Ernie-Paul Barrette, MD, FIDSA, FACP, Professor of Medicine, WashU Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases, recently received the 2026 Dean’s Impact Award from WashU Medicine. The award recognizes faculty who demonstrate the compassion, innovation, and commitment required to build dynamic, meaningful, and community-focused efforts to improve clinical care, education, and research. The 2026 theme is “Honoring the Focused Excellence of Exemplary Clinicians and Researchers.”
Since 1993, Barrette has provided primary care for patients living with HIV infection and AIDS. He serves as the Medical Director for the WashU Medicine HIV/Virology Clinic, sharing his experience and expertise with infectious disease fellows, internal medicine residents and medical students. Barrette says he is honored that his work as a physician caring for patients with HIV/AIDS is being recognized.
“When I started caring for those with AIDS in the early 1990’s, nearly all died of their infection. In 1996 new combinations of HIV medications became available and deaths due to AIDS rapidly declined. We have come so far with better medications. Today with either a single tablet a day HIV or long injectable medications HIV can be completely controlled.
He also is active with the HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA) and the Ryan White Medical Providers Coalition, advocating for issues and funding regarding HIV.
Barrette is one of eight faculty to receive the 2026 Dean’s Impact Award from WashU Medicine.
We recognize and thank each of the Dean’s Impact Award winners for their contributions to the success of their protégés and for fostering a culture of dedicated service within the clinical, educational, and research missions of WashU Medicine.
WashU Medicine John T. Milliken Department of Medicine