The UAB Department of Surgery continues to be well-represented among recipients of the prestigious James IV Traveling Fellowship, a testament to the department’s commitment to advancing surgical innovation and global collaboration.

Most recently, UAB Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery Director Daniel Chu, M.D., MSPH, FACS, FASCRS, and UAB Vice Chair of Education Brenessa Lindeman, M.D., MEHP, were selected as James IV Traveling Fellows, joining an impressive legacy of UAB surgeons who have received the award.

Fellowship Impacts

Chu, who has completed the first half of his fellowship travels to Malaysia and Singapore and is scheduled to complete the second half in the United Kingdom this summer, used the opportunity to explore health literacy in surgical environments and enhanced recovery protocols in colorectal surgery.

Lindeman, a nationally recognized leader in endocrine surgery and surgical education, is expected to focus her travels on surgical training innovation and academic leadership abroad.

"Having multiple James IV Fellows within our department is an accomplishment to celebrate,” said UAB Department of Surgery Fay Fletcher Kerner Endowed Chair of Surgery Herbert Chen, M.D. "These fellowships enrich our department with global insight, create international partnerships, and inspire the next generation of surgeon-scholars."

About the James IV Traveling Fellowship

The James IV Traveling Fellowship, awarded by the James IV Association of Surgeons, provides mid-career academic surgeons with a unique opportunity to visit surgical centers of excellence across the world, engage in academic exchange, and build meaningful international collaborations. Each recipient tailors their itinerary to explore global perspectives in surgical care, education, and research.