Hometown: Spartanburg, South Carolina
Undergraduate: Duke University
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina School of Medicine

A dedicated road cyclist and avid podcast enthusiast, Atherton enjoys exploring Birmingham’s thriving craft beer culture—particularly its wide selection of sour beers. She is drawn to the city’s exceptional culinary offerings, abundant outdoor opportunities, and the striking sunsets that paint the hillsides each evening. At UAB, she takes great pride in being part of an extraordinary team of co-residents, whose camaraderie and support enhance both the professional and personal aspects of residency.

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

Atkins enjoys spending her time outdoors, whether it’s playing tennis, fishing, or simply relaxing with her beloved black lab. A passionate baker, she finds joy in crafting homemade treats and embracing a hands-on approach to creativity. She appreciates Birmingham for its unique blend of metropolitan energy and small-town convenience; the expanding food and brewery scene offers the vibrancy of a larger city, while the ease of daily living evokes the charm of a close-knit community. At UAB, she values the welcoming culture and the collaborative spirit of her colleagues, who are consistently supportive and dedicated to shared learning.

Hometown: Johns Creek, GA
Undergraduate: University of Georgia
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University

Brieck is an outdoor enthusiast who thrives on staying active—whether she's hiking, playing golf and pickleball, or cheering on UGA football. A self-proclaimed pizza aficionada, she enjoys crafting homemade pies as much as exploring Birmingham’s vibrant food and drink scene. At UAB, she values the close-knit community that spans from PGY1s to seasoned faculty, where camaraderie and high-caliber surgical training go hand in hand.

Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Undergraduate: Tulane University
Medical School: Louisiana State University School of Medicine - New Orleans Campus

Conrad is an outdoor enthusiast who finds balance through sailing, running, hiking, and swimming—often pairing his love for movement with the serenity of nature. When not exploring local trails or soaking up the sunshine, he enjoys playing piano and seeking out live music performances that energize and inspire. He’s drawn to Birmingham for its abundance of nearby parks and trails, which make it easy to stay active and connected to the outdoors. At UAB, he deeply values the warm, approachable culture, where residents, faculty, and staff are always ready to lend a helping hand and foster a collaborative learning environment.

Hometown: Ocean Springs, MS
Undergraduate: University of Mississippi
Medical School: Larner College of Medicine at The University of Vermont

Dennison is an avid hiker and trail runner who thrives in the outdoors and embraces every opportunity to stay active. When not on the trails, she enjoys relaxing with her two cats, exploring Birmingham’s thriving brewery scene, and cheering on the Ole Miss Rebels. She appreciates Birmingham’s abundance of outdoor activities, its welcoming climate, and its community-centered atmosphere. At UAB, she values the strong sense of camaraderie and collaboration—a culture that promotes exceptional teamwork and supports both personal and professional growth.

Hometown: Ninety Six, SC
Undergraduate: Clemson University
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine

Duckett is a college football enthusiast with a love for all things outdoors—from running and pickleball to simply spending time in the sun with her dog (and any others that cross her path). An avid home cook and enthusiastic eater, she finds joy in the little things, especially when paired with good company. She appreciates Birmingham for its lively brewery and culinary scene, and for offering the perfect balance between livability and entertainment. At UAB, she values the vibrant and supportive culture among residents, faculty, and staff, as well as the program’s unmatched clinical volume and training opportunities.

Hometown: Norfolk, Virginia
Undergraduate: University of Houston
Medical School: University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Harris is a singer-songwriter and fitness enthusiast who brings creativity and passion to every facet of his life—whether he's crafting lyrics, staying active, or diving into the world of mechanical restorations through a vicarious fascination with rebuilding and repair. Deeply committed to equity in medicine, he is an advocate and mentor focused on broadening access and opportunity for historically disadvantaged groups pursuing careers in healthcare. He values Birmingham for its vibrant people, stunning landscapes, rich food culture, and abundant activities. At UAB, he finds inspiration in the strong spirit of camaraderie and collaboration shared among faculty, residents, and staff—all within a program that offers exceptional opportunities to develop advanced surgical skills.

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Undergraduate: Samford University
Medical School: UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Hunsicker is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys everything from golf, basketball, and spikeball to following Kansas basketball and discovering Birmingham’s diverse food scene. After growing up in a larger city, he and his wife have embraced Birmingham’s relaxed pace, welcoming community, and ease of living. What drew him to UAB was its culture—one that is deeply collegial, learner-centered, and committed to exceptional patient care. He values the unwavering support and leadership shown by faculty and residents alike, and feels privileged to contribute to a program that upholds such a strong, collaborative legacy.

Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama
Undergraduate: Auburn University
Medical School: UAB Heersink School of Medicine

Koch is an avid outdoorsman with a passion for fly fishing, fly tying, and backpacking—always seeking the tranquility of nature and the thrill of exploration. When he’s not on the water or trails, you’ll find him enjoying live music or discovering new local breweries. He appreciates that Birmingham offers the amenities of a larger city while maintaining the warmth and hospitality of a smaller community. His experience during medical school rotations confirmed what he had sensed from the start: the ENT department at UAB is truly exceptional. The approachable, charismatic faculty and residents foster a supportive environment that emphasizes both surgical excellence and personal development.

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

Reeves is a proud Alabama native and Auburn sports enthusiast who enjoys inshore fishing, grilling out, staying active, and spending quality time with family. He appreciates Birmingham’s Southern charm, diverse communities, and rich food scene, which offer the perfect backdrop for both adventure and relaxation. A graduate of the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, he was drawn to the Department of Surgery for its outstanding residents, faculty, and operative experience. What stands out most to him is the strong sense of camaraderie and shared purpose—treating patients like family while building lifelong connections.

Hometown: Tuscaloosa, AL
Undergraduate: University of Montevallo
Medical School: UAB Heersink School of Medicine

He is an avid outdoorsman who finds balance and energy through fishing, camping, and regular exercise. A fan of Birmingham’s dynamic culinary and brewery scene, he enjoys exploring the city’s diverse flavors and laid-back atmosphere. At UAB, he values the strong sense of community that brings together residents, faculty, and staff in a supportive and collaborative environment—one that enhances both personal and professional growth.

Hometown: Fayetteville, AR
Undergraduate: University of Arkansas
Medical School: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Rogers is an avid reader and outdoor enthusiast who enjoys Pilates, hiking, and spending time with her fiancé and their dog, Lila. A natural host, she loves bringing friends together and sharing good food and laughter. Birmingham’s abundant green spaces, thriving culinary scene, and welcoming community are what drew her in. At UAB, she’s inspired daily by the camaraderie among residents, faculty, and staff, and values the exceptional educational and clinical opportunities that make the program truly unparalleled.

Hometown: Mandeville, LA
Undergraduate: Louisiana State University
Medical School: Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans

She is an outdoor enthusiast with a love for soccer, bird watching, and spending quality time with golden retrievers. Whether she’s discovering new restaurants, exploring Birmingham’s scenic hills, or cheering on LSU and the New Orleans Saints, she brings energy and warmth to all she does. She’s especially drawn to Birmingham’s friendly community, vibrant brewery scene, and abundance of dog-friendly spaces. At UAB, she values the genuinely welcoming atmosphere—where residents, faculty, and staff go out of their way to make everyone feel at home and supported from day one.

Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Undergraduate: University of South Florida
Medical School: University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine

Sandhu is an enthusiastic tennis and pickleball player who rarely passes up a chance to enjoy the outdoors—especially with her beloved dog Bernie (or any dog, really) by her side. A fan of reality TV, exploring new restaurants, and curating her growing plant collection, she brings curiosity and warmth into every aspect of life. She loves Birmingham for its vibrant food and bar scene, access to nearby hiking trails, and the steady rhythm of live music and open-air markets that give the city its charm. At UAB, she values the collaborative spirit and warm camaraderie among residents, faculty, and staff, which create a supportive environment where everyone is truly invested in one another’s success.

Medical School: Louisiana State University School of Medicine

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

Stewart is a nature enthusiast who finds joy in fishing, hunting, camping, and hiking—always eager to spend time in the great outdoors. Whether he’s woodworking in his spare time, experimenting in the kitchen, or jumping into a game of pickup sports, he brings energy and curiosity to everything he does. He appreciates Birmingham’s diverse restaurant and brewery offerings, along with the accessible outdoor escapes that make it easy to unplug. What stands out most to him at UAB is the strong sense of camaraderie within the department; from interns to faculty, everyone works together as a team, creating a supportive environment that also provides exceptional surgical training through high clinical volume.

Hometown: Woodville, MS
Undergraduate: University of Mississippi - Ole Miss
Medical School: University of Mississippi School of Medicine

Thornton is a wellness-focused adventurer who thrives on tennis, OrangeTheory workouts, traveling, and winding down with a good book—or a walk with her beloved pup. What excites her most about Birmingham is its charm: neighborhood strolls to cozy coffee shops, trails to explore, vibrant festivals, and a brewery for every vibe. At UAB, she’s energized by the unparalleled sense of community. Inspired by the exceptional faculty and residents, she’s proud to join a department that feels like family, with world-class training and exposure to diverse pathology across the state and beyond.

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

Walz is an avid hiker and camper who feels most at home in the outdoors, whether he’s exploring a new trail, firing up something delicious in the kitchen, diving into a good book, or teeing off on the golf course. He considers Birmingham a hidden gem of the Southeast—offering the energy of a thriving city wrapped in the warmth of Southern culture. From its top-tier restaurants and bars to its welcoming neighborhoods, he appreciates the balance of liveliness and hospitality. At UAB, he is continually inspired by the way residents, faculty, and staff support one another, creating a culture of mutual respect, teamwork, and shared purpose.

Hometown: Norfolk, Virginia
Undergraduate: University of Houston
Medical School: Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine

Williams is a singer-songwriter and dedicated advocate who blends creativity, energy, and purpose into every aspect of her life. Whether she’s writing music, staying active, or indulging her fascination with mechanical restorations from afar, she brings a curious and thoughtful perspective to the world around her. Her passion for mentorship and expanding access for historically disadvantaged groups in medicine reflects her commitment to building a more inclusive future. She finds joy in Birmingham’s welcoming people, dynamic landscapes, vibrant food scene, and wide array of activities. At UAB, she values the exceptional camaraderie and collaborative culture shared among residents, faculty, and staff—alongside rigorous training that fosters both technical excellence and personal growth.

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

Yang is a classically trained cellist and guitar player who finds creative balance through music, baking, and exploring Birmingham’s thriving food and coffee scene. Whether she's testing out a new recipe, catching a barre class, or finding the next great local café, she brings enthusiasm and curiosity to every pursuit. She loves Birmingham for its abundant outdoor spaces, vibrant culinary offerings, and the inviting atmosphere that ties it all together. What drew her to UAB—and continues to inspire her—is the welcoming, tight-knit environment where residents, faculty, and staff genuinely support one another. For her, it’s the perfect combination of rigorous surgical training and an exceptional community.