By Carol Mowdy Bond
Contributing Writer
The Yukon Chamber of Commerce has honored practicing family physician Dr. Heather Barnes with one of its highest honors – the T.J. Lowery Humanitarian of the Year Award.
Barnes received the award on Jan. 31 at the Yukon Chamber Gala & Awards Banquet at the Palace Event Center, 2310 N. Banner Road.
“The award was a surprise to me, but I am very honored to have received it,” said Dr. Barnes, who practices at Integris Medical Group in Yukon, and is affiliated with Integris Baptist Medical Center. “My humanitarian activities come from my profession. I love interacting with patients and hope to improve their health and welfare by doing so.
“It is important to me to be engaged in our community and help improve the health of our community. I feel that a large part of my job is both educating and listening.”
Dr. Barnes, who experienced health issues as a child, added, “Because of the example my parents set for me, I have always wanted a career in medicine. I can truly say that I have my childhood dream job.”
Born in Oklahoma City, and raised in Yukon, Barnes attended kindergarten through 12th grade in Yukon schools.
She earned a B.A. in biochemistry from the University of Oklahoma, and also received her medical degree from OU.
Her mother Karen was a registered nurse and spent most of Barnes’ childhood taking care of their family.
Dr. Barnes’ father, Dr. Tom Leverich, was a dentist in Yukon for over three decades.
“This award was extra special to me because my dad won it in 2000,” Barnes said. “I wish he was still living and able to share this with me.
“I am a family medicine physician. My favorite part of my job is delivering babies!”
Dr. Barnes and her husband, Brian, have been married 20 years.
“Brian has always been very supportive of me,” Barnes said. “We have three children – Melody, Cadence, and Jackson. They have all gone to Yukon schools, and they are what I am most proud of in my life.”
