Nurse Practitioner Barbara Harty wins excellence in nursing award

Barbara Harty found in geriatrics, the perfect career. 

"My grandmother helped raise me and I always had a special affection for older people," said Harty, Nurse Practitioner and Assistant Professor of Medicine. "I just really like working with them, hearing their stories and trying to improve their quality of life."

Harty visits about 200 patients in area assisted living and nursing homes. She also teaches medical students how to work with older adults and conducts research on cognitive impairment.

D Magazine recently recognized Harty by presenting her with its Excellence in Nursing Award in geriatrics. She was one of 24 North Texas nurses, out of 456 nominations, who received the award at a ceremony in Dallas.

Harty said UNT Health Science Center has given her the opportunity to wear many different hats. As an assistant professor, she encourages medical students to consider specializing in geriatrics.

"One of the advantages for health providers specializing in geriatrics is that they are able to see the same patients over and over and then develop relationships with them," she said.

As a clinical research coordinator for pharmaceutical trials, Harty said it has been rewarding to be involved in studies on dementia that could one day benefit the patients she sees.

Harty’s interest in geriatrics extends beyond her work. She is a frequent speaker for the Alzheimer’s Association and teaches support groups about coping with dementia.

"I try to make people as comfortable as possible as long as I can," she said. "Then when the time comes, I try to help families say good-bye."

Recent News

Kirk A. Calhoun Bio
  • Community
|Feb 5, 2025

Dr. Kirk Calhoun brings expertise and vision to UNTHSC

Kirk Calhoun, M.D., FACP, brings more than 30 years of experience in academic medicine and health care leadership to his new role as interim president of The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, a position he assumed on Feb. 1. Calhoun most recently served as president o...
Prayerbear Party With Robin
  • Community
|Feb 5, 2025

TCOM student takes volunteering to a new level at Cook Children’s Medical Center

When you see Kathryn Adkins scroll through her journal of 110 pages of meaningful and memorable experiences, you know why she’s been a volunteer at Cook Children’s Medical Center since 2017. When you hear her speak about being a volunteer, you hear the passion that surrounds her more than 1,100 ...
Con Holin Macklin Solo Shot Dsc 4085 (1)
  • Our People
|Feb 3, 2025

Carved out of curiosity and motivation, Hollin Macklin’s path through nursing never ends

Hollin Macklin’s nursing journey began earlier than most. When Take Your Child to Work Day came around, she would accompany her mother to the hospital where she worked as a nurse, leaving her with a lasting impression. “Watching her provide care and compassion to her patients while balancing ...
Jacqueline Ladesma
  • Community
|Feb 3, 2025

UNTHSC PA students bring hope through handwritten letters

First-year physician assistant students at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth are demonstrating their commitment to service by collaborating with Letters Against Depression, a national nonprofit that provides hope and encouragement to individuals struggling with mental...