Brent Barkett
Tell us about yourself!
Then I heard God's voice saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" - As a former enlisted Marine and dad of two beautiful young women, my passion in life is helping Veterans and Kids. I've worked predominantly in healthcare for 14 years spanning orthopedic/trauma, hospital system operations, pharmaceutical logistics, to value-based care and contracting leadership. My focus is serving at-risk populations, predominantly those receiving Medicaid. I work with federal agencies, states, payors and providers to improve outcomes - at the point of care. I excel at arranging the critical pieces of the care delivery process - from contract down to care plan.
Why did you pursue a DrPH?
Three key reasons: 1) To earn a seat at the table where critical decisions in policy and organizational strategy are made 2) To represent my "tribe" of Veterans and children to positively effect their Health Equity 3) To teach at the graduate level, training the next generation of problem solvers, force-multiplying public health science and evidence-based practice.
What are you currently excited about in your job?
Bringing tangible solutions to my clients most complex issues - effecting the patients they care for.
If you could write a book about your life, what would the title be and why?
Resilience - All my mistakes and how I learned to love the process of learning.
What is something interesting about you that we should know?
I have severe ADHD. I take medication and incorporate routine behavioral health therapy into my practice of life. It has both hurt and helped me in academic settings (Have taken the GMAT and GRE a total of 6 times, applied & reapplied to college and graduate programs over 20+ times, supported my voracious appetite for outdoor adventure and exercise, and provides a daily constant struggle with living my best life.
