52nd Annual Medical Alumni Weekend: A Mardi Gras Celebration of Tradition
The 2025 Medical Alumni Weekend, held February 28-March 1, brought together over 250 alumni and guests for a celebration infused with the spirit of Mardi Gras. This festive gathering provided a unique opportunity for alumni to reconnect, reminisce, and engage with the evolving landscape of the Heersink School of Medicine.
The weekend included class reunions, a campus bus tour, networking receptions, and more. Attendees had the opportunity to talk with Senior Vice President for Medicine and Dean Anupam Agarwal, M.D., gaining insights into the latest advancements and initiatives at the school.
A highlight was the annual Alumni Awards Luncheon, where distinguished graduates were recognized for their outstanding contributions to medicine and community service. The event also featured the passing of the gavel, symbolizing the transition of leadership within the Medical Alumni Association (MAA).
The weekend included two esteemed lectures:
- The 46th Annual Reynolds-Finley Historical Lecture explored the rich history of medical advancements in AI, presented by Rubin Pillay, M.D., Ph.D., assistant dean for Global Health Innovation, executive director of the Marnix E. Heersink Institute for Biomedical Innovation, and chief innovation officer for UAB Health System.
- The 33rd Annual Constance S. and James A. Pittman Lecture, presented by Alan Tita, M.D., Ph.D., senior associate dean for Global and Women’s Health, provided a look into the work of the Mary Heersink Institute for Global Health (MHIGH), where he serves as the director. Founded in 2021, the MHIGH has an overarching goal to improve overall health and well-being and promote equity in health outcomes among people around the world.
The annual Equal Access Birmingham Silent Auction raised funds for the medical student-run health clinic, ensuring that it has the necessary resources to provide much-needed care to the underserved in our community.
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Alumni Weekend Award Winners
Lisa Willett, M.D., was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions in the field of medicine. She has trained over 1,000 residents as well as countless UAB medical students through the UAB Department of Medicine, where she serves as executive vice chair and vice chair for Education and Faculty Development. She formerly served as the program director of UAB’s Tinsley Harrison Internal Medicine Residency Program.
Leah Leisch, M.D., a provider at the Birmingham VA Medical Center’s Comprehensive Pain Clinic and UAB’s Beacon Integrated Healthcare with a focus on substance use disorder care and primary care for under- and uninsured individuals, received the Young Alumni Award in recognition of her demonstration of the high principles of the medical profession.
Hernando Carter, M.D., an Internal Medicine physician at Archwell Health in Birmingham, received the Hettie Butler Terry Community Service Award for his outstanding contributions to healthcare, mentoring, and community service. He founded Prescription for Better Living, which promotes health literacy and education, and actively mentors youth through various initiatives.
Iris Fancher, M.D., who devoted her career to public health with the Jefferson County Department of Health and provided primary care to underserved populations in Jefferson County before retiring, received the Garber Galbraith Medical-Political Award for her service to the medical profession and in the medical-political arena.
John Wheat, M.D., MPH, was honored with the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his lifelong dedication to rural health care. His innovative work in developing the Rural Medical Scholars Program has significantly impacted medical education, ensuring a steady flow of skilled physicians to underserved rural communities and addressing critical health care shortages.
MAA Welcomes New Leaders
The Medical Alumni Association is proud to announce Rebecca Byrd, M.D., as the new Medical Alumni Association president. A dedicated physician at Grandview Internal Medicine in Birmingham, Byrd previously served as vice president of Medical Affairs and president of the Grandview Medical Staff. She earned her medical degree from UAB in 1995 and completed her residency at Carraway Methodist Medical Center.
We are pleased to welcome Leon Hamrick, Jr., M.D., Class of 1981, as our new ex officio board member. Inspired by his father, a longtime Birmingham surgeon, Hamrick discovered his passion for urology during his medical training at UAB. He has been in practice for 27 years, specializing in stone disease and general urology, with the past 17 years at St. Vincent’s Hospital.
We are pleased to welcome George Joe, M.D., Class of 1976, as our new at-large board member. One of Alabama’s first board-certified emergency physicians, Joe served as medical director for multiple emergency departments, including Carraway Hospital’s Level 1 trauma center, and mentored countless medical trainees. Now retired, he enjoys traveling, cooking, community service, and writing a digital book on his family’s landmark business, Joy Young Restaurant.
Expanding Learning Horizons
Virtual CME Series on Medical Education
Continuing Medical Education (CME) is evolving, and virtual platforms make it more accessible than ever. Last fall, a series of virtual CME sessions explored key aspects of medical education, offering valuable insights for educators, students, and alumni.
The series kicked off with an Overview of Medical Education. Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education Craig Hoesley, M.D., discussed the student body, the latest medical school accreditation requirements, and how the Heersink School of Medicine is pursuing its goal of training physicians to provide care for Alabama.
Assistant Dean for Preclinical Education Will Brooks, Ph.D., covered The Evolution of Medical Student Learning, including how technology has changed the way students learn and the impact of team-based learning.
The focus on learning and curriculum continued with Brook Hubner, Ph.D., assistant professor and director of Academic Success in the Department of Medical Education, discussing Step 1 and Changes in the Learning Landscape, highlighting recent shifts in medical training and assessment.
Associate Dean for Students Nick Van Wagoner, M.D., Ph.D., and Jason Noah, director of Student Success Programs, delved into Medical Student Services, covering student wellness and assisting students with academic struggles.
Christina Grabowski, Ph.D., associate dean for Admissions and Enrollment Management, provided a detailed look at The Current Admissions Process, mapping out the journey from applicant to accepted student.
Winter Williams, M.D., associate professor of Medicine, and Monica Agarwal, M.D., professor of Medicine, discussed The Evolution of Clinical Education, emphasizing new approaches in hands-on training.
Caroline Harada, M.D., associate dean for Strategic Initiatives, Medical Education, concluded the series with The Impact of Service Learning on Medical Education, exploring how real-world experiences enhance medical training and patient care.
Recordings of this CME series can be accessed online. The Medical Alumni Association welcomes suggestions for future virtual learning topics; e-mail Beth Eddings at
Dine with the Docs
Since 2015, Dine with the Docs has connected Heersink medical students with alumni in welcoming, home settings. Fourteen alumni hosted 12 dinners throughout October and November 2024, inviting nearly 90 students into their homes for meaningful conversations over a shared meal. Previous iterations have included experiences like progressive dinners and sunset boat rides, enhancing the opportunity for students to engage with practicing and retired physicians.
Thank you to our alumni hosts for making this special tradition possible. To participate in future dinners, contact Beth Eddings at
Match Week Casino Night
The Medical Alumni Association hosted its annual Casino Night on March 18, 2025, bringing together fourth-year medical students for an evening of fun and celebration during Match Week. This tradition continues to be a favorite among medical students, offering them a chance to relax and enjoy an exciting atmosphere filled with classic casino games, fellowship, and entertainment. A variety of door prizes from local businesses made the event even more memorable. The MAA is proud to host this entertaining event and looks forward to continuing the tradition for future graduating classes.
Atlanta Alumni and Donor Reception
Heersink Senior Vice President for Medicine and Dean Anupam Agarwal, M.D., hosted a special reception for alumni, donors, and friends in Atlanta on March 4, 2025. Guests reconnected with fellow graduates, heard updates on the school’s latest advancements, and learned about the impact of philanthropic support on medical education and research. The event highlighted the continued excellence of the Heersink School of Medicine, fostering a strong sense of community among those dedicated to advancing health care.
See more alumni events photos at maa.uab.edu.