JEFFREY MARVEL BARRETT

Jeffrey Marvel Barrett followed in his father’s footsteps to become a renowned physician then decided to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology.

He was born April 16, 1951, in Indianapolis to Dr. Thomas and Suzanne Barrett. His sister, Shelly, received a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Evansville and currently is a domestic engineer. His brother, Greg, is finishing his doctorate degree at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Jeff attended Washington Elementary School and Clark Junior High School in Vincennes. He graduated with highest honors in 1969 from Lincoln High School where he was seventh in a class of 275. His brother and sister also graduated from Lincoln.

While in high school, Jeff served on the Student Council and was recognized as Hoosier Scholar. He participated in basketball, the Boosters Club, the Old Post Sentinel, the Lincoln Log and was a football letterman. His other interests included the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the V-Mens Association and was a class officer for one year.

To further his education, Jeff attended Indiana University where in 1973 he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in zoology. Dr. Barrett earned his doctorate from the Indianapolis campus of Indiana University School of Medicine.

Then he entered Vanderbilt University and devoted his studies to obstetrics and gynecology while serving his residency at Vanderbilt from 1977 to 1980. He also held a fellowship in maternal fetal medicine at Vanderbilt for two years.

In 1982, Jeff became director of maternal fetal medicine at Methodist Hospital and assistant professor of obstetrics-gynecology at Indiana University School of Medicine at Indianapolis.

Settling in Lakeland, Florida, in 1986, Jeff continued to build a distinguished career in the medical field. Barrett is a rarity, a specialist called a perinatologist, which means he’s an obstetrician who deals daily in high-risk pregnancies. He is a partner in the Watson Clinic in Lakeland, Florida, and delivers about 400 babies every year at Lakeland Regional Medical Center.

He is board certified with the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology; and subspecialty board certified in the division of maternal fetal medicine the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Jeff’s professional committees include the perinatal committee at Lakeland Regional Medical Center at Lakeland, Florida, and the patient services committee at Polk General Hospital at Bartow, Florida. He also serves on the maternal morality committee with the Florida Obstetric and Gynecologic Society at Jacksonville, Florida.

Jeff has numerous appointments throughout his career including president of the medical staff at Lakeland Regional Medical Center from January 1997 to December 1998.

To his credit, Dr. Barrett has more than 30 publications and was one of several writers who authored a chapter in a book entitled, "Gynecology and Obstetrics: A Longitudinal Approach.

While Dr. Barrett has always maintained a high degree of integrity and character in his field, he has always remembered his Knox County roots. He maintains his membership at the First United Methodist Church of Vincennes.

Dr. Barrett and his wife, Diana, have four children. They are Matthew, Alison, Emily and Samuel. The family attends the Methodist Church in Lakeland, Florida.

Distinquished Alumni 1999

Class of 1969