The UABFrom left: Krupa Patel, M.D., Director of the Residency Program; Scott McClure, M.D.; Veena Danthuluri, M.D.; Caroline Besley, M.D.; Scott McClure, M.D.; Poojitha Balakrishnan, M.D., Ph.D., MPH; Rob Tauscher, M.D., Associate Director of the Residency Program; Jordan Cook, Education Coordinator Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences gathered with faculty, family, and colleagues on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at The Fennec to celebrate the graduation of its 2025 class of residents and fellows. Held in honor of the department’s next generation of ophthalmologists, the annual ceremony not only marked the culmination of years of rigorous training but also recognized the outstanding achievements of this year’s graduates and the collective strength of the department’s educational mission.

This year's graduating class reflects the department’s commitment to producing skilled, compassionate, and forward-thinking clinicians and researchers. Our residents are now moving on to prestigious fellowships and clinical practices across the country, while our fellows have completed advanced specialty training in partnership with UAB faculty and community collaborators:

Class of 2025 Residents – Next Steps

• Poojitha Balakrishnan, M.D., Ph.D., MPH – Glaucoma Fellowship at Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins
• Caroline Besley, M.D. – Cornea Fellowship at Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania
• Veena Danthuluri, M.D. – Joining Eye Consultants of Atlanta as a Comprehensive Ophthalmologist
• Malcolm Kates, M.D. – Oculoplastics Fellowship at Medical College of Wisconsin
• Scott McClure, M.D. – Retina Fellowship at Retina Consultants of Alabama

Class of 2025 Fellows – Fellowship Completion

• Cary R. Baxter, M.D. – Vitreoretinal Surgery with Retina Consultants of Alabama
• Brook Gibson, O.D. – Low Vision with the UAB Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation
• Connor Dugan, M.D. – Glaucoma with UAB Callahan Eye
• Nathan Fischer, M.D. – Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery with Retina Consultants of Alabama
• Caleb Z. Rivera, M.D. – Glaucoma with UAB Callahan Eye

Several members of the department were honored with annual teaching awards, recognizing their outstanding dedication to medical education and mentorship:

• The Crystal Apple Award was presented to Rob Tauscher, M.D., by outgoing Chief Residents Malcolm Kates, M.D., and Scott McClure, M.D.
• The Silver Apple Award was presented to Nathan Fischer, M.D., also by Kates and McClure
• The Brass Apple Award was given to Caroline Besley, M.D. and presented by incoming Chief Residents Morghan Sahawneh, M.D. and John Stoffer, M.D.

“We are incredibly proud of this group of residents and fellows,” said Krupa Patel, M.D., Director of the Residency Program and Max and Lorayne Cooper Professor of Ophthalmology Residency Training. “They have demonstrated not only clinical excellence but a deep commitment to patient care and lifelong learning. Their post-residency plans are top-tier fellowships and attending positions. We look forward to following their continued success and witnessing their contributions to advancing the field of ophthalmology and improving patient outcomes.

Rob Tauscher, M.D., Associate Director of the Residency Program, added, “This class exemplifies what makes our training programs so strong—collaboration, integrity, and a passion for innovation. Their contributions have enriched our department and set a high bar for those who follow.”

The department also extends its sincere gratitude to its dedicated clinical partners, including Retina Consultants of Alabama and the UAB Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation, whose collaboration and mentorship are essential to the training of UAB’s ophthalmology fellows.

As these graduates take the next step in their careers, they leave behind a legacy of excellence and service that will continue to shape the future of vision care. Congratulations to the Class of 2025!