2006 Excellence in Healthcare Leadership Award

CAPT Amy Barkin received the 2006 Inaugural Excellence in Healthcare Leadership Award in recognition of her exemplary leadership and outstanding accomplishments in improving the health and well-being of underserved and special populations across the nation.

Throughout her PHS career CAPT Barkin directed and participated in new and innovative national program efforts and cabinet-level initiatives in a broad range of health-related fields ranging from substance abuse, employee assistance programs, telemedicine, and HIV/AIDS resulting in a significant impact on the health of the Nation.

A skilled clinician and administrator, she has a broad exposure to global public health issues such as HIV/AIDS, health care delivery systems, primary health care, mental health, alcohol and other drug abuse, and maternal and child health concerns. She directed and participated in White House, Departmental, and cabinet-level initiatives, designed and implemented PHS-wide programs, and worked in various programs both within DHHS and on detail to other Federal agencies where she helped shaped policy and legislation. Her record is one of strong leadership and innovative program design, and concern about services and care.

Her contributions to the PHS mission also extended to her activities with her fellow officers as she continues to be a strong advocate for social workers, Health Services Officers and the US Public Health Service. While working for the former Surgeon General, C. Everett Koop in 1987, she assisted in the revitalization efforts. In 1988, CAPT Barkin, on her own initiative, established the Commissioned Officers Uniform Service Center (USC) to help officers purchase uniforms at a reasonable price, as well as provide a vehicle for retiring officers to donate their uniforms. The USC activity is ongoing and proceeds are donated yearly to health-related organizations. In 1993 her experience in developing a mentoring program for her own agency was useful as she assisted in the design of the HSO Mentor Program. She was instrumental in the creation of the Space-A Travel Club which provided a forum for officers to share their experiences. In 1996 she was asked to participate in the PHS Visioning Committee where she contributed to the restructuring and transformation of the Corps. She served as the Chair of the Social Event for the 2005 and Co-Chair of the 2006 COA meeting and planned the highly successful Spirit of Philadelphia Cruise and the Colorado History Museum.

CAPT Barkin spent her early years in Europe. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at New York University. She earned her Masters in Social Work from the Smith College School for Social Work and her Masters in Public Health from the Harvard School of Public Health. She served as a lecturer at the Harvard School of Public Health as well as an instructor at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. In addition, she is a Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work and is a Certified Employee Assistance Professional.