After 11 years in leadership as the Associate Dean for Students, Laura Kezar, M.D., is stepping out of the role effective Aug. 1. She will continue as a full-time faculty member in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Kezar received her M.D. from Emory University and completed a transitional internship at Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, Virginia, in 1986. She served in the U.S. Navy for four years and the Navy Reserve until 1994. She completed her residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at UAB in 1994 and served as chief resident. She joined the UAB faculty in 1995, serving as residency program director from 1996-2007 prior to her appointment in 2007 as the associate dean for students.
As associate dean for students, Kezar played a critical role in the professional development of approximately 2,000 future physicians. “Dr. Kezar has been a valued resource for students at every stage of the undergraduate medical education curriculum," said Craig Hoesley, M.D., senior associate dean for medical education. "She is an engaging clinician-educator who promotes lifelong learning in students and residents, and she has worked tirelessly to improve the learning environment at our institution and eliminate education barriers for all learners.”
During her time in Medical Student Services, Kezar implemented the highly successful Learning Communities program, which focuses on mentorship for personal and professional growth, development of teamwork and leadership skills, and medical ethics. Additionally, the Association of Academic Physiatrists recently recognized Kezar with its award for distinguished service.
“Dr. Kezar’s passion and commitment to excellence are evident to anyone who works with her, and she has been key to the success of our students during her tenure in this position,” said Selwyn M. Vickers, M.D., FACS, senior vice president for medicine and dean of the School of Medicine. “We will begin an internal search in the coming weeks, and Dr. Christina Grabowski will lead the search team with the goal of a final decision by May 1. I am confident we will identify an outstanding leader for this important role.” A position description for the Associate Dean for Students can be viewed here. Nominations are due by March 11.