Just Being a Doctor: Edwin A. Rutsky, M.D., Reflects on 52 Years in Medicine at UAB
By Carolyn Walsh, MA
When Edwin “Ed” Rutsky, M.D., graduated from Case Western Reserve University Medical School in 1965, he wasn’t planning on becoming a career nephrologist. In fact, it would be seven more years before the American Board of Internal Medicine even offered certification in nephrology as a subspecialty of internal medicine.
Read moreIM Resident Offers Perspective on Health Literacy and Representation in Medicine
By Kiara Harris
In Black communities, a lack of health literacy — an individual’s ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information to make appropriate and timely health decisions — can play a critical role in health disparities. The journal Health Literacy Research and Practice reports that physicians overestimate the health literacy scores of 54% of African American patients, compared with 11% of non-Hispanic White and 36% of patients of another race or ethnicity.
Read more28 UAB Staff Get a New “DEAL” on Professional Development
by Sarah L. Minor, MS
An innovative new program aims to create a pipeline of future administrative leaders across UAB and UAB Medicine. The Developing Emerging Administrative Leaders (DEAL) program offers a custom-designed training experience to equip internal talent for management and leadership roles through an interactive 10-month exploration of finance, human resources, research, education, and clinical operations at UAB.
Read moreSurya Bhatt, M.D., MSPH Elected to American Society for Clinical Investigation
by Sarah L. Minor, MS
Surya Bhatt, MD, MSPH, an associate professor in the UAB Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, has been elected as a member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI). The nonprofit medical honor society comprises over 3,000 physician-scientists from all medical specialties, with a mission to promote the advancement of research that enhances the understanding of diseases and improves their treatment.
Read moreCherrington Named Interim Director of the Division of Preventive Medicine
Andrea Cherrington, M.D., MPH, will serve as the Interim Director of the Division of Preventive Medicine (DOPM), effective February 1, 2023. Dr. Cherrington is Professor of Medicine, Associate Professor of Public Health, and the Triton Endowed Professor in Health Equity Research.
Read moreA Generational Passion for Medicine: The Heudebert Legacy
By Kiara Harris
When the elevator doors opened to the residency hall on the third floor of the Boshell Diabetes Building, a wave of laughter filled the previously quiet hallway. Gustavo “Tavo” Heudebert entered the conference room with a cheerful smile. Following behind were Alonso Heudebert with a Christmas sweater in hand, and JP Heudebert, bashfully amused by the pictures that decorated the walls. One by one, the Heudeberts claimed their seats around the large wooden table. Each sat with their hands resting comfortably on their stomachs and leaned ever so slightly to the left.
Read moreDOM Honors Two Exceptional Research Staff for the Fall 2023 STAR Award for Staff Excellence
The Department of Medicine is thrilled to celebrate its Fall 2023 DOM STAR Award recipients. We received impressive nomination submissions this quarter. The Award Committee recognized two deserving staff members for their outstanding contributions and exemplary display of UAB Shared Values.
Please join us in congratulating Research Manager in the Division of Infectious Diseases, Tim Fram and Research V in the UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center, Truman Grayson for being the DOM STAR Awardees for Staff Excellence.
Tim Fram
Research Manager
Division of Infectious Diseases
Truman Grayson
Researcher V
UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center
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Tim Fram
Tim Fram
Research Manager
Division of Infectious Diseases -
Truman Grayson
Truman Grayson
Researcher V
UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center
DOM Honors Three Exceptional Staff for the Fall 2022 STAR Award for Staff Excellence
The Department of Medicine is thrilled to celebrate its Fall 2022 DOM STAR Award recipients. We received an impressive 68 nomination submissions this quarter. Due to the overwhelming response, the Award Committee recognized three deserving staff members for their outstanding contributions and exemplary display of UAB Shared Values.
Please join us in congratulating Administrative Office Specialist IV in the Division of Nephrology Corene Knight, Program Director II for the UAB Center for AIDS Research in the Division of Infectious Diseases, Mary Thielen, and Program Director II of Global Infectious Diseases in the Division of Infectious Diseases, Jamie White for being the DOM STAR Awardees for Staff Excellence.
Corene Knight
Administration Office Specialist IV
Division of Nephrology
Mary Thielen
Program Director II
Division of Infectious Diseases
Jamie White
Program Director II
Division of Infectious Diseases
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Corene Knight
Corene Knight
Administration Office Specialist IV
Division of Nephrology -
Mary Thielen
Mary Thielen
Program Director II
Division of Infectious Diseases -
Jamie White
Jamie White
Program Director II
Division of Infectious Diseases
Heaner, Carrithers, and Mehra Kick Off Weeklong Celebration of Primary Care
By Kiara Harris
Tinsley Harrison Internal Medicine resident and Primary Care Scholar, Dr. David Heaner, had just begun training at a new primary care clinic when a patient with multiple chronic conditions walked into the office.
The patient had seen several physicians at different institutions, but it was Dr. Heaner who changed her perspective.
Read moreIn Memoriam - Dr. John Holt
The Department is deeply saddened by the death of beloved cardiology professor John H. Holt, Jr., M.D. Dr. Holt served the Division of Cardiovascular Disease for nearly 60 years. He came to UAB as an NIH Cardiovascular Research fellow under the guidance of the legendary Tinsley R. Harrison, M.D. He joined the faculty in 1963.
Read moreLohr Named New Director for the Division of Cardiovascular Disease
We are delighted that Nicole L. Lohr, M.D., Ph.D., FACC, will be the next Director of the Division of Cardiovascular Disease and Co-Director of the UAB Medicine Cardiovascular Institute (CVI), effective November 15, 2022.
Read moreBoockvar Named Director for the Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care
Kenneth (Ken) Boockvar, M.D., M.S., will serve as our next Director of the Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care and Director, Integrative Center for Aging Research, effective December 1, 2022, pending Provost approval. Dr. Boockvar will also serve the Birmingham/Atlanta Geriatrics Research, Education, and Clinical Center as Core Investigator and leadership team member.
Read more77 Resident and Fellow Volunteers Enhance Experiential Learning for UAB Medical Students
Written by Kiara Harris
Medical school students face unique challenges throughout each phase of their learning process. Principles for maintaining mental wellness and improving professional skills such as ethics or applying for residency are often left out of textbooks.
Read moreElizabeth Westfall is new Division Administrator for PACCM
We are delighted to announce that Elizabeth Westfall, MPH, will be the new Division Administrator for Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine (PACCM), effective June 13, 2022.
Read moreDOM Staff Diversity Liaisons
The Heersink School of Medicine Staff Diversity Liaisons group was established to represent the shared interests of staff in creating a workplace that celebrates equity and inclusion. The group aims to create a community where people of all ages, genders, backgrounds, educational experience, and work responsibility are both recognized and valued.
The Department of Medicine has six staff liaisons serving as a part of the larger group: Claire Auriemma, MBA, MPH, Samuel Boadu, MPH, Tatiana Torres Herman, Ph.D., Carolyn Walsh, MA, Mischell Massey, and Landon Wood. These individuals are committed to making a school-wide difference, and advocating for the interests of the staff within the Department of Medicine.
Read moreDOM Names 2022 Frommeyer Fellows
The Department of Medicine is delighted to announce four recipients of the Walter B. Frommeyer Jr. Fellowship in Investigative Medicine for 2022. This annual research award is designed to foster the development of outstanding physician-scientists by supporting an intensive, mentored research experience.
Read moreJamie White is DOM's Fall 2022 STAR Award Recipient
The Department of Medicine is delighted to celebrate Jamie White, Program Director II in the Division of Infectious Diseases, as the Fall 2022 Quarterly winner of the DOM STAR Award for Staff Excellence.
Faculty, staff, and colleagues sent raving nomination letters detailing White's impeccable contributions to UAB. Nominator Dr. Jodie Dionne explains, "Jamie has excelled in each of her tasks and she consistently goes above and beyond to make sure that every single task is completed with precision and accuracy and on time (if not ahead of time)."
Another colleague, Brittany Martin, states, "Jamie is the program director for a group of Infectious Diseases faculty that each have robust research portfolios in multiple African countries (as well as their domestic projects). As such, many unique issues come up with these projects often. Jamie is constantly seeking innovative, fast, and effective solutions to these problems. She will go to the ends of the Earth to make sure the faculty have everything they need to effectively conduct their research projects to improve the future of global health."
Thank you, Jamie, for your impact on those around you. Congratulations for being named DOM's STAR Award winner for Staff Excellence! This is one of three awards that were given this quarter. We had so many amazing nominations, we couldn't choose just one!
Corene Knight is DOM's Fall 2022 STAR Award Recipient
The Department of Medicine is delighted to celebrate Corene Knight, Administrative Office Specialist IV in the Division of Nephrology, as the quarterly winner of the DOM STAR Award for Staff Excellence.
Faculty, staff, and colleagues sent raving nomination letters detailing Knight's amazing contributions to UAB. Nominator Dr. Norman Seay explains, "Corene has been an amazing administrative assistant–very prompt, dependable, and organized. She demonstrates utmost professionalism and is very patient. All the while so kind. I don't know what I would do without her!"
Another colleague states, "Corene has been a welcomed addition to Nephrology. She is very reliable, efficient and always ready to assist when needed. Corene provides excellent care for our patients as well as clinical and administrative support for our physicians. I am so happy she is a part of our team. She is well-deserving of this nomination."
Thank you, Corene, for your impact on those around you. Congratulations for being named DOM's STAR Award Winner for Staff Excellence!
Mary Thielen is DOM's Fall 2022 STAR Award Recipient
The Department of Medicine is delighted to celebrate Mary Thielen, Program Director II of the Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) Program in the Division of Infectious Diseases, as the Fall 2022 Quarterly winner of the DOM STAR Award for Staff Excellence.
Faculty, staff, and colleagues sent raving nomination letters detailing Thielen's incredible contributions to UAB, especially as a fully remote employee. Nominator Dr. Michael Saag explains, "Mary has become an invaluable team member during her time at the UAB CFAR, leading several initiatives exemplifying the highest levels of excellence in all that she does."
Another colleague, Dr. Donna Porter states, "I have interacted with many administrators and Mary is clearly one of the top achievers. She conducts herself in the highest level of professionalism, treating others with courtesy and civility. The day-to-day operations are impeccably organized and interactions with her are always efficient and productive. Mary exemplifies many of UAB's Shared Values daily and we can't think of anyone more deserving of the STAR recognition."
Congratulations, Mary, and thank you for your wonderful contributions and impact on those around you. This is one of three awards that were given this quarter. We had so many amazing nominations, we couldn't choose just one!
Aquila Brown-Galvan is DOM's Winter 2022 STAR Award Recipient
The Department of Medicine is delighted to celebrate Aquila Brown-Galvan, Program Director II in the Division of Preventive Medicine, as the Winter 2022 Quarterly winner of the DOM STAR Award for Staff Excellence.
Faculty, staff, and colleagues sent raving nomination letters detailing Brown-Galvan's incredible contributions to UAB. Nominator Kaitlyn Waugaman explains, "Ms. Brown-Galvan understand the value of diverse and inclusive perspectives and adapts her communication style to ensure that all perspectives are included in the decision-making process. I consider Aquila a friend, mentor, and coach. She pushes me out of my comfort zone, asks questions that encourage me to think through my assumptions and mental models, affirms my strengths, and shares fresh perspectives."
Another colleague, Katie Michaels states, "After a grant submission training we took together, Aquila consistently ensured that we were able to work in tandem to assist faculty members in future grant submissions. If I ever had a question or needed clarification on a topic, Aquila consistently provided feedback and encouragement."
Thank you, Aquila, for your wonderful contributions and impact on those around you. Congratulations for being named DOM's Winter 2022 Award Winner for Staff Excellence!
Angela Thomas is DOM's Summer 2022 STAR Award Recipient
The Department of Medicine is delighted to celebrate Angela Thomas, Nurse Coordinator of the UAB Bronchiectasis Program in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy & Critical Care Medicine, as the Summer 2022 quarterly winner of the DOM STAR Award for Staff Excellence.
Faculty, staff, and colleagues sent raving nomination letters detailing Thomas' impeccable contributions to UAB. Nominator Dr. Marty Solomon explains, "I have never been so impressed with a team member to provide seamless care for complex patients."
Another colleague states, "She forges an atmosphere of trust and respect with each team member and patient."
Thank you, Angela, for your impact on those around you. Congratulations for being named DOM's second quarter STAR!
Wayne Duck is DOM's Spring 2022 Inaugural STAR Award Recipient
Written by Sarah L. Minor
The Department of Medicine is delighted to celebrate Lennard "Wayne" Duck, Scientist I, in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology as the inaugural winner of the DOM STAR Award for Staff Excellence.
With over 29 years experience in laboratory research at UAB, Wayne has truly made a lasting impression on his colleagues as not just a scientist, but also as a friend.
Wayne conducts research in the areas of molecular biology and microbiology. According to Dr. Chuck Elson, two recently awarded NIH grants can be directly attributed to Wayne's efforts, and "he will be essential for the successful completion of both of them."
Read moreRowe will Serve as the Chief Scientific Officer for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Steve Rowe, M.D., MSPH, has accepted the position of Chief Scientific Officer for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - the world's leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis - effective July 1, 2022.
Read moreDOM Providers Recognized for Exemplary Patient Care
We are pleased to recognize the following providers for the exceptional care provided to patients in 2021. The providers being recognized scored an average of 98% or higher in care satisfaction, based on patient feedback from a survey which ranks them in the top 25% of providers for the following metrics:
Read moreEl-Rayes Will Direct Division of Hematology and Oncology
The DOM is delighted that Bassel El-Rayes, M.D., will serve as the next Director of the Division of Hematology and Oncology. He will also serve as the deputy director for the The O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB - effective March 1, 2022. Dr. El-Rayes is the John Kauffman Family Endowed Professor for Pancreatic Cancer Research at Emory University School of Medicine where he serves as Professor of Hematology and Medical Oncology and Vice Chair for Clinical Research in the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology. He also serves as Director of Clinical and Translational Gastrointestinal Malignancies Program and Associate Cancer Center Director for Clinical Research in Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute.
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