Explore UAB

Nicholas Andrews, M.D.

Nicholas Andrews, M.D.

Hometown: Titusville, Florida
Undergraduate: University of Florida
Medical School: University of Central Florida

Why I Chose UAB: UAB offers the outstanding clinical volume, research infrastructure, and collegial resident culture that I sought in a residency program. I quickly noticed that the faculty here fostered deep bonds with their residents and truly invested in their development as future leaders in orthopaedics.

Austin Atkins, M.D.

Austin Atkins, M.D.

Hometown: Tuscaloosa, AL
Undergraduate: The University of Alabama
Medical School: The University of South Alabama College of Medicine

Why I Chose UAB: When looking for the right residency program, I wanted a place that offered excellent clinical opportunities, a high-volume operative experience, and a great sense of camaraderie amongst the residents and faculty. UAB certainly meets all of these criteria, making it an excellent place to train.

Henry Bonner, M.D.

Henry Bonner, M.D.

Hometown: Roanoke, AL
Undergraduate: Auburn University
Medical School: UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Why I Chose UAB: I wanted a program to give me the confidence to go out in practice at the end of these five years and take care of any case that may come my way. I'm confident that the high volume of cases here will prepare me for any situation after residency. Also, the mentorship and camaraderie here are second to none. You can be in the trenches with your co-residents in the hospital, but still be super close and have a good time outside of work.

Sarah Bradley, M.D.

Sarah Bradley, M.D.

Hometown: Orange County, New York
Undergraduate: University of South Carolina
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine

Why I Chose UAB: I initially chose to rotate at UAB for the unparalleled operative volume, exposure to diverse pathology, and hands-on experience. During my time here, I saw firsthand that the program truly lives up to its strong reputation, but what stood out even more was the resident culture. Everyone worked incredibly hard, yet it was clear they genuinely loved what they were doing. The camaraderie, support, and dedication to teaching among the residents created an environment that was both motivating and welcoming. It was this culture that made UAB feel like the ideal place to train and grow as an orthopedic surgeon.

Callie Bridges, M.D.

Callie Bridges, M.D.

Hometown: Crossett, AR
Undergraduate: University of Arkansas
Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine

Why I Chose UAB: Simply put, UAB offers a great operative experience and even better people. The residents’ knowledge, skills, and comfortability with complex orthopedic problems was impressive. Additionally, the level of friendship between all classes creates a culture where its easy to ask questions, learn from one another, and feel supported. After rotating here, I had no doubt that I would finish this program as a confident surgeon and have fun along the way. 

Karen Carter, M.D.

Karen Carter, M.D.

Hometown: Gurley, AL 
Medical School: UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Why I Chose UAB: The mentorship, graduated autonomy, and camaraderie between residents and faculty at UAB Orthopedics create an unparalleled training environment. As an Alabama native, I value the unique opportunity UAB provides to care for a diverse patient population from across the state and surrounding regions, making a meaningful impact in the communities I call home.

Kelly Chandler, M.D.

Kelly Chandler, M.D.

Hometown: Huntsville, AL
Undergraduate: The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Medical School: UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Why I Chose UAB: As a UAB alumnus, I got to know the program well over my four years in medical school. I was consistently impressed by the camaraderie and surgical skills of the residents. UAB offers a well-rounded, high-volume surgical experience that prepares residents well for practice. I knew that I’d be well-trained here and get to work with great people, so UAB was an easy choice for me!

Addison Cimino, M.D.

Addison Cimino, M.D.

Hometown: Huntsville, AL
Undergraduate: Auburn University
Medical School: UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Why I Chose UAB: I chose UAB for residency because I was fortunate enough to be a medical student here and got to see and work with the finished product in the fifth-year residents.

Preeya Deol, M.D.

Preeya Deol, M.D.

Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Undergraduate: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Medical School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine

Why I Chose UAB: On the interview trail, the UAB residents were some of the kindest and the closest group of residents that I had met. They had built their community and spoke highly of how the foundation of the program was built on the backs of the hard work of the residents. The diverse patient population, high volume of cases, and early resident autonomy were some of the stellar selling points in pushing me towards choosing UAB. I know I will be a well-trained orthopaedic surgeon once I complete my training at this program.

Allison Desforges, M.D.

Allison Desforges, M.D.

Hometown: Covington, LA
Undergraduate: Louisiana State University
Medical School: LSU School of Medicine

Why I Chose UAB: My biggest draw to this program was how welcomed I felt and how well I got along with the residents as a rotating medical student. Now, I love how often we get together as a program whether that be for journal club, social hour after conference, or monthly bible study. In addition, I was very impressed with the case volume and how well-developed each subspecialty rotation is. Most importantly, this gave me confidence that I will leave this program extremely well-trained in all areas of the field and prepared to enter practice. 

Devan Devkumar, M.D.

Devan Devkumar, M.D.

Hometown: Dallas, TX
Medical School: UT-Houston McGovern

Why I Chose UAB: I chose UAB for the outstanding experience I had as an away rotator. The operative experience coupled with the camaraderie between residents and faculty truly stood out to me. I wanted to train at a program where I could become an excellent surgeon but also continue to develop as a leader and teacher. UAB cultivates a collegial environment that I felt would allow me to achieve my career goals while also making long-lasting bonds with co-residents and faculty. Birmingham is a great place to live in as well. I’ve enjoyed the restaurants and outdoor activities that are all well within the area. The city has a lot to offer and I’m looking forward to exploring it even more.

Patrick Elliott, M.D.

Patrick Elliott, M.D.

Hometown: Lee's Summit, MO
Medical School: University of Missouri School of Medicine

Why I Chose UAB: When looking at different residency programs, UAB stood out for its diverse patient population, pathology, and resident autonomy. During my interview, it was apparent that the residents were a tight knit group and willing to help each other out when needed.

Farzam Farahani, M.D.

Farzam Farahani, M.D.

Hometown: Houston, TX
Undergraduate: The University of Texas
Medical School: The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School

Why I Chose UAB: The overall structure, with a comprehensive clinical experience and high operative volume really attracted me to the program. The faculty and residents here are undoubtedly hard workers, friendly, and very supportive of each other.

 

Clayton Farris, M.D.

Clayton Farris, M.D.

Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Undergraduate: Washington University in St. Louis
Medical School: UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Why I Chose UAB: UAB offers tremendous camaraderie and a blue-collar work ethic, which were both high priorities for me when I was searching for a program. The operative volume and experience would be difficult to replicate at any institution.

Margaret Fisher, M.D.

Margaret Fisher, M.D.

Hometown: Whitehall, PA
Medical School: University of North Carolina School of Medicine

Why I Chose UAB: UAB was at the top of my list even before rotating here. I knew I wanted to train somewhere with a high clinical volume, opportunities of a large academic center, and ideally, proximity to family. My rotation sealed the deal. Nowhere else did I encounter residents who worked as hard, were as skilled, and who had as much fun.

Travis Fortin, M.D.

Travis Fortin, M.D.

Hometown: Pass Christian, MS
Undergraduate: University of Mississippi
Medical School: University of Mississippi Medical Center

Why I Chose UAB: UAB stood out as my first choice for residency due to the fellowship matches, operative volume and balanced training, and the program’s culture. UAB consistently matched residents into top fellowships with many of the same fellowships matching residents again from subsequent classes.

Katie Frith, M.D.

Katie Frith, M.D.

Hometown: Kaplan, LA
Undergraduate: University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Medical School: LSU Health Sciences- Shreveport

Why I Chose UAB: I could see how close the residents were and how much they genuinely enjoyed working with each other, as well as with faculty & staff. I also love the Birmingham area and the amount of places there are to eat and explore.

Jared Halstrom, M.D.

Jared Halstrom, M.D.

Hometown: Bellmore, NY
Undergraduate: The University of Alabama
Medical School: UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Why I Chose UAB: As a medical student, UAB provided my first exposure to orthopedics. As I started to learn about other programs, I quickly realized how unique UAB is. We have an extremely high volume of orthopedic cases and hardworking faculty who are passionate about teaching.

Alex Heatherly, M.D.

Alex Heatherly, M.D.

Hometown: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Undergraduate: The University of Alabama
Medical School: UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine

Why I Chose UAB: I chose UAB Orthopedics because of my memorable experience during my medical school rotation. The group of residents in this program shared a great deal of comradery while working, and their enjoyment in the work provided an unmatched work environment.

Rush Jones, M.D.

Rush Jones, M.D.

Hometown: Dothan, AL
Undergraduate: Auburn University
Medical School: UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Why I Chose UAB: After my first rotation with the orthopedic team at UAB, I knew that I wanted to stay here for several reasons. First, the residents and faculty are all extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and hard-working people that consistently inspired me to be both a better person and physician.

Jeffrey 'Clay' Krout, M.D.

Jeffrey 'Clay' Krout, M.D.

Hometown: Cullman, AL
Undergraduate: University of Alabama
Medical School: South Alabama College of Medicine

Why I Chose UAB: I wanted a well-rounded program where all subspecialties were well represented and where there was a high volume of orthopedic trauma. After rotating at UAB as a medical student it was clear that UAB Ortho excelled in these areas. My choice was made even easier after getting to know the residents and seeing firsthand how competent they were at understanding and managing orthopedic pathology. The residents at UAB were some of the most tight-knit, friendly, and hardworking residents I had seen anywhere. Birmingham also makes for a great place to live, work, and play. I believed and continue to believe that UAB provides me with the tools I need to excel as a surgeon, and surrounds me with some of the best co-residents in the country.

Pearce Lane, M.D.

Pearce Lane, M.D.

Hometown: Marietta, GA
Undergraduate: University of Georgia
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia

Why I Chose UAB: When asking residents and attendings from my home program about which programs they regarded most highly, UAB was always on their lists.

Mark McClure, M.D.

Mark McClure, M.D.

Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Medical School: UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine

Why I Chose UAB: I chose UAB for its comprehensive orthopedic training and unmatched camaraderie among its residents. Witnessing the residents' interactions both inside and outside the hospital showed me that UAB fosters a supportive community I want to be a part of. Having grown up in Birmingham, I know it is an ideal city for training, raising a family, and enjoying both urban and outdoor activities. As a UAB student, I have experienced firsthand the volume and depth of education that UAB orthopedic residents receive. I am confident that when I graduate from this program, I will be fully prepared to excel in any field of orthopedics I choose.

Decorian North, M.D

Decorian North, M.D

Hometown: Port Saint Joe, FL
Undergraduate: Florida State University
Medical School: Florida State University College of Medicine

Why I Chose UAB: I chose UAB because I immediately felt a strong sense of camaraderie on both my interview day and my second look. UAB's strong academic reputation, high operative volume and great fellowship placement makes it an ideal residency to at train and an easy choice for me.

David Patch, M.D.

David Patch, M.D.

Hometown: Macon, GA
Undergraduate: Georgia College
Medical School: St. George’s University

Why I Chose UAB: UAB was my top choice for residency due to the programs cohesive culture, exceptional leadership, and access to top notch academic opportunities. After completing a research fellowship with UAB, I witnessed the work ethic of the program and believe it ensures the highest level of training among mentors, and colleagues, who are committed to the future of orthopaedic surgery.

Matthew 'Turner' Sankey, M.D.

Matthew 'Turner' Sankey, M.D.

Hometown: Mobile, AL
Undergraduate: The University of Alabama
Medical School: South Alabama College of Medicine

Why I Chose UAB: UAB offers an excellent, well-rounded training program where you are surrounded by faculty and co-residents who are invested in your growth. I know after graduating, I will be able to handle any situation I may encounter in my own practice. To top it off, Birmingham is a great city. It hosts numerous events, live music, and activities that will keep you entertained during your free time. There is always something to do, regardless of what you are interested in. 

Ellie Starnes, M.D.

Ellie Starnes, M.D.

Hometown: Monroe, LA
Undergraduate: University of Louisiana at Monroe
Medical School: LSU Health Shreveport

Why I Chose UAB: I was very impressed with how well rounded each subspecialty of orthopedics is represented here. I also loved how well the residents got along not only amongst themselves, but also with the faculty. The city of Birmingham also has so much to offer in terms of places to eat, hangout, and explore.

Ellyn Strother, M.D.

Ellyn Strother, M.D.

Hometown: North Augusta, SC
Undergraduate: University of South Carolina
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia

Why I Chose UAB: When I rotated here as a student, I was impressed by the camaraderie and teamwork among the residents. In addition, UAB has a diverse caseload, providing a well-rounded training experience. I have no doubt that UAB will lay a solid foundation for my career in orthopedic surgery!

Anthony Wilson, M.D.

Anthony Wilson, M.D.

Hometown: Long Island, New York
Undergraduate: Stony Brook University
Medical School: UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Why I Chose UAB: UAB Orthopedics stood out not only for its academic excellence but also for the remarkable camaraderie among co-residents and staff. The supportive and collaborative environment here fosters growth not just as a physician but as a team member. This sense of community was a compelling factor in my choice to join the UAB family for my residency.

Madison Wood, M.D.

Madison Wood, M.D.

Hometown: Columbus, GA
Undergraduate: University of Georgia
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia

Why I Chose UAB: I chose UAB because of how close-knit and supportive the residents, faculty, and staff were—it was clear from the start that everyone genuinely enjoyed working together. As a rotating medical student, I felt welcomed right away, and I could see how strong the camaraderie was both in and out of the hospital. I wanted a program with high-volume, well-rounded subspecialty training, and great mentorship to give me the confidence to handle anything in practice, and UAB absolutely delivers on all of that. Plus, Birmingham is an awesome place to live, with tons of great food and things to do outside of work.

Phillip Wyatt, M.D., DPT

Phillip Wyatt, M.D., DPT

Hometown: Fairhope, AL
Undergraduate: University of South Alabama
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University

Why I Chose UAB: UAB is second to none in terms of operative experience. I saw that on my away rotation here, and I was amazed at the ability of the senior residents that I worked with. I also saw true camaraderie among the residents. Everyone here has each other's best interest in mind and truly wants to see each other succeed. In addition, my wife and I love Birmingham. The city has lots to do, and it is a great place to raise a family. UAB was the perfect match for both me and my family.