Charles MacLean, M.D., interim associate dean of primary care in the Office of Primary Care and Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program at the University of Vermont College of Medicine, has announced the selection of Denis Barton, M.A., M.B.A., as the new director of the Office of Primary Care and AHEC Program. Barton replaces Elizabeth Cote, who served as director for seven years and recently left to become executive director of the Vermont State Dental Society.
Barton, who received a B.A. degree in Sociology from Boston College, M.A. degree from the State University of New York- Albany and an M.B.A. degree in Health Care Management from Boston University, has a long track record serving in executive director roles for a variety of professional associations and organizations, including the Rhode Island Pharmacists Association. He most recently held the position of director of Vermont public policy for the Bi-State Primary Care Association, where he represented Community Health Centers, Area Health Education Centers and Free Clinics in Vermont. He has also served in a variety of positions within Vermont state government including the Department of Health, the Offices of Vermont Health Access, Alcohol and Drug Abuse programs and Rural Health and Primary Care.
“Denis’ extensive experience in public health and his commitment to improving the care of the underserved will be a great asset to the University of Vermont College of Medicine and to the Office of Primary Care,” says MacLean.
The UVM Office of Primary Care works to promote excellence in Primary Care across Vermont. The mission of the AHEC Program is to enhance access to quality health care, particularly primary and preventive care, by improving the supply and distribution of healthcare professionals through community/academic educational partnerships.