Barker selected as new Associate Dean of Medical School

By Lin Lofley

Dr. Blake Barker

Dr. Blake Barker, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, has been selected to join the Office of the Dean, UT Southwestern Medical School, as an Associate Dean for Student Affairs.

Dr. Barker, who joined the faculty in 2011, began his new duties in January. A Plano native, Dr. Barker majored in Psychology and Economics at Rice University and completed a master’s in Physiology and Biophysics at Georgetown University before earning his M.D. from Baylor College of Medicine.

“This is extremely exciting to me and a huge challenge, both personally and professionally,” Dr. Barker said. “I have always had Student Affairs at the top of the list of things I would like to do at UT Southwestern, if I were so fortunate.”

He is already familiar to the student body as Co-Director of the Internal Medicine clerkship, a post he will relinquish when he moves into the Dean’s Office. In 2015, Dr. Barker participated in the Leadership Emerging in Academic Departments (LEAD) Program for Junior Faculty Physicians and Scientists. The 10-month LEAD Program is designed for junior faculty who aspire to develop their leadership skills. Curriculum includes modules in self-discovery, communication, influence, negotiation, difficult conversations, inspiring trust, and embracing diversity.

In addition to his new duties, Dr. Barker will continue his clinical practice in cardiovascular disease, preventive care, and young adult care. His research interests include quality improvement and medical education in the ambulatory environment.

“Dr. Barker is a naturally talented teacher,” said Dr. Lynne Kirk, Professor of Internal Medicine, and of Family and Community Medicine. “This is largely because he cares so much that those he teaches master the material he is teaching them. His concern for and support of learners will make him most effective in his Student Affairs role to ensure that all UT Southwestern students become the best physicians they can be.”

He nurtured an interest in theater while at Rice, even taking time to pursue that field before turning his full attention to medical studies.

“I don’t know when I decided I wanted to be a doctor,” Dr. Barker said, “but my parents say it was very early on that I mentioned it to them. I have no recollection of it.”

In addition to Dr. Kirk, Dr. Barker said he has had the support of a number of strong mentors in his life, among them Rice University Psychology Professor Dr. Mikki Hebl.

“Dr. Hebl was inspirational to me, especially as an educational figure. And the thing that makes her most memorable is that she was engaging and interested in people,” Dr. Barker said. “I look forward to serving our students in a similar manner.”

Dr. Kirk holds The Toni and Timothy P. Hartman Professorship in Medicine.