March 22, 2004
Wyandotte Distinguished Graduate
Inductee

Baran, Jr., Joseph - 1979
 

Joseph Baran, Jr. - Class of 1979

 

In 1979, Joseph Baran, Jr., graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School among the top in his class. Twenty-five years later he is among the top in his field as a doctor of medicine. Now in private practice specializing in infectious diseases, he has been recognized with Best Doctors in America Award, 2001-2003.

The road to an illustrious medical career is never easy, Joe's experience illustrates that in its own way. When Joe was seven years old, his father, the family's major breadwinner, died. Joe and his family credit the Wyandotte Public Schools for educating, nurturing, and guiding him to believe that any student willing to work hard, to accept responsibility and to make sacrifices may fulfill his dreams.

After his career at Roosevelt High School, Joe went to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, financing his education with student loans. At U of M he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree with Distinction/Honors in German (language).

Following his undergraduate work, Joe attended Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in East Lansing, again relying on student loans. Once he earned his medical degree, Joe continued his training to specialize in the field of infectious diseases. The arduous road to his present medical practice continued with residencies and a Fellowship in Infectious Diseases at St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit. Between 1991 and 2002, Dr. Baran also fulfilled faculty appointments at both St. John Hospital and Medical Center and Wayne State University School of Medicine.

For the past year, Dr. Baran has been in private practice and affiliated with medical institutions in the greater San Diego, California area where he enjoys privileges at Scripps Memorial Hospital, Scripps Mercy Hospital, Sharp Medical Centers, Paradise Valley Hospital, and University Community Medical Center.

In addition to his duties as a practicing physician, Dr. Baran has procured grant support for several infectious disease studies. He has been either a principal or sub-investigator in a wide range of clinical studies regarding infectious disease; he is also widely published in the field of infectious disease.

In addition to the Best Doctors in America, Dr. Baran was recognized by San Diego Magazine: Best Doctors Edition 2003 and Hour Detroit Magazine: Best Doctors Edition 2002.