Dr. Brian Barkemeyer serves as the Professor of Pediatrics, Section Head of Neonatology, and Vice Chair of Pediatrics for Clinical Activities at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine. He holds the Sheila Gottschalk Professorship of Excellence in Teaching.

He began his academic journey at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, where he earned a B.S. in Zoology in 1983. He then pursued his Doctor of Medicine at Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans, graduating with an M.D. in 1987. His residency in Pediatrics was completed at the same institution’s Charity Hospital/Children's Hospital from 1987 to 1990. Following this, he undertook a Fellowship in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine at Louisiana State University School of Medicine, Charity Hospital/Children's Hospital/Tulane Medical Center, which he completed in 1993.

As a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, Dr. Barkemeyer has received numerous awards and honors, including the 1995 Outstanding Pediatric Faculty Member award and the Sheila Gottschalk Teaching Award in 2003 and was named LSU School of Medicine Alumnus of the Year in 2008. His accolades continued in 2019 with The Allen E. Copping Excellence in Teaching Award from LSU School of Medicine and the Master Pediatrician Award from the Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Administratively has made significant contributions to the LSUHSC Department of Pediatrics. Since 1998, he has served as the Section Head of Neonatology. In 2015, he was the Interim Chair of the Department of Pediatrics and has been the Vice Chair of Pediatrics since 2016, assisting in departmental operations with a focus on clinical activities. Since 2021, he has chaired the Departmental Promotions Committee where he counsels faculty and oversees academic promotions.

At Children's Hospital, Dr. Barkemeyer has been the Medical Director of the NICU since 1997, overseeing the growth and development of the Level 3 regional NICU, which provides the highest level of care in the state. Under his leadership, the NICU expanded from 21 to 34 beds and now admits approximately 300 infants annually. Along with his division members, Dr. Barkemeyer provides care to sick infants in 7 other area NICUs. He currently serves in the role of service line leader in Neonatology for Children’s Hospital and LCMC.

With a career marked by dedication to education, clinical excellence, and leadership, Dr. Barkemeyer has made substantial contributions to the field of pediatrics and neonatal care, impacting countless patients, students, and colleagues.