NHLBI's Barbara Packard Retires
Dr. Barbara Packard recently retired as associate director for scientific program operation (SPO) and director of the Office of Science and Technology (OST) at NHLBI.
In her dual posts, she had wide-ranging duties including coordinating more than 80 scientific programs, launching new research initiatives, developing and implementing management policies, overseeing the institute's international activities, directing its legislative efforts, and serving as liaison between NHLBI and other federal agencies and professional and voluntary groups.
 |
NHLBI director Dr. Claude Lenfant presents Dr. Barbara Packard (r) with an NIH contribution to Waynesburg College during her retirement party. |
"Dr. Packard's career has been distinguished by an extraordinary level of responsibility and scope of accomplishments," said NHLBI director Dr. Claude Lenfant.
He particularly commended Packard for increasing the institute's research and public education efforts for women and minorities. "She was instrumental in starting such new research programs as the Strong Heart Study," he said. Strong Heart is the first epidemiological survey of heart disease and its risk factors among Native Americans.
Packard also oversaw the creation of programs to attract minority students into biomedical research and foster the careers of young minority investigators.
She first came to the institute in 1967, after earning a B.S. in biology from Waynesburg College in southwestern Pennsylvania and an M.S. and Ph.D. in physiology from West Virginia University. In 1971, she left the institute to earn an M.D. from the University of Alabama. She also trained at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
In 1975, she returned to NHLBI and soon became associate director for cardiology and then director of the Division of Heart and Vascular Diseases. She was appointed associate director of SPO and director of OST in 1986.
Packard's achievements have been recognized with various honors, most recently an appointment as assistant surgeon general of the PHS, a rear admiral position in the Commissioned Corps. She also received the PHS Commendation, Outstanding Service, Meritorious Service, and Distinguished Service Medals.
She has been an avid supporter of Waynesburg College, which she credits with helping put her on the road to success. She serves on the college's board of trustees and as chair of its development committee. In 1991, she received a citation as Distinguished Pennsylvania College Alumna for her contributions toward preserving and extending the American ideals of education. This year, she received Waynesburg College's Distinguished Alumna Award.
As an expression of respect and affection for Packard, her NIH colleagues have contributed generously to the Waynesburg College Student Center Campaign.
Packard and her husband Jack, who recently retired as a businessman, plan to pursue their interests in travel and gourmet cooking.
Up to Top