Carolyn Barley Britton | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 13, 1944 Alabama |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Oberlin College New York University Grossman School of Medicine |
| Known for | 1st neurologist president of the National Medical Association |
| Awards |
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| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Neurology, Neuroinfectious disease, HIV |
Carolyn Barley Britton (born 13 September 1944) is an African-American medical doctor known for her national health care advocacy and work in neurological complications of HIV and infectious diseases. She is a full professor at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. She was the 9th female president and the 1st neurologist president of the National Medical Association. [1]
Britton grew up in Huntsville, Alabama. She did her undergraduate study at Oberlin College, then went to New York University Grossman School of Medicine, graduating in 1975. She did her internship at Harlem Hospital in New York, and then completed neurology residency at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, where she also completed a research fellowship in neuroinfectious disease. [2]
Britton took a position at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. In the 1980s, during the early days of the HIV epidemic, Britton studied the effects of HIV infection and AIDS on the nervous system, publishing on neurological complications in 1984, [3] and considered a national expert by 1985. [4] She continued to work with these vulnerable patients, published on HIV-related neuropathy [5] and neurological infections secondary to immunocompromise, [6] and arguing for universal counseling and voluntary testing of women for HIV. [7]
Britton also publishes on neurological complications of Lyme disease, and on progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, an infectious process that occurs in the setting of immunodeficiency.
Britton was active for many years in the National Medical Association (NMA) and took on the role of president of the NMA in 2008, at the 106th Annual NMA Convention and Scientific Assembly in Atlanta. [8] She was the 9th female and the 1st neurologist president of the organization. As president, she worked towards universal access to health care and the elimination of racial disparities in research. [9]
In 1988, boxer Mike Tyson injured his head in an automobile accident. Britton cared for him at that time, and due to ongoing symptoms after his concussion, recommended he avoid sparring for 30–60 days. [10]