Amber E. Barnato, MD, MS, MPH

I help patients and their families when they're dealing with serious illnesses. This includes managing symptoms, dealing with the tough parts of being sick, and making medical decisions. I make sure to understand what's important to you and your family, and I support you through the complex healthcare system.

I specialized in this field because of my experiences in medical school and working in intensive care units. I also had to make the hard choice to stop life support for my mom after she had a stroke and was declared brain dead. I know how tough it can be for families to decide what to do in these situations.

In my work, success means finding new ways to improve healthcare for people with serious illnesses. But personally, success is when my patients and their families feel listened to and supported by me. I'm happiest when they get the care that matches their goals and feel like they're in control.

Spending time with people facing serious illnesses is a privilege. They often talk about what's most important to them, like memories, family, fears, and what keeps them going. Seeing their love and strength inspires me to be better in my own relationships.