Pictured above: Drs. Mauricio Kahn, Steven Allon, Courtney Wagner, Madeline Eckenrode and KeAndrea Titer conduct a Presence 5 Circle in the IM-4 Clinic.

Thanks to a grant from the American Medical Association, UAB's Reimagining Residency research is in full swing. As a part of their study, co-investigators Drs. Stephen Russell and KeAndrea Titer are investigating a group learning experience called "Presence 5 Circles." Each meeting brings together residents and faculty in the ambulatory setting to conduct a structured debrief of recent experiences with their patients. The exchange of ideas is designed to improve both bedside practice and resident wellness. 

More Good News for February 5, 2020

UAB opened their appointment-only COVID-19 vaccination site on February 2 at the Hoover Met. The site will vaccinate UAB patients and all Jefferson County residents age 75 and older. The drive-through site will deliver up to 1,000 vaccinations per day depending on the vaccine supply on hand. Medical and non-medical volunteers are needed to help operate this site, and other sites opening soon.

February is American Heart Month. To highlight heart health awareness, former UAB heart patients shared about their family's genetic heart conditions and the exemplary care they received from UAB. Heart Month takes on even greater importance in 2021 as research indicates the pandemic could impact our heart health for years to come. Watch the interview here.

Stefan Kertesz, MD, MSc (Professor, Preventive Medicine) and Allyson Varley, PhD, aim to better understand how severe chronic pain among Veterans who have experienced homelessness impacts the establishment of primary care relationships, and subsequently, pain and substance use disorder treatment.

Assistant Professor Amanda Cartee, MD, has joined the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. She specializes in treating patients with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Her research interests include the microbiome, refractory symptoms and disease, and pediatric to adult care transitions. Welcome, Dr. Cartee!

UAB School of Medicine leaders, faculty, students and staff are preparing for renewal of the school’s accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) in 2022. The LCME is the nationally recognized accrediting authority for medical education programs leading to the M.D. degree in U.S. and Canada.

Seth Landefeld, MD (Professor and Chair, UAB Department of Medicine) will present the annual State of the Department address at Medical Grand Rounds at noon on Wednesday, February 10, via Zoom. Submit questions in advance via this link. Register here.

We’ve lived through a lot in the past twelve months. As temperatures plummet and dark winter days loom ahead, tuning in to our well-being is just as critical as staying COVID safe. To (re)energize body and soul, Dr. Well-Be advises a quick read through these helpful strategies for staying well in winter.