In Memoriam God Loves It
Fred Braden, MD
Barkley Beidleman, MD
1925 - 2010
1920 - 2010
By F. Norman Vickers, MD The medical and the larger community mourn the loss of retired Obstetrician-Gynecologist Fred Braden. He arrived in Pensacola in 1957 and practiced for forty years. He was a humanitarian in every sense. Dr. Bob Andrews, OB/GYN who practiced with him briefly before Fred retired spoke of his many kindnesses to patients, family and staff. One of his admonitions to the new physician was, “If you take care of your patients, they will take care of you.” Andrews said that Dr. Braden gave the same care to his patients regardless of ability to pay. Jean Andrews, longtime nurse at Baptist Hospital Labor and Delivery department, said that she had known Dr. Braden for over thirty years. She also spoke of his good humor and kindness to his patients. She reported that one of Fred’s frequent sayings was, “God loves it!” Fred, I’m told, when he first came to Pensacola even did some home deliveries in the housing projects, wherever his patients needed him. Details of Fred’s honors and accolades may be found in his printed obituary, so I need not recount them here. He was honored as Baptist Hospital physician of the year in 1986. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church and served on various boards and committees. He was a dedicated gardener/horticulturalist and shared a greenhouse with his neighbor, the late Dr. Frank Creel. He was especially fond of orchids. Some years after his wife Ruthie died, he married a longtime friend and neighbor Judy Davis. He is survived by wife Judy; three daughters Susie Schmidt, Jennifer Webster, and Laurie Braden, as well as a numerous grandchildren.
Pharmacogenetics Impact, continued from page 6 as part of their training. For those that have not had training, managing the demands of a busy practice make it difficult to keep up with new developments. The Future of Pharmacogenetics “In light of the current benefits and emerging advances in pharmacogenetics, the future of medicine may well rely on testing to determine the role that genes play in the effectiveness of medication,” said Bob White. “Results will help decide which drug and how much to prescribe – a major benefit for both patients and physicians.” Doctors can expect to see more patients who already know their genetic status when it comes to metabolizing certain drugs. The patient population is increasingly demanding genetic testing services from their providers. In the case of at least warfarin, it may be wise to inform the patient of the availability of genetic testing to lessen the likelihood of an adverse reac-
Barkley Beidleman is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Statia McNeese Beidleman of Pensacola; daughter, Katharine Thompson of Richmond, VA; son, William Barkley Beidleman and his wife, Robin, of Birmingham, AL; and daughter, Anne Yniguez and her husband, Dennis, of Berkeley, CA; as well as grandchildren, Daniel Barkley Thompson of Richmond; Pamela and Mathew Barkley Beidleman of Birmingham; and his brother, Edward Beidleman and his wife, Sadako, of Honolulu, HI. Dr. Beidleman was born on June 30, 1920 in Frostburg, MD. He grew up and graduated from high school in Hanover, PA. He was an Eagle Scout. He was a graduate of Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA, Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa; and Harvard Medical School. In 1952, he joined the Department of Internal Medicine of the Medical Center Clinic in Pensacola. He served as Chairman of that department as well as Medical Director of the Clinic and President of the Medical Staff of West Florida Hospital. He was also a staff member of Baptist, Sacred Heart and Escambia General Hospitals; consultant to Air Products and Chemicals, Pace, FL; and to the United States Air Force Hospital in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. Dr. Beidleman was a Diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners, was certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and was a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. He authored 25 articles published in medical journals and chapters in four medical textbooks. He served as an officer and/or member of the American, Florida and Escambia County Medical Societies, the Endocrine Society, the Escambia County Juvenile Court Advisory Board, the Pensacola Art Association, Legal Aid Society, Northwest Florida Music Series, Regional Health Planning Council and the University of West Florida Foundation. Dr Beidleman was also instrumental in organizing the medical residency programs of the existing hospitals, known as the Pensacola Educational Program (PEP), and served as a Board Chairman. He will be remembered for his passion for medicine and generous spirit.
tion and let the patient work with their health insurer as to who pays for the test. Some patients may wish to pay for the test themselves once properly informed of its availability. While it may be true that it pharmacogenetics may eventually offer significant results, challenges remain before patients and doctors experience the anticipated benefits. Information in this article does not establish a standard of care, nor is it a substitute for legal advice. The information and suggestions contained here are generalized and may not apply to all practice situations. First Professionals recommends you obtain legal advice from a qualified attorney for a more specific application to your practice. This information should be used as a reference guide only.