Barbara Friedes, M.D., FAAP, a pediatric chief resident at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), died July 17 at age 30 after being hit by a car while riding her bike. The driver is facing charges.
Dr. Friedes joined CHOP in 2021 as a pediatric resident. At her residency graduation, she was awarded the Frank M. Trojan IV Resident Courage Award for extraordinary support for her colleagues and fostering camaraderie within the residency program.
Dr. Friedes met her husband Cole Friedes, M.D., when they were undergraduates at Florida State University. In 2021, they moved to Philadelphia after she matched at CHOP and he matched at the Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania.
“Barbara was a complete joy to spend time with in every setting,” he said. “When it was just me and her, she was goofy, silly and loving. She was adventurous, determined and grateful for every small opportunity to spend time outdoors in nature. When she became chief resident at CHOP, she wrote down every incoming intern’s name, hometown and fun fact and quizzed herself for hours until she memorized everyone’s name so everyone could feel welcome.”
Dr. Friedes was planning to pursue a hematology-oncology fellowship. She recently completed some clinical research, and her manuscript was about to be submitted for publication, said Jeanine M. Ronan, M.D., FAAP, director of the Pediatrics Residency Program at CHOP.
“The first day of orientation we introduce ourselves with an adjective, and she always introduced herself as ‘Bubbly Barbara,’” Dr. Ronan said. “She was enthusiastic and brought so much joy and passion to everything she did. She really embodied all the characteristics you want as a physician.”
Regina Myers, M.D., M.S.C.E., and Amanda DiNofia, M.D., co-mentored Dr. Friedes throughout her residency.
“She was a really talented researcher and a meaningful teacher,” Dr. Myers said. “I go to a lot of meetings, and you see people up at the podium who lead these studies and programs and move the field forward. I’ll always think about Barbara and how she should be up there.”
A 69-year-old man faces multiple charges, including homicide and driving under the influence of alcohol, after the Volkswagen he was driving crossed into a protected bicycle lane at a high rate of speed around 7 p.m. July 17 in Philadelphia. The vehicle struck three more cars after striking Dr. Friedes, who was wearing a helmet.
Dr. DiNofia said many students and residents considered Dr. Friedes to be their go-to person or mentor. “What a beautiful tribute to her that everyone felt that special connection with her.”
After earning her undergraduate degree from Florida State, Dr. Friedes received the Frost Scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in clinical embryology from Oxford University in England. After studying at Oxford and completing an extended research study at Cambridge University in England, she attended Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore.
“I’d like for her to be remembered as a kind, compassionate and brilliant wife, daughter, sister, friend and physician who dedicated her life to serving others and who was a magnetic and inspiring light,” Dr. Cole Friedes said. “We were lucky to be loved by her.”
