Barbara Starfield

Barbara Starfield (December 18, 1932 – June 10, 2011) was an American physician, health services researcher, and public health advocate. She was a pioneer in the field of primary care, emphasizing its importance in the healthcare system.

Early Life and Education

Barbara Starfield was born on December 18, 1932, in New York City. She completed her B.A. degree from Swarthmore College in 1954 and her M.D. from the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center in 1959. She later earned a M.P.H. degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1963.

Career

Starfield joined the faculty of the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health in 1962, where she served until her death in 2011. She was the first woman to hold a named professorship at the school, the Distinguished University Professorship. Her research focused on the organization and delivery of health services, with a particular emphasis on the role of primary care.

Starfield's work has been influential in shaping health policy both in the United States and internationally. She was a strong advocate for the importance of primary care in the healthcare system, arguing that a strong primary care system leads to better health outcomes, lower costs, and greater equity in health.

Legacy

Starfield's work continues to influence the field of health services research and policy. The Barbara Starfield Award, established in her honor, is given annually by the American Academy of Pediatrics to recognize excellence in pediatric primary care research.

Selected Publications

• Primary Care: Balancing Health Needs, Services, and Technology (1998)
• The Impact of Primary Care on Health Outcomes (2000)
• Is Primary Care Essential? (2001)

External Links

• Official Profile at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health