About
Dana Rae Barr ’88 credits Carroll College with providing the academic rigor, discipline, and community that launched her career in medicine and shaped her life’s work.
Originally from Great Falls, Montana, Dana chose Carroll for its strong pre-medical program, small class sizes, and emphasis on a liberal arts education. “I was told that if I could make it through Carroll’s pre-med program, I would have the best chance of getting into medical school,” she says. The challenge appealed to her—and Carroll delivered.
Majoring in Biology and Chemistry, Dana developed the work ethic and self-discipline required to succeed in a demanding program where only a small cohort completed the full pre-med track. Those skills would later prove invaluable as she continued her education at the University of Washington School of Medicine, followed by a Family Medicine residency at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.
Dana has spent nearly 30 years working in health care, serving underserved populations in both hospital and clinic settings. She continues to practice as a Family Physician and remains passionate about patient care, even in the face of the evolving challenges of the medical field. “Health care is a challenging profession, especially after COVID,” she reflects, “but I love being a physician and am happy with my career choice.”
Several Carroll mentors left a lasting impact on Dana’s journey. Dr. James Manion challenged her academically and inspired a deep respect for learning. Fr. Gene Peoples taught her to view the world through a lens of equality and shared humanity, while John Downs fostered a sense of community and support that helped students thrive.
Dana’s favorite Carroll memories center around campus life and friendships—living in the dorms all four years, watching Days of Our Lives at St. Al’s, hiking Mount Helena, grabbing lunch at the Staggering Ox, and long conversations on the lawn of St. Charles. “I made lifelong friends at Carroll,” she says. “Some of the best years of my life were spent there.”
Among Dana’s greatest professional accomplishments was co-leading the effort to establish her hospital as a Baby-Friendly Hospital, a system-wide initiative supporting evidence-based infant feeding practices. She later became a Fellow of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, an experience that shaped her approach to leadership and change management.
Beyond her career, Dana is most proud of becoming a mother. She adopted her son at age 43 as a single parent. “He is the joy of my life,” she shares.
Looking back, Dana sees Carroll’s influence woven throughout her life—from her strong work ethic and faith to the lifelong friendships she continues to value. Her advice to current students is simple but heartfelt: enjoy the full college experience, get involved, seek out meaningful experiences, and work hard. “Carroll prepares you for what’s ahead—if you’re willing to fully engage.”