Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center announced that Benjamin J. Barker, MD, FHM, has joined the organization as the newest member of the Supportive and Palliative Care team. In his role, Barker will see patients at the Essen and Gonzales locations for supportive and palliative care services. His involvement will help to enhance the Cancer Center’s telehealth program, ensuring rural patients have holistic access to these services.
Barker joins Mary Bird Perkins with more than 15 years of experience as a hospitalist. A fellow of the Society of Hospital Medicine (FHM), he is board-certified in internal medicine, hospice care, and palliative medicine. Barker also received the Aesculapian Society Excellence in Teaching Award from Louisiana State University School of Medicine.
After earning a medical degree, Barker completed a residency at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) in New Orleans, where he also served as chief resident in internal medicine. He further advanced his clinical expertise by completing a fellowship through LSUHSC in Baton Rouge.