J. Bart Rose, M.D., MAS, the director of the UAB Pancreatobiliary Disease Center and an associate professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology, discussed key aspects of pancreatic cancer, including risk factors, common symptoms, diagnostic evaluation and available treatment options, as a part of an educational video series produced by O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center.

John W. Poynor, M.D., a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Medicine class of 1966, established a connection to the UAB Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery that would lead him to a legacy of giving, one that his wife, Nancy, continues to this day.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Pediatrics is proud to recognize Scott Turner, DNP, assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Neurology, on his election as a Fellow of the American Headache Society (AHS).

Joel Funk, M.D., joined the UAB Department of Urology as a professor in September 2025.

UAB Medicine’s Leadership Development Office (LDO) celebrated the graduation of the 11th cohort from the Institute for Leadership on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025.

For many families, an autism diagnosis is the gateway to critical early support such as speech therapy, occupational therapy and applied behavior analysis. That diagnosis is guided by criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), the nationally recognized framework clinicians use to diagnose autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

Joseph Crivelli, M.D., assistant professor in the UAB Department of Urology, recently participated in the AUA/SBU Academic Exchange Program in São Paulo, Brazil, benefiting from shared knowledge and experiences with colleagues in Brazil and supporting the program's goals to foster a closer alliance between the AUA and SBU (Sociedade Brasileira de Urologia).

The UAB Department of Surgery Faculty Exchange Program hosted its latest cohort of participants in 2025 – featuring visits to partnering institutions across the United States.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Pediatrics is proud to recognize the recipients of the 2025 Pediatric Health Services Foundation (HSF) Clinical Program Development Grant. These grants support innovative, multidisciplinary initiatives designed to enhance pediatric care, strengthen clinical programs and improve outcomes for children and families.

In this installment, Brandon Rocque, M.D., a professor in the Department of Neurosurgery, explores his research on the psychological and support needs of pediatric patients and families experiencing neurosurgical problems.

An article published in Academic Medicine, authored by members of the Dean’s Office staff, explores how the University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine improved administrative efficiency and organizational cohesion by implementing a shared services model.

Roger Smalligan, M.D., MPH, regional dean of the Heersink School of Medicine Huntsville Regional Campus, has been named the next governor for the Alabama Chapter of the American College of Physicians (ACP) and awarded ACP Mastership.

Sushant Bhatnagar, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the UAB Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, has published an extensive review in Comprehensive Physiology, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Physiological Society, offering new insights into the cell-specific roles of BAI receptors in health and metabolic disorders.

The UAB Department of Radiology is pleased to announce the installation of two new advanced MRI systems at The Kirklin Clinic MRI Imaging Center. 

Andrea Gillis, M.D., MSPH, an assistant professor in the UAB Department of Surgery, and the team from the Neuroendocrine Cancer Research Laboratory have been awarded for the best basic science oral presentation at the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (NANETS) Multidisciplinary Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET) Medical Symposium.

Carlton Young, M.D., assistant dean for Access and Engagement – Medical Student Experience and Professor of Surgery, will retire from Heersink School of Medicine, effective Dec. 31, 2025, after 28 years of service in student support and mentorship for the institution. He will continue his clinical practice and will remain a crucial part of UAB Medicine.

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) hosted its annual Learn Serve Lead conference Nov. 1-5, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. The conference gathered leaders and professionals from across academic medicine to discuss pertinent issues in health and health care.

Crystal Burney is an office associate for the Office of Access and Engagement – Medical Student Experience. She joined the OAE team in March 2025 after serving as Lead Clinical Administrative Office Specialist for the UAB Health Services Foundation. She was nominated to the 2025-2026 cohort of Medical Education Unsung Heroes by Erica Brown, Ph.D., program manager for the Office of Access and Engagement – Medical Student Experience.

The UAB Department of Medicine (DOM) recognized UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center (UCDC) members, Fernando Bril, M.D., Alexandra Dodd, M.D., and Kirk Habegger, Ph.D., at DOM Recognition Day 2025.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation welcomed members of Merz Therapeutics North America for an official ribbon cutting ceremony at the state-of-the-art simulation training room in the new UAB Rehabilitation Pavilion.

As a pediatric surgeon and director of the Trauma Program at Children’s of Alabama, Robert Russell, M.D., MPH, cares for the youngest, smallest, and most innocent patients of Alabama. Learn about Russell’s journey to becoming a pediatric surgeon, the cutting-edge research he’s leading, and why he loves his job.

Thi Yen Ly Huynh, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow in the Ramanadham Lab at the UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center (UCDC), was granted a travel award to present at the Southeastern Regional Lipid Conference (SERLC) in Asheville, North Carolina, Nov. 5-7, 2025.

Richard Knott has joined the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery as a human resources partner generalist, bringing with him more than 34 years of distinguished active-duty service in the United States Army.

As the finish line of another year approaches, many in academic medical environments find themselves pressed to meet deadlines, juggle competing priorities, and maintain pace in these final weeks. In honor of the holiday season, the Heersink School of Medicine Office of Access & Engagement explored practical, research-backed strategies to support focus, restore energy, and ease mental strain. One simple, repeatable approach is gratitude, a practice shown to enhance emotional balance, perspective, and connection in both professional and personal settings.

2025 marks 80 years of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a milestone that reflects decades of advancement in clinical care, research and education. What began in 1945 as a small academic unit with a local focus has grown into a statewide leader shaped by a longstanding partnership with Children’s of Alabama. Across eight decades, faculty, staff and trainees have contributed to this growth and helped define the department’s mission.

The 2025 AI and Technology in Global Health Symposium brought together an inspiring mix of global health leaders, researchers, clinicians, innovators, and students, all united by one goal: finding ways for AI and emerging technologies to help close the gaps that still exist in health around the globe.

At this year’s AIMed25 conference in San Diego, one of the most anticipated moments came when Rubin Pillay, M.D., PhD., professor in the division of Internal Medicine and Population Science, was honored with the 2025 AI Educator of the Year Award.

Md Akkas Ali and Md Hasanul Banna Siam, trainees in the laboratory of Daniel Tyrrell, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, are recipients of 2026 American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowships.

Andrea Kahn, M.D., a professor in the Division of Women's Health and section head of gynecologic pathology (GYN), will assume the interim role as medical director for the Department of Pathology's histology and immunohistochemistry laboratories in the Division of Anatomic Pathology, directed by Oyedele Adeyi, M.D., FRCPC, effective December 15, 2025.

For more than two decades, Alice Rhodes, who served on the administrative staff, was a steady presence in the UAB Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. She was admired for her professionalism, work ethic, and the warmth and laughter she brought to those around her.