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Bright Beginnings

Life as a medical resident is busy enough as it is. But Calvin Barnes, MD, a second-year resident in diagnostic radiology, makes time for even more.

On a typical day, Dr. Barnes rotates throughout different areas in radiology to learn how to interpret CAT scan, ultrasound, mammogram, and MRI results. Outside the clinical setting, he dedicates his time to being an active member of the Residents and Fellows Diversity Initiative, a program established by the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Center for Diversity and Cultural Competence.

In the community, he is involved in Prevention Partners’ “N Sure Me” program, a faith-based initiative that helps low-income and minority individuals and families obtain affordable health insurance. In the summers of 2007 and 2008, Dr. Barnes helped coordinate several health fairs that were held in various churches in the greater St. Louis area. With other Barnes-Jewish Hospital residents, he served as a medical resource for health fair attendees, emphasizing the importance of preventive medicine as well as referring them to the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Resident Clinic when necessary.

Last year, Dr. Barnes also spoke before several congregations on the importance of regular health check-ups and prevention in reducing incidence of heart attacks and strokes.

“I enjoy being involved in these endeavors because I strongly believe that we can reduce health care disparities in St. Louis,” says Dr. Barnes. “Only through increased awareness and education within minority communities, as well as improved access to affordable health care, will we resolve this problem.”

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