Josh

Barton

Where is your hometown?
Newark, Delaware

Where did you attend:
• Undergrad College/University: University of Delaware
• Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
• Residency: Duke University Hospital

List your Medical and Non-Medical Honors and Awards:
NIH (NIDDK) F30 Award: Ruth L. Kirschstien Individual Predoctoral NRSA
PhRMA Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship in Pharmacology and Toxicology
University of Delaware Undergraduate Biology Research Award
Delaware Governor's Bioscience Fellowship Award

Tell us briefly about your background before embarking on your medical training?
I grew up in Newark, DE where the University of Delaware is located, and stayed in my hometown for college. I got my first experience with research in college, loved it and knew I wanted to be a scientist. I also met my future wife in Freshman year Biology class, and we worked in neighboring labs in the biology building. I made the big move 45 minutes north to Philadelphia to do my MD/PhD at Thomas Jefferson University. I worked on the receptor for linaclotide, GUCY2C, in Scott Waldman’s lab and got a PhD in Neuroscience. That’s when I got interested in the gut-brain axis. I came to Duke to work with some of the experts in the gut-brain axis field and receive world-class clinical training.

Outline your career plans in gastroenterology (If you know it at this point in your training)?
I would like to be a physician scientist, splitting my time between a translational research lab and seeing patients. The gut-brain axis fascinates me, and I’d love to help come up with novel therapies to treat people with abdominal pain and disorders of the gut-brain axis.

What were you looking for in a fellowship program?
I was looking for a program that valued research and practical clinical training, and Duke was perfect. I applied through the physician scientist program in which you interview for fellowship out of med school. The fellows and faculty at Duke were the perfect mix of competent and cool, and I wanted to be part of the program. Duke GI also has a long-standing T32 research grant, leaders in GI research, and a commitment to training physician scientists, which made the choice very easy.

From your experience in fellowship, what have you learned about training at Duke?
I have felt supported every step of the way. The faculty, other fellows, nurses, and techs have been universally caring, and just want to lift each other and you up. The fellowship leaders are not only open to feedback but also committed to implementing changes to make fellow’s experiences better. I’ve felt valued and prioritized as a fellow, which has been invaluable.

How is your life in the Triangle area outside of work?
I’m very into animals, and Durham has been a fantastic place to see them. In our backyard off of Pickett road we have tree frogs, skinks, anoles, and box turtles regularly. We built a frog hotel that rarely has vacancy. We also have owls, hawks, and a wider variety of birds than I have ever seen in Pennsylvania or Delaware. Duke also has the Duke Lemur Center just down the road from the hospital. It’s the largest population of lemurs outside of Madagascar, and you can go in their enclosures and visit them!

What is your favorite restaurant in Durham?
Hope Cafe – crazy good Thai food in Hope Valley

List your hobbies and interests outside of work?
I like playing any type of game, be it video or board with my friends and wife. I love golf, both disc and regular. I love food, cooking, watching cooking shows and videos, making new recipes, and smoking/grilling meats. I also love hiking with my dramatic cattle dog/pitt bull mix Cooper.