User:LACHC/"Chester R Barnes"

Chester R Barnes
Early Promise

Dr. Chester R. Barnes was born on February 23, 1927 in Mobile, Alabama during a time when segregation was legal and discrimination was prominent.

He was one of four children born to Lilia Barnes and Joseph Barnes. His mother was a housekeeper and his father a cement finisher, who was one of the first black men initiated into the company's union.

Chester was always reading at the dinner table and was known to order science kits with the money he earned as a delivery boy for the local pharmacy and from his sales of homemade pralines and fudge.

After being put on detention for drawing on another kid’s arm, his 3rd grade teacher took a special interest in him and discovered that he was extremely gifted. The school moved him up two full grade levels, but when they tried to advance him another grade level his mother protested.

Blazing Trails in the Military and College

Immediately after graduating from Dunbar High School in 1945, he was drafted into the army. He was grateful that the army assigned him to teach other military men stationed in Germany as he did not want to fight or engage in warfare. In 1948, he was discharged from the military and was given high marks as a academic lecturer and marksman.

After discharge from the army in 1948, Chester moved to California to avoid the discrimination and segregation he faced in both the South and the Army and soon realized that it was nationwide. He had always dreamed of becoming a physician and always says that he never went to a doctor or met one as a child.

Upon arrival in California, he attended San Diego State University before transferring to New York University the following year. His tenure at NYU was cut short because all his GI papers to get the GI bill to cover his educational costs were not yet complete.

After qualifying for the GI Bill, he transferred back to California to attend the University of Southern California (USC). He followed his dream by studying pre-med despite the claims of his professors that he would never be able to pass many of the pre-med courses.

To supplement the GI Bill and to gain medical experience, he worked full time while completing his pre-med and medical school education. This included tenures with the Iron Lung Unit at USC Hospital when TB was widespread and with California Hospital as a patient attendant on the night shift.

After graduating from USC, in 1954 he entered the College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he was the only African American in his class. During this time the school closed and was split into two separate institutions, the Pomona Osteopathic School of Medicine and what is now known as UC Irvine School of Medicine. In 1960, he proved his professors wrong by becoming the first African American to graduate from his class at UC Irvine School of Medicine.

Launching His Medical Practice

He continued to chart new paths for African Americans by completing his medical internship at Los Angeles Community Hospital, during a time when private hospitals did not accepts blacks into their programs.

Upon completion of his internship at Los Angeles Community Hospital, Dr. Barnes joined three other physicians practicing in Boyle Heights at the Aliso Medical Clinic at 1625 E. 4th Street. He quickly became so popular within the community that the practice was overwhelmed with the number of patients requesting his services

Several months later, Dr. Barnes purchased the Aliso Medical Clinic from his employers and became its sole primary care physician. His thriving practice provided a steady flow of patient referrals to new physicians establishing practices in the area.

Leaving a Legacy

During his 48 years of providing medical care at Aliso Medical Clinic in Boyle Heights, Dr. Barnes treated up to four generations of patients. Remembering the discrimination he faced as a child, he was committed to welcoming everyone in this largely Latino community. He always received overwhelming support from the Aliso-Pico/ Las Casitas communities and surrounding areas.

While his primary role was physician, he also became a friend, role model and mentor to community residents. To many he has become a member of the extended family, attending important family and community events.

Over the years, he has supported many local causes which would prove to enhance community recognition within the city and inspire residents to become active within their communities.

Dr. Barnes dedicated his life to the care of his patients. His work defines what we all hope to achieve in our lifetime: building a legacy, fulfillment, respect, dignity, contributing to a cause, providing wisdom and being a role model. His impact on the Boyle Heights community has been huge and will live on and inspire many for generations to come.