Charles W. Baucum M.D.

Charles Walter Baucum died on August 19, 2012. He was born November 4, 1939, in Shreveport, Louisiana, the second son of Frances and Ralph W. Baucum, Sr. He attended Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, graduating in 1961 with a B.A. degree in English literature and a minor in premedical sciences. He attended L.S.U. School of Medicine in New Orleans, LA, graduating in 1965 as President of the Senior Class. Charles married Janice Heard of Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1962. Following graduation from medical school, he interned at Fitzsimons General Hospital, Denver. While in the military he served in Vietnam as an infantry battalion surgeon and was decorated with a Bronze Star for valor in treating casualties under combat conditions during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Following the military, Dr. Baucum completed residency training in Psychiatry at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in 1972 and shortly thereafter was accredited in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. During residency, he developed a career long interest in cognitive behavioral therapies and psychopharmacology. In 1972, he was a founding partner of the Behavior Therapy Institute of Colorado, a private group practice dedicated to promoting behavioral and cognitive therapies. Charles practiced psychiatry for the next quarter century in Denver. From 1980-86 he was Director of Psychiatric Services at St. Joseph Hospital. His final professional years were spent at the Denver Center for Medical Research engaged in clinical trials of psychiatric medications. His retirement years were spent developing his interest in photography.Charles is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Janice, their two children Jeffrey Charles Baucum and Sarah Baucum O'Connor, son in law Kevin F. O'Connor, daughter in law Kristen van Stiphout Baucum, and granddaughters Quinn Frances O'Connor, Johanna Elizabeth Baucum, and Annika Grace Baucum all of Denver. A family graveside service is planned. Special gratitude is owed to Dr. Richard Hesky, M.D., Mrs. Jennifer Anthony, R.N., and all the superb cancer treatment staff at the St. Joseph Hospital Cancer Center. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the SJH Comprehensive Cancer Center and Foundation, 1825 Marion Street, Denver, CO 80218; the L.S.U. Health Sciences Foundation, 450A South Claiborne Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70102; Opera Colorado, 695 South Colorado Boulevard, Suite 20, Denver, CO 80246; or the charity of the donor's choice.