BATON ROUGE, La. – Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is pleased to announce that Benjamin J. Barker, MD, 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 expertise will help to enhance the Cancer Center’s telehealth program, ensuring rural patients have holistic access to these vital 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.
“Mary Bird Perkins has a profound legacy of compassionate care in our community, and I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Barker,” said Dr. Andre’ Bonnecaze, medical director of supportive care and palliative medicine clinics, Mary Bird Perkins. “Facing a cancer diagnosis affects every aspect of a family’s life. Dr. Barker’s unique role in providing supportive and palliative care both in the clinic and in the telehealth setting will maximize our focus on each patient’s comfort and peace of mind and open up access to individuals throughout Louisiana.”
As an internal medicine doctor who specializes in supportive and palliative care, Barker is dedicated to delivering compassionate, comprehensive care to maximize quality of life by addressing the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of both patients and their families throughout the course of treatment.
After earning his medical degree, Barker completed his 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 his fellowship through LSUHSC in Baton Rouge.
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About Mary Bird Perkins Cancer CenterMary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is Louisiana’s largest cancer care organization and has been leading the fight against cancer for more than 50 years. Founded in Baton Rouge in 1971 by a group of community leaders, the Cancer Center now serves every region of Louisiana and communities across southwest Mississippi. With the most expansive team of highly trained oncologists leveraging innovative therapies and technologies, Mary Bird Perkins is offering the most personalized treatment options available in the Gulf South. The Cancer Center’s emphasis on community-based care allows patients to access these resources close to home. From early detection through our innovative Prevention on the Go screening and education program, to diagnosis, treatment and life after cancer, Mary Bird Perkins offers a wide array of individualized support services to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer. For more information, visit marybird.org.
