Carolyn Barley Britton, M.D., M.S.

Carolyn Barley Britton, M.D., M.S., is a recognized expert in Neurovirology and Infectious/Inflammatory Diseases of the nervous system.

She is currently Associate Professor of Clinical Neurology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, and Associate Attending at New York Presbyterian Medical Center. She is also a member of the both the Lyme Center and the Headache Center at Columbia Medical Center. She is a visiting lecturer throughout the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean.

A native of Huntsville, Alabama, Dr. Britton is a graduate of Oberlin College and New York University Medical School. She completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Harlem Hospital Center, Columbia University Affiliation, followed by a residency in Neurology and a research fellowship in Neurovirology at the Neurological Institute, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City.  She is double-boarded in Internal Medicine and Neurology.

Dr. Britton was among the first to describe the neurologic complications of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in 1981, and is a recognized authority on a rare viral complication, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. She served as the Study Neurologist for a Lyme re-treatment trial led by Brian Fallon, M.D., director of the Lyme Disease Research Program.

During the past two decades, Dr. Britton has been a tireless advocate for funding of AIDS clinical trials, the training of minority and female clinical researchers, and the inclusion of minority populations and women in clinical trials. Her work at the National Institute of Allergy and Infections Diseases (NIAID) helped produce changes in federal clinical research guidelines that require the inclusion of women and minorities and the expansion of clinical trials.

A faculty advisor to medical students for more than 20 years, Dr. Britton serves on the Columbia University Medical School admissions committee. She has been recognized as Teacher of the Year by Black and Latino Student Organizations.

Throughout her career, Dr. Britton has held leadership positions in numerous professional organizations, committees, and boards, including: Board of Directors, New York County Health Services Review Organization; Member of the Governor’s Task Force on Health Care Reform (New York) and of the Governor’s Task Force on AIDS (New York AIDS Institute); Vice Chair and Trustee of the Black Leadership Commission on AIDS; Board Examiner, American Academy of Neurology (AAN); Inaugural Chair for Scientific Section on Neurologic Disorders in Women (AAN); and Member of the Clinical Applications, Prevention and Treatment Subcommittee of the AIDS Research Committee, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
She was Director of Ambulatory Care for the Department of Neurology at Columbia University, and Chair of the Doctor’s Private Office Committee at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Dr. Britton’s work in the National Medical Association includes leadership positions from the local to the national level. She has served as President of the Manhattan Medical Society; Chair, Region I; Chair Neurology/Neurosurgery Section of the NMA; Trustee Finance Chair, and Chair of the Board of Trustees; and President-Elect.

In July 2008 during the NMA’s annual convention and scientific assembly, Dr. Britton was installed as the 109th President of the National Medical Association.

Dr. Britton is the recipient of numerous awards, including: New York’s Best Doctors, New York Magazine, 1996 and 2003; Best Doctors New York Metro Area, Castle Connolly, 2003 through 2008; Best Doctors in America, Castle Connolly, 2006 through 2008; Top 100 African American U.S. Physicians, 2001 and top 140 African American U.S. Physicians, 2008, Black Enterprise Magazine; Top Black Physicians in New York, The Network Journal, 2007 and 2008; American Legacy Magazine’s Multicultural Health Award, 2007; Harlem Hospital Second Century Award, 2004; Physician of the Year and Distinguished Service Awards, Manhattan Central Medical Society, Empire State Medical Association and Region I NMA.

In 2008, Dr. Britton was chosen by New York University Medical Center as the alumnus inductee into Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, the prestigious medical honor society.