Barker named chair of clinical sciences

Jim Barker, MD, CPE, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, has been named the chair of clinical sciences at the Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership, effective February 1.

Barker comes to the Medical Partnership from Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine where he served as director of clinical skills and simulation for four years.

Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine is a relatively new campus—the college became the third osteopathic medical school in the state of Texas when it was established in 2019. Barker was on the ground floor as the college opened—he assisted in developing the school’s clinical skills, standardized patient, and simulation programs.

Barker obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas in 1977 before earning his MD from his alma mater in 1980. He completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Kentucky where he served as chief resident. In 1987, Barker completed a pulmonary/critical care medicine fellowship at the University of Miami.

Barker is board certified in internal medicine as well as the subspecialties of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep disorders. He has served on numerous national committees during his long career, and he has also served as an intensivist and attending physician for over 25 years.

In his new role, Barker will oversee all clinical faculty at the Medical Partnership.

“We are very pleased and excited to welcome Dr. Barker to the Medical Partnership,” said Campus Dean Shelley Nuss. “Dr. Barker brings years of administrative and leadership experience as well as a passion for medical education. He will be an outstanding addition and resource for our campus.”