authored several articles, primarily focused on friction injuries, and frequently presents at local, regional, and national conferences. Together with her daughter, she also created the “Berke Butt,” a teaching tool that has unexpectedly made its way to locations around the world.
Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.