Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology

UAB’s new Clinical Trialist Development Program (CTDP) has selected 24 Heersink applicants for its 2026-2027 cohort. The program will provide these candidates with training, mentorship, and salary support to lead industry-sponsored clinical trials. It will also supply them with a 20% protected time allowance, allowing them to dedicate more time to research.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), also known as Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, is a rare, but serious, genetic disorder that causes abnormal blood vessels to form throughout the body. These abnormal vessels bypass much smaller blood vessels, or capillaries, creating direct connections between arteries and veins known as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). This can lead to serious health issues, including internal bleeding and complications in vital organs like the lungs, brain, spine, liver and gastrointestinal tract.

The Mary Heersink Institute for Global Health is excited to announce the second cohort of pilot grant awardees.