WES BROWN, M.D.
HOMETOWN: Alpharetta, Georgia
UNDERGRADUATE: University of Georgia
MEDICAL SCHOOL: Medical College of Georgia
BIO: I grew up in Alpharetta, GA, went to the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) for undergrad and then stayed in Georgia for medical school at the Medical College of Georgia. UAB was on my radar even before interview season, and after visiting the city and meeting some of the residents, I knew this was where I wanted to be. The camaraderie between the faculty, residents and the other departments is unmatched. Combine that with the opportunity to serve a diverse, high-acuity patient population both autonomously and early on in residency are just a few things that set UABEM apart, and what makes training here so great. Our program also just so happens to be in a gold mine of a city: a delicious food scene, plenty of breweries to try and you don't have to drive very far to reach outdoor adventure, of which my wife, or pup Moose and I do any chance we get. Overall, I am so thankful that I was given the opportunity to train at such an incredible place, and I look forward to these next three years!
UNDERGRADUATE: University of Georgia
MEDICAL SCHOOL: Medical College of Georgia
BIO: I grew up in Alpharetta, GA, went to the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) for undergrad and then stayed in Georgia for medical school at the Medical College of Georgia. UAB was on my radar even before interview season, and after visiting the city and meeting some of the residents, I knew this was where I wanted to be. The camaraderie between the faculty, residents and the other departments is unmatched. Combine that with the opportunity to serve a diverse, high-acuity patient population both autonomously and early on in residency are just a few things that set UABEM apart, and what makes training here so great. Our program also just so happens to be in a gold mine of a city: a delicious food scene, plenty of breweries to try and you don't have to drive very far to reach outdoor adventure, of which my wife, or pup Moose and I do any chance we get. Overall, I am so thankful that I was given the opportunity to train at such an incredible place, and I look forward to these next three years!
WILL DAVIS, M.D.
HOMETOWN: Tuscumbia, Alabama
UNDERGRADUATE: Auburn University
MEDICAL SCHOOL: UAB Heersink School of Medicine
BIO: I was born and raised in Tuscumbia, Alabama, just two hours northwest of Birmingham. My parents were veterinarians, so I grew up helping out with farm calls and kennel cleaning. I loved the medicine part of their jobs, and it is a big reason I decided on a career in Emergency Medicine. I completed my undergraduate at Auburn University (War Eagle!) where I met my lovely wife, Ashley. It was then a short move for us from Auburn to Birmingham for medical school at UAB. The rotations I was able to do in the UAB ED as a student were the best months of my clinical education. It was immediately apparent that everyone working in the ED truly cared about their patient’s wellbeing. I was impressed by the high patient acuity and how both Attendings and Residents integrated teaching into every patient case. I also have an interest in Global Health and UAB offers incredible opportunities for me to develop that interest and build on the experiences I have had in Nepal and the Dominican Republic. When not at the hospital, Ashley and I love hiking, walking with our two dogs, and eating which means Birmingham is the perfect place for us!
UNDERGRADUATE: Auburn University
MEDICAL SCHOOL: UAB Heersink School of Medicine
BIO: I was born and raised in Tuscumbia, Alabama, just two hours northwest of Birmingham. My parents were veterinarians, so I grew up helping out with farm calls and kennel cleaning. I loved the medicine part of their jobs, and it is a big reason I decided on a career in Emergency Medicine. I completed my undergraduate at Auburn University (War Eagle!) where I met my lovely wife, Ashley. It was then a short move for us from Auburn to Birmingham for medical school at UAB. The rotations I was able to do in the UAB ED as a student were the best months of my clinical education. It was immediately apparent that everyone working in the ED truly cared about their patient’s wellbeing. I was impressed by the high patient acuity and how both Attendings and Residents integrated teaching into every patient case. I also have an interest in Global Health and UAB offers incredible opportunities for me to develop that interest and build on the experiences I have had in Nepal and the Dominican Republic. When not at the hospital, Ashley and I love hiking, walking with our two dogs, and eating which means Birmingham is the perfect place for us!
JAMIE DURDEN, M.D.
HOMETOWN: Columbia, South Carolina
UNDERGRADUATE: University of South Carolina
MEDICAL SCHOOL: Medical University of South Carolina
BIO: I grew up in Columbia, SC and went to the University of South Carolina for college. After university I moved to Charleston, SC to attend medical school at MUSC where I had the good fortune of meeting my wife, Lizzie. When I finally reached my clinical rotations I was drawn to Emergency Medicine by the intrigue of the undifferentiated patient and the challenge of their initial resuscitation and medical stabilization as well as the unique patient advocacy role ED providers play. When Lizzie and I began looking at where we wanted to end up for residency we wanted a large academic center with a strong IM program for her training and a high acuity emergency department with opportunity for me to experience both academic and community EM. UAB fit the bill for both of us and won us over even further when we came to visit Birmingham and got to experience both the excellent people and the great food scene (an absolute must for us). We were both so grateful to get the opportunity to train at UAB, and I can’t be sure but I think that both of our dogs (Luna and Dipper) approve of their new stomping grounds.
UNDERGRADUATE: University of South Carolina
MEDICAL SCHOOL: Medical University of South Carolina
BIO: I grew up in Columbia, SC and went to the University of South Carolina for college. After university I moved to Charleston, SC to attend medical school at MUSC where I had the good fortune of meeting my wife, Lizzie. When I finally reached my clinical rotations I was drawn to Emergency Medicine by the intrigue of the undifferentiated patient and the challenge of their initial resuscitation and medical stabilization as well as the unique patient advocacy role ED providers play. When Lizzie and I began looking at where we wanted to end up for residency we wanted a large academic center with a strong IM program for her training and a high acuity emergency department with opportunity for me to experience both academic and community EM. UAB fit the bill for both of us and won us over even further when we came to visit Birmingham and got to experience both the excellent people and the great food scene (an absolute must for us). We were both so grateful to get the opportunity to train at UAB, and I can’t be sure but I think that both of our dogs (Luna and Dipper) approve of their new stomping grounds.
JAY FOSTER, M.D.
HOMETOWN: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
UNDERGRADUATE: Penn State
MEDICAL SCHOOL: University of South Carolina School of Medicine
BIO: I was born and raised in the Philadelphia area and went to Penn State (We Are!) with a focus in Biochemistry. After college, I joined the United States Navy and worked on nuclear reactors for submarines until applying to medical school. During my time in the Navy and through medical school, I met my wife, got a dog, and lived in several awesome locations including Charleston, Columbia, and Nashville. The Navy and medical school gave me awesome friendships and bonds that I’ll have for life and I’m looking forward to the saying the same thing about my experience with UAB! Visiting BHAM felt like the best parts of so many different places I’ve lived, I can’t wait to explore the breweries, hiking trails, sporting events, and water. I’m positive my wife and I, and possibly most of all, our dog, are going to love it here!
UNDERGRADUATE: Penn State
MEDICAL SCHOOL: University of South Carolina School of Medicine
BIO: I was born and raised in the Philadelphia area and went to Penn State (We Are!) with a focus in Biochemistry. After college, I joined the United States Navy and worked on nuclear reactors for submarines until applying to medical school. During my time in the Navy and through medical school, I met my wife, got a dog, and lived in several awesome locations including Charleston, Columbia, and Nashville. The Navy and medical school gave me awesome friendships and bonds that I’ll have for life and I’m looking forward to the saying the same thing about my experience with UAB! Visiting BHAM felt like the best parts of so many different places I’ve lived, I can’t wait to explore the breweries, hiking trails, sporting events, and water. I’m positive my wife and I, and possibly most of all, our dog, are going to love it here!
JORDI GARCIA-DIAZ, M.D.
HOMETOWN: Birmingham, Alabama
UNDERGRADUATE: UAB
MEDICAL SCHOOL: UAB
BIO: I grew up in Birmingham, AL and have always wanted to be a doctor. During my time as a scribe at St. Vincent's, I had the opportunity to experience the excitement of being an EM physician, as well as the opportunity it provides to give back to your community. I completed both my undergraduate and medical school at UAB and am now fortunate enough to be an EM intern at UAB! During my rotation in UAB's ED I saw my future colleagues take complete ownership of all their patients…all in less than a year of training! I know once I finish my training here, I will be ready for anything that comes through the door. After my shift, I like making some tasty international dishes and maybe a craft cocktail to help unwind. On the weekends you can find me at a local brewery, trying out small batches. I love hiking and exploring the great outdoors, making it out to 7 National Parks this year before starting residency! My EM interests are Ultrasound and Research.
UNDERGRADUATE: UAB
MEDICAL SCHOOL: UAB
BIO: I grew up in Birmingham, AL and have always wanted to be a doctor. During my time as a scribe at St. Vincent's, I had the opportunity to experience the excitement of being an EM physician, as well as the opportunity it provides to give back to your community. I completed both my undergraduate and medical school at UAB and am now fortunate enough to be an EM intern at UAB! During my rotation in UAB's ED I saw my future colleagues take complete ownership of all their patients…all in less than a year of training! I know once I finish my training here, I will be ready for anything that comes through the door. After my shift, I like making some tasty international dishes and maybe a craft cocktail to help unwind. On the weekends you can find me at a local brewery, trying out small batches. I love hiking and exploring the great outdoors, making it out to 7 National Parks this year before starting residency! My EM interests are Ultrasound and Research.
KAT GRIESMER, M.D.
HOMETOWN: Birmingham, Alabama
UNDERGRADUATE: Mississippi State University
MEDICAL SCHOOL: UAB
BIO: I lived in Birmingham almost my whole life and crossed the state border for four years for undergraduate at Mississippi State University majoring in Biochemistry and receiving minors in French, Spanish, & International Studies. My husband and I met at MSU (Hail State!) with him joining me in Birmingham for my time at UAB. I continued to fall in love with Emergency Medicine after growing up visiting the Peds ED to see where my father works - the chaos and care for patients could never be topped on any rotation. Throughout my three months spent in the UAB ED my third and fourth year, I constantly was excited to go into my shifts to see a diverse patient population, wonderful faculty/residents/support staff, and challenging cases. Each and every resident I came across raved about the program and support they felt, all of which came across during every interaction. As a MS3, my teams always knew I would be in EM when I was beyond thrilled to go down and admit patients just to spend a few minutes in a Pod. My husband and I have loved Birmingham, and we were so excited to stay here at home!
UNDERGRADUATE: Mississippi State University
MEDICAL SCHOOL: UAB
BIO: I lived in Birmingham almost my whole life and crossed the state border for four years for undergraduate at Mississippi State University majoring in Biochemistry and receiving minors in French, Spanish, & International Studies. My husband and I met at MSU (Hail State!) with him joining me in Birmingham for my time at UAB. I continued to fall in love with Emergency Medicine after growing up visiting the Peds ED to see where my father works - the chaos and care for patients could never be topped on any rotation. Throughout my three months spent in the UAB ED my third and fourth year, I constantly was excited to go into my shifts to see a diverse patient population, wonderful faculty/residents/support staff, and challenging cases. Each and every resident I came across raved about the program and support they felt, all of which came across during every interaction. As a MS3, my teams always knew I would be in EM when I was beyond thrilled to go down and admit patients just to spend a few minutes in a Pod. My husband and I have loved Birmingham, and we were so excited to stay here at home!
BJ GROS, M.D.
HOMETOWN: Raceland, LA
UNDERGRADUATE: Nicholls State University
MEDICAL SCHOOL: LSU New Orleans
BIO: Born and raised on the bayou in the heart of Cajun country, I grew up around the best food you could ever eat. I attended Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA for undergrad where I considered studying culinary arts. When the realization that chefs work while others eat hit, I knew it was no longer a viable career path for me. As an alternative, I got a biology degree and moved north to LSU New Orleans for medical school where I met the two loves of my life, my wife and our dog Millie. The decision to move further north to UAB for residency was made obvious on interview day. Despite being virtual, the camaraderie of the entire department showed through. Outside the hospital, you can find me in the kitchen, at a tailgate, or trying a new hazy IPA on a porch.
UNDERGRADUATE: Nicholls State University
MEDICAL SCHOOL: LSU New Orleans
BIO: Born and raised on the bayou in the heart of Cajun country, I grew up around the best food you could ever eat. I attended Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA for undergrad where I considered studying culinary arts. When the realization that chefs work while others eat hit, I knew it was no longer a viable career path for me. As an alternative, I got a biology degree and moved north to LSU New Orleans for medical school where I met the two loves of my life, my wife and our dog Millie. The decision to move further north to UAB for residency was made obvious on interview day. Despite being virtual, the camaraderie of the entire department showed through. Outside the hospital, you can find me in the kitchen, at a tailgate, or trying a new hazy IPA on a porch.
LANDRY HADDERTON, M.D.
HOMETOWN: Wichita Falls, Texas
UNDERGRADUATE: Midwestern State University
MEDICAL SCHOOL: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
BIO: I was born and raised in Wichita Falls, TX and completed undergrad at Midwestern State University. After graduating, I moved west and completed a graduate degree and medical school at Texas Tech in Lubbock. My wife and I decided that we wanted to experience something new for residency and began looking at programs outside of Texas. We could not be any happier with our decision. Simply put, Birmingham is an awesome place to live. As a transplant from Texas I would be lying if I didn’t tell you that I was a little nervous to move out of state. This hesitancy was quickly put to rest after interacting with the residents and faculty during the pre-interview and interview day. Aside from the phenomenal training opportunity, the comradery between the entire department and autonomy given to residents is second to none. When I am not at the hospital you can find me on the golf course or spending time outdoors with my wife, Sarah, and our black Lab, Hondo. We also enjoy traveling, fly-fishing, cooking, and snow skiing when we can escape to the mountains.
UNDERGRADUATE: Midwestern State University
MEDICAL SCHOOL: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
BIO: I was born and raised in Wichita Falls, TX and completed undergrad at Midwestern State University. After graduating, I moved west and completed a graduate degree and medical school at Texas Tech in Lubbock. My wife and I decided that we wanted to experience something new for residency and began looking at programs outside of Texas. We could not be any happier with our decision. Simply put, Birmingham is an awesome place to live. As a transplant from Texas I would be lying if I didn’t tell you that I was a little nervous to move out of state. This hesitancy was quickly put to rest after interacting with the residents and faculty during the pre-interview and interview day. Aside from the phenomenal training opportunity, the comradery between the entire department and autonomy given to residents is second to none. When I am not at the hospital you can find me on the golf course or spending time outdoors with my wife, Sarah, and our black Lab, Hondo. We also enjoy traveling, fly-fishing, cooking, and snow skiing when we can escape to the mountains.
BUD SALMON, M.D.
HOMETOWN: Silver City, New Mexico
UNDERGRADUATE: University of New Mexico
MEDICAL SCHOOL: University of New Mexico
BIO: I was born and raised in Silver City, New Mexico, which is a small town in the middle of nowhere. Luckily, the middle of nowhere New Mexico has beautiful mountains and forests where I grew up doing lots of fun outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, hiking, rafting, and just about everything else. What took me away from my little hometown was an experience that I had when I was 13 where I got very sick with a brain abscess and had to have brain surgery. As terrible as this experience was, it opened my eyes to the world of medicine and since that time I have been working my way towards a career in medicine. I completed both my undergraduate degree and medical school at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. After 26 years of living in New Mexico I decided that it was time for a change, and I couldn’t be happier to have found my way here to UAB. The number of high acuity patients, the early autonomy, and the great faculty are second to none in the country. On interview day, everyone was incredibly nice and welcoming and the camaraderie between the residents, as well as the faculty was readily apparent (even during the always awkward virtual interviews and socials). I knew this was the place for me.
UNDERGRADUATE: University of New Mexico
MEDICAL SCHOOL: University of New Mexico
BIO: I was born and raised in Silver City, New Mexico, which is a small town in the middle of nowhere. Luckily, the middle of nowhere New Mexico has beautiful mountains and forests where I grew up doing lots of fun outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, hiking, rafting, and just about everything else. What took me away from my little hometown was an experience that I had when I was 13 where I got very sick with a brain abscess and had to have brain surgery. As terrible as this experience was, it opened my eyes to the world of medicine and since that time I have been working my way towards a career in medicine. I completed both my undergraduate degree and medical school at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. After 26 years of living in New Mexico I decided that it was time for a change, and I couldn’t be happier to have found my way here to UAB. The number of high acuity patients, the early autonomy, and the great faculty are second to none in the country. On interview day, everyone was incredibly nice and welcoming and the camaraderie between the residents, as well as the faculty was readily apparent (even during the always awkward virtual interviews and socials). I knew this was the place for me.
DANIEL SEAY, M.D.
HOMETOWN: Trussville, Alabama
UNDERGRADUATE: Auburn University
MEDICAL SCHOOL: University of Texas Medical Branch
BIO: I grew up in the ‘burbs of Birmingham close to UAB. After high school I went to Auburn University and graduated in 2016 (War Eagle!). During my gap year I worked as a scribe and barista before starting medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. I met my wife Yas on our first day of med school. Three years later we got married and were lucky enough to couples match here in Birmingham, with her at Children’s of Alabama for pediatrics! We loved our time in Texas, but we are excited to be closer to my family here in Birmingham and are so thankful that UAB gave us that opportunity. We have met so many amazing people here in such a short time and the training for both of us has been second to none. Excited to keep exploring all the coffee shops, breweries, and restaurants our new city has to offer with our two pups Farley and Dingo!
UNDERGRADUATE: Auburn University
MEDICAL SCHOOL: University of Texas Medical Branch
BIO: I grew up in the ‘burbs of Birmingham close to UAB. After high school I went to Auburn University and graduated in 2016 (War Eagle!). During my gap year I worked as a scribe and barista before starting medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. I met my wife Yas on our first day of med school. Three years later we got married and were lucky enough to couples match here in Birmingham, with her at Children’s of Alabama for pediatrics! We loved our time in Texas, but we are excited to be closer to my family here in Birmingham and are so thankful that UAB gave us that opportunity. We have met so many amazing people here in such a short time and the training for both of us has been second to none. Excited to keep exploring all the coffee shops, breweries, and restaurants our new city has to offer with our two pups Farley and Dingo!
CAMI VELAZQUEZ, M.D.
HOMETOWN: Terre Haute, Indiana
UNDERGRADUATE: Indiana State University
MEDICAL SCHOOL: UAB
BIO: I am a Hoosier born and raised. I attended Indiana State University for undergrad (shout out Larry legend). I attended UAB for medical school which was my chance to see what the EM residency program was all about. The complexity and diversity of the patients and the humility, kindness, and sheer intelligence of the attendings and residents were the reasons I wanted to train at UAB. I married my husband, Andy, during my second year of medical school. Our family has since grown by 8 paws as we have added 2 golden doodles, Murphy and Moose. During my free time I enjoy baking (emphasis on the eating of baked goods), spending time outdoors with my doods, and listening to true crime podcasts. I feel truly blessed to have the opportunity to serve the patients that come to the UAB ED over the next three years.
UNDERGRADUATE: Indiana State University
MEDICAL SCHOOL: UAB
BIO: I am a Hoosier born and raised. I attended Indiana State University for undergrad (shout out Larry legend). I attended UAB for medical school which was my chance to see what the EM residency program was all about. The complexity and diversity of the patients and the humility, kindness, and sheer intelligence of the attendings and residents were the reasons I wanted to train at UAB. I married my husband, Andy, during my second year of medical school. Our family has since grown by 8 paws as we have added 2 golden doodles, Murphy and Moose. During my free time I enjoy baking (emphasis on the eating of baked goods), spending time outdoors with my doods, and listening to true crime podcasts. I feel truly blessed to have the opportunity to serve the patients that come to the UAB ED over the next three years.