Dr. Sydney Barned

Dr. Sydney Barned is an internal medicine physician, lung cancer survivor, and patient advocate who brings a unique perspective from both sides of the stethoscope. Diagnosed with stage IV ALK-positive lung cancer at age 33, she uses her lived and clinical experiences to advocate for greater awareness, equitable access to care, and the elimination of lung cancer stigma. Sydney works to bridge the gap between patients and the medical and research communities, helping ensure that patient experiences and priorities are understood and represented in research, education, and advocacy. She is particularly passionate about dismantling lung cancer stigma, challenging assumptions about who develops the disease, and reinforcing the message that anyone with lungs can get lung cancer.

Through her advocacy, Sydney strives to help patients feel informed and empowered while encouraging clinicians, researchers, and the broader public to see the person beyond the diagnosis.