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The UAB Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine has been recognized among the 10 most-viewed anesthesiology residency programs in the country, according to Becker’s Ambulatory Surgery Review, citing data from the American Medical Association (AMA) Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database Access (FREIDA) program search tool. Out of 179 anesthesiology residency programs nationwide, UAB earned a spot in the top 10, placing the department in the top 6 percent in terms of medical student interest.
For many patients, the idea of brain-focused treatment can sound intimidating, but advances in technology have made Central Nervous System (CNS) stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) a safe, efficient, and minimally invasive option.
Emma Hobby, Ph.D. student in the UAB Graduate Biomedical Sciences program, neurosciences theme, is earning international recognition for her innovative research in Alzheimer’s disease. Hobby recently won the Lightning Presentation Round at the 2026 International Tau Global Conference, held May 13–15 in Washington, D.C.
Anya McDaniel, UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine second-year student, has been selected as a national recipient of the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship. The award will fund McDaniel’s second year of research in the UAB Department of Surgery on a collaborative project between Angela M. Carter, Ph.D., and Karin M. Hardiman, M.D., Ph.D., which McDaniel joined last summer as a participant in the department's Short-Term Research Experiences Advancing Medical Students (STREAMS) program.
On June 4, the Department of Pathology hosted its ninth annual C. Bruce Alexander Lecture in Pathology Education featuring Samuel Borak, M.D., an assistant professor in the UAB Community Practice Pathology Program. Borak delivered the lecture "Academic medicine in the community practice setting and the ever changing landscape of pathology."
The UAB Department of Surgery is honored to recognize the outstanding research contributions from its faculty, trainees, and staff.
Omosefe Ogbeifun, M.D., MPH, an Obesity Medicine fellow in the UAB Department of Medicine Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, was accepted into the 2026 American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scholars Program, a career development program that supports early-career professionals who treat and/or research diabetes and its complications.
The UAB Diabetes Research Center (DRC) has named six recipients of the 2026 Pilot and Feasibility Grant Program, which identifies and supports new outstanding and innovative diabetes research projects at UAB.
With a career defined by advances in clinical research, the growth of clinical programs, and, now, departmental leadership as chair, Rohit Dhall, M.D., an alumnus of both UAB Neurology residency and fellowship programs, credits UAB for establishing a foundation on which he could thrive.
Ioannis Liapis, M.D., MPH, a postdoctoral research fellow in the UAB Department of Surgery, recently received the Steve Sotsky Pancreatic Cancer Research Award from the Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (AHPBA) for his presidential plenary presentation on diagnostic delays in pancreatic cancer at the 2026 AHPBA Annual Meeting, held March 19-22, 2026, in Miami Beach, Florida.
New federal legislation was passed last year that impacts federal financial aid for our current and incoming medical students. Most changes will be implemented on July 1, 2026, which is the beginning of the 2026-2027 academic year.
The Department of Medical Education is moving its coursework from MEDMap, a homegrown system the school has used for years, to Canvas, the learning management system used by all other schools across UAB. As the transition continues ahead of the upcoming academic year, several key milestones have already been reached.
The Department of Medical Education at Heersink School of Medicine is pleased to announce recent additions to the team. Three new staff members have started their roles since the beginning of 2026. The department would also like to acknowledge the departure of three staff members and a postdoctoral fellow in Undergraduate Medical Education. Please join us in welcoming these new additions and wishing team members well as they transition to new chapters in their careers.
Theresa Wright, administrative supervisor in the Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine and Leen Matalka, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, have graduated from the Elevate Leadership Academy, an eight-month leadership development program designed to strengthen leadership skills and prepare participants for expanded leadership responsibilities.
For the past several years, Audrey Minter has been a welcoming presence for patients and families visiting the Sparks Center for Development and Learning Disorders at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Pediatrics. As a Patient Services Coordinator I, Minter helps ensure clinic operations run smoothly while creating a positive experience for those receiving care.
Gary Turner, M.D., a former faculty member in the UAB Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, has continued to support the department through an endowed lectureship that routinely brings internationally renowned experts to share their expertise with residents, fellows, and faculty.
UAB Department of Surgery Fay Fletcher Kerner Endowed Chair Herbert Chen, M.D., has been named a distinguished professor, one of the highest academic honors UAB confers, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to surgical education, clinical care, research, and leadership in academic medicine.
The Department of Urology is proud to spotlight Kaylin Swoboda, MPH, education administrator, who recently joined the department and brings a thoughtful, steady approach to her role. Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Swoboda is early in her time with UAB Urology and is already supporting the department’s educational efforts while learning the ins and outs of her position. As she settles into her role, Swoboda emphasizes adaptability and maintaining a level head in fast-paced environments.
After more than two decades of dedicated service, Tracey Cotton-Bickham is retiring from the UAB Department of Radiation Oncology, leaving behind a legacy defined by compassion, mentorship, and a deep commitment to resident education.
Update from Alan TN Tita, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Mary Heersink Institute for Global Health Monday, June 1, 2026: The escalating Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda - caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus - continues to outpace response efforts, with some 1000 cases and 220 deaths suspected. Pending effective vaccines or specific treatments for this strain, urgent action is required. Priority actions: Strict infection prevention – avoid contact, use hand hygiene, and protective devices - similar to COVID. Intensive contact tracing and monitoring - up to 21 days if exposed. Rapid detection, isolation, and supportive care Safe, dignified burials of victims Strong community engagement, risk communication, and cross-border coordination and logistics are essential for an effective response to contain transmission and save lives.
The UAB Department of Pathology is pleased to announce a new faculty member joining our team, effective June 1.
The UAB Department of Pathology is thrilled to announce a new faculty member joining our team, effective June 1.
Callie Clowdus, LPN, and Laurel Waldrop, NP, of the Division of Surgical Oncology graduated from the UAB Wound Scholars Advanced Program on May 14, 2026.
At the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, more than 1,100 residents and fellows are engaged in graduate medical education across over 100 programs. The House Staff Council (HSC) represents these trainees, bringing together residents and fellows from all programs to serve as a key liaison between learners and institutional leadership.
Irfan Asif, M.D., chair of the UAB Department of Family and Community Medicine and associate dean for Primary Care and Rural Health in the Heersink School of Medicine, has been selected for the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Council of Deans Fellowship program. Asif is the first UAB faculty member to be selected for this prestigious fellowship, which started in 2001.
Mark Hadley, M.D., professor and Charles A. and Patsy W. Collat Endowed Chair of Neurosurgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, reflected on the history and evolution of spinal neurosurgery at the Society of Neurological Surgeons 2026 Annual Meeting.
The UAB Department of Pathology recently funded travel awards to three trainees, who will present their research at national meetings this year.
James Johnston, M.D., professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, discussed the evolution of the department's Global Neurosurgery Program at the Society of Neurological Surgeons 2026 Annual Meeting.
Jeffrey Blount, M.D., MPH, professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, presented on the evolution of transitional care for patients with spina bifida and the development of the UAB and Children’s of Alabama (COA) transition clinic model at the Society of Neurological Surgeons 2026 Annual Meeting.
Jakub Godzik, M.D., MS, associate professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, discussed the future of spine care and the growing need for integrated and multidisciplinary systems designed to improve patient access, efficiency and coordination of care at the Society of Neurological Surgeons 2026 Annual Meeting.