06/11/2026

William Barrett, MD Named 2026 Daniel Drake Humanitarian Award Recipient

Join us on September 24 as we honor a physician whose career reflects extraordinary service to patients, future physicians, and our community.

William Barrett, MD Named 2026 Daniel Drake Humanitarian Award Recipient

The Academy of Medicine Foundation is pleased to announce William L. Barrett, MD as the recipient of the 2026 Daniel Drake Humanitarian Award.

Established in 1986, the Daniel Drake Humanitarian Award recognizes physicians whose careers reflect extraordinary service to patients and the broader community through a longstanding commitment to the needs of others. This year marks the presentation of the 40th Daniel Drake Humanitarian Award and the Academy's 170th year of service to the Greater Cincinnati community.

A Career Defined by Service

For decades, Dr. Barrett has helped shape and elevate cancer care throughout the Greater Cincinnati region through clinical leadership, collaboration, education, research, and mentorship. As the Charles M. Barrett M.D. Endowed Chair and Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Medical Director of the Barrett Cancer Building, and Senior Advisor to the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, he has played a significant role in advancing cancer treatment, expanding access to expertise, and strengthening the quality of care available to patients across our community.

Seeing a Need and Stepping Forward

What most distinguishes Dr. Barrett is not simply what he has accomplished, but how he has chosen to serve.

Throughout his career, he has consistently recognized unmet needs and stepped forward to address them—whether supporting patients and families through uncertainty, mentoring future physicians, or creating new pathways for individuals navigating complex cancer diagnoses.

That philosophy is reflected in the creation of Cincinnati Cancer Advisors, a unique community resource providing no-cost expert second opinions, guidance, and support for individuals navigating cancer diagnoses. It is one of many examples of a career defined by compassion, service, and a belief that caring for patients extends beyond treatment alone.

We invite you to join us on September 24 as we honor Dr. Barrett and celebrate the enduring impact of physicians who see a need and choose to step forward.

Save the Date!

Academy of Medicine Foundation Gala
Thursday, September 24, 2026
Cooper Creek Event Center

Registration coming soon!

Contact:

Jessica Sellar, Executive Director
Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati Foundation
jsellar@academyofmedicine.org