Illinois Bone & Joint Institute is proud to welcome Paula Hughes-Barnes, MD, DABOM, FAAFP to our growing team of physicians. Dr. Hughes-Barnes brings specialized expertise in obesity medicine and a whole-person approach to care that aligns with our commitment to comprehensive musculoskeletal health.
Dr. Hughes-Barnes earned her medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine and completed a family medicine residency through Cook County Health in affiliation with Loyola University. She later pursued an obesity medicine fellowship at Northwell Health in New York, where she also contributed to clinical research and education.
A diplomate of both the American Board of Family Medicine and the American Board of Obesity Medicine, Dr. Hughes-Barnes is also a founding member of the Obesity Medicine Consortium. Her academic contributions include multiple research initiatives exploring the intersection of obesity, public health, and health equity.
In her clinical practice, Dr. Hughes-Barnes is known for her compassionate, patient-centered care. She focuses on the interplay between stress, sleep cycles, and emotional health in weight management. Her patients consistently describe her as knowledgeable, thorough, and—above all—genuinely caring.
Dr. Hughes-Barnes currently serves as Medical Director of the Ascension Weight Management Solutions Bariatric Center of Excellence at St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago and joins IBJI with extensive experience treating patients with complex weight and metabolic concerns.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Hughes-Barnes to the IBJI family!
