Dr. B. Lewis Barnett Jr., a man who has dedicated his life to the practice and advancement of family medicine at the University of Virginia, received U.Va.'s highest honor Friday -- the Thomas Jefferson Award.
"Dr. Barnett
is one of the greatest physicians I have known. If a deep caring for
those in need of care is what Jefferson meant when he created the
University Tto advance the knowledge and well-being of mankind,' Dr.
B. Lewis Barnett deserves to be recognized with the Thomas Jefferson
Award," said Medical School dean, Dr. Robert M. Carey. "He epitomizes
what all physicians should strive to be: wise, caring, compassionate,
humble, personal and balanced."
Given since 1955, the award honors an individual who exemplifies in character, work and influence the principles and ideals of the University's founder. Barnett, who retired recently as the only chairman the family medicine department has ever had, exemplifies the character and ideals of Thomas Jefferson, according to the award citation.
Barnett, a recognized pioneer in the practice of family medicine, continues to teach at U.Va. Under Barnett's direction, U.Va. gained national recognition for its family practice training program, providing a teaching base for students at the medical center, in clinics and in the classroom. His program has provided outstanding family medicine training, and a frame of reference for what family medicine should be.
Barnett has left an impression on many medical school graduates for the past 20 years through his special summer course, "The Doctor, the Patient, and the Illness." His love for students and his passion for educating caring, sensitive young physicians were well-known and it was not uncommon to find students having a meal at the Barnetts' or living in their home while in medical school.
Described as a "physician's physician," Barnett's philosophy is detailed in his book based on 20 years of private practice in South Carolina, "Between The Lines (Reflections of a Family Physician)," published in 1989.
Barnett has held key positions in every family medicine organization, including president of the American Board of Family Practice and vice president of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM). In 1996, he received the F. Marian Bishop Award for significantly enhancing the academic credibility of family medicine. The award citation stated: "Your quiet counsel, the wonderful role model you've been for countless students and residents, your major contributions to the growth of the specialty . . . have made you a valued leader in the discipline."
Barnett is listed in Good Housekeeping's 1996-97 edition of "The Best Doctors in America." He is a member of the Board of Trustees at Furman University in Greenville, S. C.
A Woodruff S. C. native, Barnett received his medical degree in 1949 from the Medical College of South Carolina. In recognition of his outstanding medical achievements, he was awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award for 1993.
Last year's recipient of the Thomas Jefferson Award was Dr. Edward W. Hook Jr., a longtime clinician and teacher.
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SOURCE: U.Va. News Services. Mirrored with permission of Inside UVa, the University of Virgina faculty and staff newsletter.