Get To Know: Erin Barnes | Broadlawns Celebrates Black History Month

February 26, 2021

This Black History Month, Broadlawns is celebrating by highlighting a few of the many amazing Black individuals who make an impact every day at our hospital.

Erin Barnes

Job Title

Assistant Program Coordinator, Medical Education

Tell us about what you do in a typical day.

Every day is different. As the contact person for the learners, I am usually orienting, giving tours, making badges, putting money on badges, and anything in between.  As Dr. Severidt’ s right hand girl, I am taking calls from patients, scheduling appointments, accepting meetings and learning more and more every day. Dr. Severidt keeps me on my toes.

How long have you worked at BMC?

7 years.

What attracted you to a career in healthcare?

When I graduated high school, I planned on being a nurse, but life happens and things change.  However, Broadlawns has been in our family as my grandmother retired from Broadlawns and my mother got her first nursing job at Broadlawns.

What do you like about working at BMC?

Broadlawns is really a close-knit community among employees.

Name a Black American you admire and think people should learn more about.

Congressman John Lewis, you can never learn enough about him. In my opinion, he is one of the strongest people I know, his will to fight is commendable.

James Bowman, a Tuskegee airman who was heavily involved in education in the Des Moines area. I have the privilege of knowing him personally.

What books by Black authors do you recommend?

Maya Angelou.

What does it mean to be an inclusive healthcare provider?

Broadlawns is the true definition of an inclusive healthcare provider.  The patient population here is extremely diverse and everyone is treated in a dignified and respectful manner.

What ways do you challenge/invite others to honor Black history, this month and beyond?

Be open minded. There is no American history without Black history.