In every medical school class, students stand out not only for their academic excellence but for their integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to uplifting those around them. For the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Class of 2025, James Stallworth is one such student. A four-time Class President and future urologist, Stallworth has shaped not only his own path but also the journey of his peers throughout his medical school years.
Though a career in medicine wasn’t initially his goal, growing up in Mobile, Alabama, Stallworth saw UAB as a natural choice for his undergraduate studies—close to home, full of opportunity, and well-respected. He earned a degree in chemistry, but it wasn’t until he immersed himself in the UAB environment that he discovered his passion for medicine.
“Being on campus and surrounded by the medical community, it became clear that this was the path for me,” Stallworth said. “Watching medical students and physicians make real, lasting changes in patients’ lives—that’s what brought medicine onto my radar.”
As he prepares to graduate from medical school, Stallworth isn’t simply leaving as a physician-in-training—he’s leaving as a leader who has made a lasting impact on the UAB Heersink School of Medicine. Serving four years as Class President, Stallworth has shaped the student experience in ways that will resonate long after he crosses the stage.
Stallworth first took on student leadership as an MS1, driven by a desire to foster stronger connections with his peers and contribute to the collective experience. His motivation only grew over time. Re-elected each year through MS4, Stallworth became a steady voice of support, advocacy, and collaboration—someone his classmates could rely on to represent their concerns, relay feedback to administration, support new initiatives, and ensure that every student felt heard and included. Through it all, he led with consistency, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility.
“Serving as Class President gave me an added sense of purpose,” Stallworth said. “I was always thinking about how we could improve the medical school experience and find meaningful ways to support my classmates along the way.”
That spirit of leadership and service carried over into one of the most meaningful moments of medical school—Match Day. For Stallworth, the day wasn’t just about discovering where he would train next. It was about celebrating the culmination of four years of hard work, resilience, and growth, as he witnessed the fruition of his classmates’ dreams in their desired specialties and residency positions.
This summer, Stallworth will begin his urology residency at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. The specialty, he says, was a perfect fit: a rare combination of long-term patient relationships, surgical innovation, and cutting-edge technology.
“At some point, you have to decide—do I want medicine or surgery?” Stallworth said. “Urology gives you both. There’s also a real spirit of innovation in the field—especially with advances like robotic-assisted surgery. It’s a specialty that’s constantly evolving.”
Throughout medical school, Stallworth prioritized giving back, volunteering with outreach programs aimed at introducing students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to careers in healthcare. Through UAB’s Mini Medical School, in partnership with Children’s of Alabama, medical professionals brought health education into local YMCAs, inspiring young students to consider futures in healthcare.
Stallworth also dedicated time to Equal Access Birmingham (EAB), a student-run free clinic that provides essential healthcare to underserved populations in the Birmingham area. He found that his work there allowed him to directly impact the community while gaining valuable hands-on experience in the hospital, staying at the forefront of medical practice and innovation.
Support from mentors played a crucial role in Stallworth’s journey. He credits Nick Van Wagoner, M.D., Ph.D., associate dean for Students, as one of his most trusted guides. “Dr. Van Wagoner is someone I could always turn to, whether I had questions or needed guidance during tough times,” Stallworth said. “He helped me stay on track and navigate challenges, offering advice based on his deep understanding of what it takes to move forward. He has been that steady mentor not only for me, but for countless students, grounding us with the wisdom and support necessary to succeed.”
To new students entering UAB Heersink School of Medicine, Stallworth offers practical advice: he emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with classmates, as these connections will provide essential support during tough times. He encourages students to fully utilize UAB’s resources, including the UAB Health System, Medical Student Success (MSS), and Academic Success, which offer tutoring, small group learning, and other tools to help students succeed. Building relationships with administrators, physicians, and hospital staff, as these individuals can become mentors and play a pivotal role in your career. Stallworth reminds students not to stress about mastering every detail right away. Instead, he advises maintaining balance by staying active, continuing hobbies, and volunteering—especially during challenging moments—to help remind yourself why you chose medicine.
Above all, he says to trust the process.
What excites Stallworth most about this period of transition in his career is the opportunity to apply the knowledge and experience he’s gained over the past four years of medical school to care for patients—guiding them toward better health. One of the key lessons he’ll carry forward from his time at UAB is the importance of understanding the broader context of a patient’s situation. He has learned to approach with empathy and mindfulness of the social factors that can shape a person’s health, incorporating those realities into his treatment plans.
Looking ahead, Stallworth aspires to carry forward more than just clinical skill—he aims to embody the kind of physician who makes a lasting impact. For him, the goal isn’t simply to be competent, but to be deeply trusted. “I always hear stories about doctors who were pillars in their communities, making a difference in all of their patients’ lives,” Stallworth said. “I want to be that kind of doctor—someone who listens, who advocates, and who earns the trust of their patients.”
As he prepares to speak at the 2025 Heersink School of Medicine Commencement on May 17, Stallworth is filled with gratitude.
“I can’t speak highly enough of UAB Heersink School of Medicine. The education, the mentors, the friendships—they’ve shaped who I am today. I wouldn’t change a thing.”