Dr. Barbara J. Anderson

Barbara J. Anderson M.D. November 21, 1928- June 14, 2023 After an extraordinary life, beloved mother, grandmother, friend, colleague and mentor, Dr. Barbara J. Stewart Anderson M.D. died peacefully on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 with her daughters and granddaughter by her side. She was 94. Barbara was the eldest of 4 born on November 21, 1928 to the Reverend Dr. Carlyle Fielding Stewart Sr. and Alice Walker in Chicago Illinois. Barbara was raised in Illinois and Minnesota as her father's pastoral appointments moved the family, eventually settling them in Detroit Michigan. Barbara graduated from Northern High School in 1946 and the University of Michigan in 1950. Barbara always knew she wanted to be a physician because of her love for science and passion for helping people. She continued her medical studies first at Howard University Medical School and later transferred to and graduated from Wayne State University School of Medicine in 1957 and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. Barbara completed an internship at Providence Hospital in Detroit followed by residency training in psychiatry in Eloise. She then completed a pathology residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and Wayne County General Hospital, at the time an affiliate of the University of Michigan Pathology Program. Board certified in anatomic and clinical pathology in 1966, Barbara was a pathology instructor at University of Michigan and later joined the staff in the Wayne State University Department of Pathology in 1970, serving at Detroit General Hospital (Detroit Receiving Hospital). Barbara was appointed Chief of Laboratories at Detroit General Hospital in 1973, and then was elected President of Detroit Receiving Hospital-University Health Center medical staff in 1984, making her the first woman president of a hospital medical staff in Michigan. She served as chair of the Wayne County Hospital Medical Staff Section for two years and as a member of the Wayne State University Medical School Admissions Committee for 12 years. In 1995, She was appointed to the City of Detroit Health Department Advisory Commission, served as a member of the Medical Technology Review Committee for the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences to facilitate accreditations of medical technology programs in the United States and as a member of the Detroit Medical Center Anti-Harassment Committee. She also served as an inspector for the College of American Pathologists to facilitate the accreditation of clinical laboratories across the country. Barbara passionately served Detroit Receiving Hospital and Wayne State University for over 50 years retiring in 2020. In addition to her brilliant and accomplished career, Barbara was a member of several professional, community, and social organizations including the American Medical Association, National Medical Association, Detroit Medical Society and College of American Pathologist. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., a charter member of the Greater Wayne County Chapter of the Links Incorporated, a founding member of the Detroit Chapter of the Contempos, and member of the Sophisticates, Dolls, Moles, Northeasterners, V.S.P. and a host of other organizations. Along with her many professional accomplishments, Barbara managed to enjoy life as an avid golfer, reader, and accomplished pianist. She was designated family pianist at every gathering, playing many tunes by ear.

Dr. Barbara J. Anderson

November 2, 1928 - June 14, 2023