Lily Gutnik, M.D., MPH, assistant professor in the Division of Breast & Endocrine Surgery and Vice Chair of Global Surgery, and Kimberly Kopecky, M.D., MSCI, assistant professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology and Wellness Committee Chair, have been named recipients of the Blazing the Trail in Research Impact Awards, recognizing their contributions to advancing research in their respective fields.
Gutnik was recognized through the Mary Heersink Institute for Global Health, while Kopecky was recognized through the Center for Palliative and Supportive Care, both as recipients of the Heersink School of Medicine Health Across the Lifecourse (HSOM HEAL) Blazing the Trail in Research Impact Award. The awards will be presented at the HEAL Collaborative Recognition Awards Reception on December 8, 2026, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., in Algen 102.
Although their research focuses on different aspects of cancer care, both of them are working to address challenges that can affect patients' access to care and their ability to make informed healthcare decisions.
Expanding access to cancer screening globally
Gutnik's research centers on improving breast cancer early detection and stigma reduction in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where limited healthcare resources can create barriers to a timely diagnosis.
Her work has continued to explore community-based strategies that can help make cancer screening and treatment more accessible in resource-limited settings.
In 2025, Gutnik received a five-year, K08 career development award from the National Cancer Institute for her project, "Global Breast and Cervical Cancer Control: Implementing a Bundled Screening Approach in a Resource Limited Setting."
The project focuses on evaluating an integrated approach to breast and cervical cancer screening within a healthcare system in Cameroon. By investigating how two screening services can be offered together, the research aims to identify approaches that can improve accessibility and support the development of sustainable cancer screening programs.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive this recognition,” Gutnik said. “My research is driven by a commitment to making cancer screening and early detection more accessible to women in underserved communities. This award is a meaningful reminder of the importance of collaboration and the impact we can make when we work together to address barriers to care.”
Aligning cancer treatment with patient expectations
While Gutnik’s research focuses on addressing barriers to cancer screening and early detection, Kopecky’s work centers on improving decision-making for patients considering high-risk cancer surgery. Understanding the potential benefits, risks, and recovery process is an important part of these decisions. Kopecky’s research examines how patients and caregivers develop expectations about surgery and how those expectations influence treatment decisions.
Through a Palliative Research Enhancement Project Award from the UAB Center for Palliative and Supportive Care, Kopecky received support for her research project, "Characterizing the Patterns and Role of Expectations in Decisions about Complex Abdominal Surgery for Cancer."
The project examines how expectations are developed, communicated, and managed throughout the surgical experience, with the goal of informing future interventions that better support patients and clinicians in making treatment decisions. Kopecky's work also explores the importance of incorporating patients' personal goals and values into conversations about surgery in their oncology care plan. In 2025, she received the Society of Surgical Oncology Young Investigator Award to support her research project, "Aligning Preoperative Expectations with Postoperative Recovery for Patients Considering CRS/HIPEC: A Mixed Methods Intervention Development Study."
“It is an honor to receive this recognition,” Kopecky said. “My research is driven by a desire to better understand patients’ experiences and to ensure their goals and values remain at the center of surgical decision-making. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue this work and contribute to improving care for patients facing complex cancer diagnoses.”
About the Blazing Excellence Employee Recognition Program
The UAB Office of Research's Blazing Excellence Employee Recognition Program celebrates the exceptional contributions of staff members who demonstrate a commitment to collaboration, integrity, respect, and excellence.
Rooted in UAB's shared values, “We CARE,” the program recognizes employees who go above and beyond in their roles through teamwork, leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing the university's mission.