Joan W. Barkin Memorial Fund
This fund has been established to celebrate Joan W. Barkin, M.D., whose dedication to caring for others improved the lives of her patients, community, friends, and family. We can think of no better way to honor her memory than to enable other young women to follow in her footsteps, pursuing their education in the sciences and healthcare fields.
About Joan
Joan grew up in Binghamton, NY, where she was recognized for her big dreams and boundless potential. From an early age she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare and went on to earn her Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences from Mount Holyoke College. Her summers were spent conducting cancer research at Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory in Maine. Joan earned her M.D. at Columbia University, where she also met her husband, Neil. She went on to complete her pediatrics training at the University of Virginia and the National Childrens’ Medical Center in Washington, DC.
After starting their family in Massachusetts, Joan and Neil moved to Potomac, MD in 1979. Joan established and ran a thriving pediatrics practice for over 40 years.Her patients were her obsession. She was beloved by the thousands of families she cared for at all hours, day or night. Family dinners and late nights almost always included phone calls with patients, during which Joan administered healthcare advice in her characteristically comprehensive manner.
After retiring in New England, Joan’s passion to serve persisted. She was everyone’s doctor, caring for fellow travelers, distant family members, neighbors, and everyone in between. She also dedicated her time to serving local seniors through her work with the Cape Cod Senior Center, in Mashpee, MA.
Joan was a voracious reader of history, an active gardener, and an avid, life-long learner, committed to staying abreast of trends and advances in scientific and clinical research. She attributed much of her personal and professional success to the education and self-confidence she received at Mt. Holyoke College.
Inspiration
Throughout her life, Joan was a tireless champion of women’s rights, education, equality, and access to opportunity. She lived these ideals in her personal and professional life. She advocated for those in need, celebrated the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and channeled these convictions into her work with her alma mater and in her community.
The Fund
Joan’s passing has moved many friends, patients, and others to ask how they might honor her memory. This generosity of spirit inspired her family to set up this fund.
We can think of no better way to honor Joan than by helping financially disadvantaged and deserving young women aspiring to study in a STEM field. Funds raised will be used to set up a scholarship at her alma mater, Mt. Holyoke College, in South Hadley, MA.
Please join us in celebrating Joan’s life, and supporting other women who aspire to follow in her footsteps.
Fund Administrators
- Ian Barkin
- Neil Barkin
- Julia Minitti
Donations
By Mail:
Joan W. Barkin
CharitySmith Nonprofit Foundation
13100 Filly Lane | Truckee, CA | 96161
Use credit card by clicking the link below.
The above Memorial Fund is established as a division of Charitysmith Nonprofit Foundation (EIN 87-0636433). All donations are tax deductible in accordance with federal tax law. Receipts for tax purposes are sent via US Mail within two weeks of donation. Please consider asking if your employer participates in a gift-matching program. If so, your donation may be matched by your employer.
For questions regarding your donation or this memorial fund please contact CharitySmith.