Meet Our Residents

HOMETOWN: Collierville, TN
UNDERGRADUATE: Asbury University
MEDICAL SCHOOL: Lincoln Memorial University
BIO: Hey y’all! I’m Sarah Balkcom, originally from Collierville, TN. I played college soccer at Asbury University, where I double majored in Biology and Spanish. After undergrad, I went on to medical school at Lincoln Memorial. I was lucky enough to do a rotation at UAB, and it was immediately clear that this program was something special and exactly where I wanted to be. UAB offers the opportunity to care for a diverse, high-acuity patient population while working alongside genuinely kind people who love what they do. That combination was exactly what I was looking for in a program. I’m so excited to train here and explore Birmingham. When I’m off shift, you can usually find me outdoors, at a soccer match, or enjoying a good happy hour. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of this program, and I couldn’t imagine a better place, or better people to train with.

HOMETOWN: Trussville, AL
UNDERGRADUATE: University of Alabama at Birmingham
MEDICAL SCHOOL: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
BIO: I grew up in Trussville, AL. After a couple of years of classes at Jefferson State Community College, I started volunteering with Trussville Fire Department and went to paramedic school. I completed my clinical rotations in the ED at UAB, which is where I met my wife, Heather, while she was working as a patient care tech. We have now been married for 13 years and are the proud parents of four boys. I worked as a firefighter/paramedic and after several years of transporting patients to the emergency department, I decided that I wanted to be an emergency physician. With Heather’s support, I went back and finished my undergrad at UAB while teaching full time in the Jefferson State EMS Program. We moved back to Heather’s hometown of Dothan, AL where I attended medical school at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine. During my time there, I extended my education and worked for a year in the clinical simulation center and obtained a Master of Science in Adult Education from Troy University. Thinking about residency, I reflected on the relationships that I built during my years in EMS and teaching in Birmingham and I knew that UAB was where I wanted to be. The level of training, acuity of patients, and level of autonomy, along with the fantastic family atmosphere and supportive culture is truly amazing. All of this was solidified when I did a 4th year audition rotation at UAB. My interests in EM include EMS, Simulation, and Ultrasound. When I’m not working, I try to spend as much time as I can with my family at the neighborhood pool, helping with whatever sport the boys are playing, or an occasional round of disc golf.

HOMETOWN: Newnan, GA
UNDERGRADUATE: University of Georgia
MEDICAL SCHOOL: USC School of Medicine Greenville
BIO: I grew up two hours west of Birmingham in a small town called Newnan, GA. Fun fact: It is the hometown of 90’s country legend Alan Jackson, our claim to fame! I attended the University of Georgia for undergrad (Go Dawgs!) and USC School of Medicine Greenville in Greenville, SC for medical school. In between that time, I moved to Charleston, SC where I met my wife, Taylor, and worked several jobs including being an ED Tech, a prep cook and smoking pit BBQ to name a few. Both being from the southeast, Taylor and I knew we wanted to stay in the region, and after my interview here at UAB, I instantly knew Birmingham was the place for us. The support and camaraderie of everyone in the program along with the high acuity and diversity of our patient population is second to none. My current interests in EM include U/S, crit care, and global health to name a few. When not at work you’ll find me hanging out with Taylor, our one-year-old daughter Turner and mini labradoodle Beau. In addition, I love cooking and entertaining, playing music, collecting vinyl records, and watching the Dawgs during football season.

HOMETOWN: Cumming, GA
UNDERGRADUATE: University of Georgia
MEDICAL SCHOOL: Mercer University School of Medicine
BIO: I grew up about 45 minutes north of Atlanta before attending the University of Georgia for undergrad (Go Dawgs!) where I earned my Bachelor's in Genetics and a minor in Religion. After undergrad, I worked as a scribe for about 2 years before attending the Mercer University School of Medicine in Savannah, GA medical school! These were the best four years of my life and I made some incredible friends and met my amazing wife, Danielle. Couples matching can be difficult, but from the beginning, the program leadership, attending’s, and residents we met at UAB were so kind, humble, and encouraging and made us feel like we would both be proud to call this place home! On top of all of this, the training you get at UAB is top notch and we see some of the most complex and clinically diverse pathology in the country! Outside of work, you’ll find me working out, reading, exploring new restaurants, trying new recipes with my wife, and loving on our two cats. We can’t wait to see what UAB and Birmingham have in store for us!

HOMETOWN: New York, NY
UNDERGRADUATE: New York University
MEDICAL SCHOOL: Meharry Medical College
BIO: I was born in New York City, where I spent my formative years before heading to Nashville for medical school at Meharry Medical College. Prior to that, I completed my undergraduate studies at NYU and earned a Master of Science in Clinical Research from the Icahn School of Medicine. During graduate school, I discovered a passion for group fitness and began teaching spin classes, a pursuit I continued through medical school. My interest in medicine began in childhood while accompanying my mother to work, a radiologist who deeply loved her job. When I discovered emergency medicine as a specialty and had the opportunity to do research and shadow in the ED, I knew I had found my people. My introduction to UAB was gradual, starting with rotations there during my third year for surgery and pediatrics. I fell in love with the city and the environment and ultimately decided to do an away rotation. The unmatched exposure offered by being the only Level 1 trauma center in all of Alabama, combined with the residency leadership's clear dedication to teaching and investment in residents, confirmed my decision that UAB was where I needed to be for residency. My EM interests include medical education and administration. When I'm not in the ED, you can find me catching a group fitness class, hitting up a farmers market, or spending time with my husband Patrick and my dog Bean.

Medical School: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Why I Chose UAB: UAB continued to stand out after attending the Alabama ACEP conference and having physicians at my medical school speak highly about their experience training at UAB. After interview day and meeting the faculty and residents, I knew that these were the people I wanted to train under and alongside.

HOMETOWN: Hattiesburg, MS 
UNDERGRADUATE: Mississippi State University 
MEDICAL SCHOOL: William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
BIO: I grew up in Hattiesburg, Mississippi which is about an hour north of the gulf coast. In high school, I was able to work as an ED technician, which lead me to choose a career in medicine. I attended college at Mississippi State University (Hail State!), which is where I met my now fiancé, Savannah. After college, I attended medical school in my hometown at William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine. There are many reasons why I chose to pursue a career in EM. I would say the main reason would be getting the opportunity to help patients through what is normally a very vulnerable and critical point in their lives. After I spent a month here in Birmingham at UAB during my 4th year of medical school, I knew it would be a perfect fit. The culture and supportive atmosphere that I experienced here was truly unmatched. Every day I’m challenged to be better than I was the day before. The exposure of high patient volume, high acuity cases, and procedure opportunities are second to none. My experience in this program so far has been more than anything I could have asked for in an EM residency. Outside of medicine, I enjoy watching college sports, golfing, hunting, or simply hanging out with friends.  

HOMETOWN: Nepal
UNDERGRADUATE: Alabama State University
MEDICAL SCHOOL: UAB Heersink School of Medicine
BIO: I grew up in Nepal, a beautiful country known for its mountains, culture, and incredible food. I moved to the U.S. for college. During college, I worked as a scribe at Baptist Health in Montgomery and Prattville, where I discovered my passion for emergency medicine. I love the pace, the teamwork, and the chance to be there for people in their most critical moments. The organized chaos made me feel at home, which is why I decided to apply to medical school and then eventually choose EM for residency. I chose UAB for residency for its strong clinical training, supportive environment, patient acuity and a chance to stay close to my dad in Montgomery. Outside of medicine, I enjoy traveling, being outdoors and I LOVE rafting—even though I still haven’t learned how to swim! My interest in EM include Ultrasound and Global Health. I also hope to incorporate medical mission trips into my career, combining my love for travel with a passion for serving underserved communities around the world.

Medical School: University of North Dakota

Why I Chose UAB: My experiences in both medicine and the military have shaped my interest in emergency medicine, where I value teamwork, adaptability, and caring for patients during critical moments.

HOMETOWN: Columbia, TN
UNDERGRADUATE: University of Tennessee at Knoxville
MEDICAL SCHOOL: UTHSC College of Medicine
BIO: I grew up in a small town about an hour south of Nashville called Columbia, also known as “The Mule Capital of the World,” with my mom and two sisters. In college, I studied biochem at UT Knoxville (go Vols!!) and then bounced over to Memphis for medical school at UTHSC. I loved little facets of every rotation and luckily found my way toward Emergency Medicine, where I can interact with and learn from a huge variety of patients and consultants. Despite not rotating here as a student, I was drawn to UAB for the highest of acuity, early autonomy, resident camaraderie, and outstanding faculty. I’m excited to explore Birmingham! Outside of work you can find me at the gym, a brewery, playing sand volleyball, or taking a nap.

Medical School: Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University

Why I Chose UAB: My interest in UAB grew during my away rotation, where I was struck by the skill level of the residents. Between the acuity, hands-on procedures, and the culture, it felt like a place where I would be pushed to grow while still enjoying the people I worked with.

HOMETOWN: Columbia, TN
UNDERGRADUATE: University of Mississippi
MEDICAL SCHOOL: University of Mississippi Medical Center
BIO: I grew up in Columbia, TN also known as “Muletown.” I decided to follow in my dad’s footsteps and went to Ole Miss where I graduated with a degree in Exercise Science. I then headed down to Jackson, MS for medical school at UMMC. At the beginning of my 4th year of medical school, I got married to my wife Macy who I met while at Ole Miss. During my 4th year, I went to UAB to for a 4 week ultrasound elective. There, I got a up close view of the program and I knew immediately that this is where I wanted to go. The faculty and residents were so welcoming and made me feel at home. My interests in emergency medicine include ultrasound and pediatric emergency medicine. Outside of medicine, my wife and I love to take walks/hike, play golf, tennis, and pickleball.

Medical School: University of South Alabama

Why I Chose UAB: I completed an away rotation at UAB and fell in love with the program. UAB sees some of the most clinically complex patients in the state and is home to an amazing Emergency Department program. I knew it was a perfect fit and was where I wanted to be.

HOMETOWN: Brevard, NC
UNDERGRADUATE: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
MEDICAL SCHOOL: Yale School of Medicine
BIO: I grew up in the small mountain town of Brevard, NC, about 45 minutes southwest of Asheville. When not in school, I basically lived in the outdoors doing things like hiking, backpacking, cycling (both road and mountain), kayaking, and playing disc golf. I moved four hours down I-40 for college at UNC-Chapel Hill (Go Heels!) and majored in biology with a minor in chemistry. I actually started working on research with an emergency medicine doctor my sophomore year, fell in love with the ED, and was pretty much convinced from then on that’s what I wanted to do with my life. I wasn’t in any hurry, though, so I took two years off after college to become a teacher as part of Teach for America. I spent the next two years as a high school biology teacher in the South Bronx of NYC and had an incredibly wild experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. I then got back on the medicine track and started medical school at Yale and never seriously considered anything other than EM. By the time I applied for residency, I had had enough of the Northeast and wanted to come back to the South. I honestly didn’t know much about UAB when I applied and had never rotated here, but I was sold on interview day. Something about the people and the program just excited me and made me want to be a part of it. I came for second look in January, which only confirmed my feelings, and ranked UAB #1. I’m now a proud UAB EM resident who is extremely grateful to be surrounded and supported by such amazing people. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my girlfriend Gagan (a PGY-4 psychiatry resident in Miami) and cat Leonard. We love taking sunset walks, going to the beach, bowling, trying new food at new places, and sometimes just vegging out on the couch at home

HOMETOWN: Nashville, TN
UNDERGRADUATE: Vanderbilt University
MEDICAL SCHOOL: University of Tennessee
BIO: I grew up in Nashville, Tennessee as the oldest of 5 children. I attended Vanderbilt University for undergrad (Anchor Down!!) where I majored in Medicine, Health, and Society. For medical school I moved to Memphis to attend the University of Tennessee. As a visiting student at UAB, I was quickly struck by the skill, humility, and camaraderie among both the residents and faculty. I was impressed by the welcoming, encouraging, and supportive environment. Everyone I interacted with genuinely enjoyed their work and colleagues. Additionally, Birmingham had everything I was looking for in a city and allowed me to stay close to family. When I’m not on shift you can find me at a coffee shop, hanging out with friends and family, and going on walks with my mini labradoodle River!

HOMETOWN: Hoover, AL
UNDERGRADUATE: University of Mississippi
MEDICAL SCHOOL: UAB Heersink School of Medicine
BIO: Hey y’all! I grew up in Hoover, Alabama, which is just outside of Bham, and attended the University of Mississippi (Hotty Toddy!) for my undergraduate degree. I attended medical school here at UAB and knew I was interested in Emergency Medicine since the very beginning. I have always loved the mix of procedural skills, and that each shift brings something new, from the teammates you get to work with to the presentations you will see. When interviewing for a residency position, I looked for a program where I knew I would be challenged, encouraged, and supported throughout residency. UAB outpaced all other programs with how personable and caring all of the staff and faculty were, and I knew that this program would make me the best physician and person that I can be. When I am not on shift, I love to run on Lakeshore and Jemison trail, go to the Pepper Place farmer’s market, and host game nights with my husband.

HOMETOWN: Cumming, GA
UNDERGRADUATE: Furman University
MEDICAL SCHOOL: University of South Carolina Greenville
BIO: My early childhood was spent in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, but I now call Cumming, Georgia, my home. My undergraduate years were spent at Furman University, where I received my BA in Spanish and a minor in Medicine, Health, and Culture. This was the first step in my dream of becoming a bi-lingual doctor. I was fortunate to spend another four years in Greenville, earning my medical degree at the University of South Carolina. During my fourth year, I had the extraordinary opportunity to rotate at UAB. I was instantly enamored by the strong camaraderie among faculty, residents, and staff within the emergency department. Furthermore, UAB offered an abundance of high-acuity patients and academic support that was unmatched on my interview trail. All this, combined with the program's position on early autonomy for residents and a focus on personal development, immediately hooked me. UAB's EM leadership genuinely cares and will go above and beyond for their residents. In my personal time, I like to exercise, play sports of any kind, watch F1 racing, and explore the great outdoors. My EM interests include administration, medical education, and critical care.

HOMETOWN: Easley, SC
UNDERGRADUATE: University of South Carolina
MEDICAL SCHOOL: University of South Carolina - Columbia
BIO: I grew up in Easley, South Carolina and attended the University of South Carolina (Go Gamecocks!), where I majored in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry. After undergrad, I worked as a microbiologist for two years at a pharmaceutical plant before returning to UofSC for medical school. Although I didn’t rotate at UAB, it quickly became clear after my interview that this program was something special. The high acuity, early autonomy, and supportive culture made it an easy choice. I’m very excited to be training at UAB and to grow alongside such a talented and welcoming group of residents and faculty. Outside of the hospital, my fiancé and I love exploring everything Birmingham has to offer. We’re big fans of the local food scene and are always on the lookout for new restaurants to try. On weekends, you’ll often find us hiking with our dog; Oak Mountain is one of our favorite spots. Birmingham has quickly become home, and we’re excited to keep discovering new things about this city together.

Medical School: The University of Florida

Why I Chose UAB: When applying for residency, UAB was naturally a top choice due to the high acuity of patients and the superb training provided by the clinical faculty. I also was drawn to the warm and welcoming community and felt like UAB was a place that I could call home.

HOMETOWN: Tallahassee, FL
UNDERGRADUATE: Florida State University
MEDICAL SCHOOL: Florida State University College of Medicine - Pensacola
BIO: I am originally from Tallahassee, Florida where I grew up in a large, crazy, loving family. I received my Bachelor's degree from FSU in exercise physiology while working as an emergency department scribe at the local hospital there. After some time spent in Colorado working as an outdoor guide, I returned to FSU where I was blessed to find my wife, Jemma, as well as a degree in medicine. I completed my clerkship rotations in Pensacola, Florida before coming to UAB as a visiting student where I found the program I am now lucky to call home for the next four years. My interests within emergency medicine include critical care and global health. Outside of medicine, Jemma and I enjoy adventuring outside, spending time with our families, serving with our church, and experiencing other cultures. On a free afternoon, you can find us exploring new running trails around Birmingham or chasing down live music.

HOMETOWN: Plano, TX
UNDERGRADUATE: Texas A&M University
MEDICAL SCHOOL: Baylor College of Medicine
BIO: I grew up in Plano, TX. I attended Texas A&M University for undergrad where I met my wonderful husband. When I started medical school at Baylor, I was not sure what specialty I wanted to go into. I enjoyed a lot of aspects of different specialties but none felt like the right fit until I did my EM rotation. I chose UAB for many reasons. First, I felt that UAB emphasized wellness and I knew that was going to be really important for me in residency. Secondly, my husband and I loved the area and thought the people at UAB were very genuine after we came for Second Look. We also wanted to get out of a big city and felt Birmingham was a great fit for us. We loved how much nature is in this area which made the location even more attractive. Lastly, UAB has a fantastic reputation and I knew I would get great training here. I am so glad I get to be a part of UAB EM! Outside of work, I enjoy reading, traveling, camping, and hiking.

HOMETOWN: Navarre, FL
UNDERGRADUATE: University of South Alabama
MEDICAL SCHOOL: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
BIO: Growing up in an Air Force family, my family and I moved frequently until settling down in Navarre, FL when I was in middle school. At that time, I wanted nothing to do with the medical field or the military…funny how things work out. My junior year of high school I participated in a human anatomy and physiology course that piqued my interest in a career in medicine, either in the pre-hospital environment or in the ED. While completing my pre-med coursework at USA, I started looking into military medicine and was amazed at the diverse and unique experiences afforded to physicians in the Air Force, particularly to Emergency Medicine physicians. Whilecompleting a gap year (the best part of which was meeting Nye, a woman who would eventually become my wife) I made the decision to apply to the Uniformed Services University and commission into the Air Force. My time at USU really solidified my interest in Emergency Medicine. As I completed my clinical rotations across the country, I constantly found myself drawn to the ED but tried to keep an open mind. However, about halfway through my first shift on my EM selective in third year, I knew the ED was the place for me. I loved the people that work in the ED, the massive array of presentations we got to see, and I felt it was an honor to take care of people on what may be the worst day of their life. When it came time to apply for residency during fourth year, I was ecstatic to find that UAB was an option for military graduates again. Every interaction I had with the program I came away increasingly impressed with their commitment to education, wellness, and maintaining a strong, healthy, and open culture, and more and more eager to earn a spot. When I opened that envelope on match day, I was so grateful to be a part of this incredible team, family, and institution for the next couple years. Outside of work I enjoy any outdoor activity, weightlifting, watching sports or movies with my wife (even though one of us falls asleep before the end at least half the time), and grabbing drinks or a meal with friends. Nye is a bartender and we both enjoy cooking, so having folks over to experiment with new food and drink recipes is always a treat!

Medical School: The University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine

Why I Chose UAB: After my first exposure to emergency medicine, I immediately knew that this was the specialty that I would be pursuing. UAB has been so monumental to my training, and I knew that I wanted to continue my training here. UAB gives you acuity, autonomy, and support like no other institution.

HOMETOWN: Canton, GA
UNDERGRADUATE: Augusta University
MEDICAL SCHOOL: Medical College of Georgia
BIO: I grew up in Canton Georgia as the 3rd of 4 girls, where I stayed until I left for Augusta, Georgia, to attend undergraduate at Augusta University, as a part of the 7 year BS/MD program at Augusta University and the Medical College of Georgia. I came into school knowing I wanted to pursue emergency medicine, and my experiences teaching ultrasound and getting to serve a diversity of people in their most critical moments only affirmed that emergency medicine was the place for me. While at the Medical College of Georgia I had the joy of meeting my Alabama native husband Ty. Thank goodness I did, as he is the reason UAB popped up on my radar, and after an amazing away rotation, I knew I needed to train around the exceptional, brilliant, and kind people that are all around UAB. When I’m not in the hospital I enjoy spending time with my husband and sisters, video games, baking, and travelling to new places. I am excited and thankful to be a part of this fantastic team serving the great people of Birmingham!

HOMETOWN: Cumming, GA
UNDERGRADUATE: University of Georgia
MEDICAL SCHOOL: Medical College of Georgia
BIO: I grew up just north of Atlanta in Cumming, Georgia, and attended the University of Georgia for my undergraduate studies (Go Dawgs!). After earning a degree in Biology, I went on to medical school at the Medical College of Georgia. During my clinical rotations, I found something to appreciate in every specialty, but I was ultimately drawn to emergency medicine for its pace, complexity, and the opportunity to care for a diverse range of patients and conditions. UAB stood out as the ideal place to train, offering high-acuity clinical experience, strong academic and research resources, and a supportive leadership team—all while allowing me to stay close to my family and my fiancée, who is currently in veterinary school at UGA. Outside of medicine, I enjoy watching college football, spending time outdoors, exercising, and trying new recipes with my fiancée.

HOMETOWN: Nashville, GA
UNDERGRADUATE: 
MEDICAL SCHOOL: Mercer University
BIO: Hey, y’all! I’m originally from the small town of Nashville, GA, where I first discovered my passion for medicine while volunteering at our local hospital. I completed both my undergraduate and medical education at Mercer University, where I deepened my commitment to serving rural and underserved communities. During my time at Mercer, I also met my husband, Preston—we’ve been married for five years now. I knew UAB was the right place for me after completing an away rotation here. The supportive culture, outstanding faculty, and incredible residents made it an easy decision to call this place home for my residency. When I’m not working, you can usually find me spending time with family or playing outside with our two dogs, Doodle and Beau. I also love cooking, landscaping, and antique shopping. I’m so thrilled I get to call Birmingham home!

HOMETOWN: Lexington, AL
UNDERGRADUATE: University of Alabama at Birmingham
MEDICAL SCHOOL: Heersink School of Medicine
BIO: I grew up in rural Alabama in a town called Lexington. I got an EMT license and began volunteering in my local fire department while in high school before leaving for college. I came down to Birmingham for undergrad, stayed for medical school, and am now here for another 3 years of residency. My wife and I tried to find a program that could compete with UAB so that we would have an excuse to move to a new city, but after months of interviewing, I knew there wasn’t one. UAB was unmatched in its family community, trauma exposure, and culture; and I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else. My wife, Gracie, and I have been together since senior year in high school and married since 2018, and our daughter Lorén joined the family last year. When I’m not at work, we do CrossFit daily, mountain bike, mountaineering, play tennis, and watch Falcons football.

Medical School: University of South Alabama College of Medicine

Why I Chose UAB: In high school, and then throughout college, I worked for a rural EMS service as an EMT. This experience was one that really drove me to pursue a career in Emergency Medicine. I completed an away rotation in UAB’s emergency department, where I learned about the great culture and training that residents experience in the UAB Emergency Medicine program.

Medical School: The University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine

Why I Chose UAB: I discovered my place in Emergency Medicine late while on a UAB Emergency Medicine elective before graduating medical school. I hope to become an excellent emergency physician with the continued education I will receive here.

Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn Campus

Why I Chose UAB: UAB stood out quickly among the programs I interviewed because of its people, and I look forward to spending the next three years working alongside them.

Medical School: University of Mississippi Medical Center

Why I Chose UAB: After learning more about the program and meeting the faculty and residents, it was very clear that UAB is an incredible place to train. I was especially drawn to the combination of high-volume, high-acuity clinical experience and the strong academic, research, and career development opportunities. Just as importantly, the warm and supportive culture among residents and faculty makes it an ideal training environment.

HOMETOWN: Greenville, SC
UNDERGRADUATE: Furman University
MEDICAL SCHOOL: University of South Carolina - Columbia
BIO: I was born in raised in Greenville, South Carolina. I didn’t stray too far for undergrad, studying Biology at Furman University, just 20 minutes away into the mountains. I took a gap year, working as a scribe and then it was on to medical school. I went to the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia.  While there I liked a little bit of everything and decided on Emergency Medicine. I was drawn to UAB for the high acuity of the patients, learning to take care of critically ill patients on a regular basis with the direct support of the attendings you work with one-on-one in the pods. Similar to my home town, I was looking for a city with lots of fun things to do but a short ways away from the mountains.  Since being here, I have felt so supported by the older residents in the department, and when I’m off service. When I have time off I enjoy running, baking, and I love a Tuesday happy hour with my fellow residents.  I’m also a big movie person, any movie. I like the good, the bad, and the really bad. 

Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina

Why I Chose UAB: I am so excited to join the UAB team.

HOMETOWN: Pass Christian, MS
UNDERGRADUATE: University of Mississippi
MEDICAL SCHOOL: University of Mississippi Medical Center
BIO: I grew up in a small beach town on the gulf coast of MS! Between my three brothers and two sisters I have ten nieces and nephews so my favorite title at the moment is being the fun aunt! I went to the University of Mississippi for undergrad (Hotty Toddy!) and majored in biochemistry. It was during these years that I started traveling and working with different organizations in places like Nicaragua and fell in love with exploring and learning about different cultures and their healthcare systems. I ventured over to Jackson, MS for medical school where I fell in love with EM. I knew I wanted to stay in the southeast for residency, and it was my interview with UAB where I talked to the residents and faculty that solidified that that’s where I wanted to be. Everyone was so down to earth and excited to talk about their experiences with the program and the community they had fostered together. More than that, it was the commitment I saw to us as residents and our success that drew me to Birmingham. I can’t wait to explore everything Birmingham has to offer from Baron’s games to Oak Mountain park while learning from my UAB EM fam!

HOMETOWN: Arab, AL
UNDERGRADUATE: University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH)
MEDICAL SCHOOL: University of South Alabama Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine
BIO: I am originally from a small town called Arab which is an hour south of Birmingham. Growing up, I was familiar with the renown and prestige of the UAB health system. I did not rotate at UAB, but did attend a second-look event in person after having such a great interview experience. As someone with a wife, daughter, and a little boy on the way, I was looking for a program that would help me become a great doctor and a great husband/dad. The faculty and residents at UAB really create a family atmosphere and environment where anyone can learn comfortably. Having access to world class training and such diverse pathology - while being so close to family - seemed too good to be true. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading theology and memoirs, and listening to all sorts of music.

HOMETOWN: Alabaster, AL
UNDERGRADUATE: UAB
MEDICAL SCHOOL: UAB Heersink School of Medicine
BIO: I grew up in Alabaster, Alabama, a suburb about thirty minutes south of Birmingham. After high school, I started volunteering with Saginaw Fire, a small department near my home. That led me to become a licensed paramedic and firefighter with the city of Birmingham. In April 2011, during a major tornado outbreak across Alabama, I was working in Pleasant Grove when a large tornado hit. I ended up running a triage outpost, helping care for hundreds of people and coordinating with teams of healthcare workers to treat the injured. That day sparked my first thoughts about becoming an emergency medicine physician. Over the next several years, I continued to read, learn, and pursue additional EMS and fire certifications, all while the idea of medicine grew into a dream. In 2015, I married my wife, and we soon welcomed a daughter. I realized there would never be a perfect time to return to school, so with her encouragement and support, I took the leap. Over the next eight years, I completed my undergraduate degree and medical school at UAB, and along the way, we welcomed a son. When it came time to choose a residency program, the decision was easy: it had to be UAB. From my early days as a paramedic student training in UAB ED, to the countless EMS patient drop-offs over the years, to my rotations as a med student, I’d come to know and love this program and the people in it. I’ve seen firsthand the camaraderie among residents and faculty; it is a true family environment. I’m also excited by the high acuity of patients, strong critical care exposure, and the exceptional EMS and ultrasound programs. When I’m not in the hospital, I love spending time with my family, mountain biking at Oak Mountain, and whitewater kayaking on whatever river is running.”

Medical School: The University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine

Why I Chose UAB: Before medical school, I worked as a scribe in UAB-affiliated Emergency Departments, where I fell in love with Emergency Medicine, and I started medical school already knowing that this was the specialty for me. During my years at UAB as a scribe and in medical school, I had the opportunity to work alongside outstanding faculty, residents, and staff, and I saw firsthand the world-class training the program provides. When it came time to choose a residency, the exceptional education, strong mentorship, and relationships I had built at UAB made it clear that there was no place I would rather continue my training.

Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Virginia

Why I Chose UAB: During an away rotation at UAB, I was drawn to the incredible acuity, outstanding faculty, and supportive resident culture. Everyone I met was welcoming, enthusiastic, and genuinely enjoyed working together, making UAB an easy choice for residency.