The Department of Medical Education oversees the academic mission of the school: to educate physicians and scientists in all of the disciplines of medicine and biomedical investigation for careers in practice, teaching, and research. We are responsible for educating and nurturing health professionals who serve the health needs of Alabama, the nation and the world through excellent clinical medicine, research, education, and health care leadership.
Latest Department News and Updates
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Reviewing Heersink School of Medicine 2025 Year Two Questionnaire (Y2Q) resultsJuly 7, 2026The Year Two Questionnaire (Y2Q) is administered by the AAMC each year to active second-year medical students regarding topics such as learning climate, adjustment to medical school, and future career plans. The results are reviewed closely by Department of Medical Education leadership to determine areas of success and areas of improvement within our learning environment and student experience. -
2026-2027 Thread Leaders lineup for the Department of Medical EducationJuly 7, 2026The Thread Leaders for 2026-2027 in the Department of Medical Education will be overseeing the first- and second-year medical curriculum, contributing to the success of Heersink School of Medicine over the next academic year. -
Equal Access Birmingham hosts the third annual EAB on the Green golf tournamentJune 17, 2026On June 6, 2026, Heersink School of Medicine’s Equal Access Birmingham (EAB) hosted its third annual EAB on the Green golf tournament. Golfers of all levels gathered at Highland Park Golf Course for a day of games, prizes, and fundraising for an impactful cornerstone in the Birmingham community. -
From Programs to Global Partnerships: The Evolution of International Medical Education at UABJune 16, 2026For the International Medical Education (IME) office at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, 2025 marked a defining year. What began as a collection of global programs has matured into an office-led effort that strengthens the school while building international partnerships and creating meaningful value across UAB. -
From Idea to Impact: Faris Zaibaq and the growth of Better BirminghamJune 16, 2026Faris Zaibaq, a student in the M.D.-Ph.D. program at Heersink School of Medicine, has focused his extracurricular work on how city design shapes daily life in Birmingham. Together with his collaborators, he helped launch Better Birmingham, a community initiative focused on improving access across the city, particularly in transportation and housing. -
Where Art Meets MedicineJune 9, 2026For fourth-year medical student Leopold Nkengbeza, art and medicine are two sides of the same calling. From illustrating complex surgical procedures to contributing to the Volker Hall mural, he uses creativity to make medicine more accessible and meaningful. -
Legislative Changes to Federal Financial Aid Beginning July 1, 2026June 3, 2026New federal legislation was passed last year that impacts federal financial aid for our current and incoming medical students. Most changes will be implemented on July 1, 2026, which is the beginning of the 2026-2027 academic year.
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House Staff Council leaders speak about their 2025-2026 serviceMay 29, 2026At the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, more than 1,100 residents and fellows are engaged in graduate medical education across over 100 programs. The House Staff Council (HSC) represents these trainees, bringing together residents and fellows from all programs to serve as a key liaison between learners and institutional leadership. -
Heersink School of Medicine celebrates Commencement 2026May 19, 2026On May 16, 2026, the UAB Heersink School of Medicine celebrated its annual Commencement ceremony. The event was held at Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. -
Recognition of Distinction in Global Health celebrates first graduates and welcomes new cohortMay 18, 2026The Recognition of Distinction in Global Health (RDGH) program at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine has reached a significant milestone with the graduation of its first two students. This achievement marks an important step in preparing future physicians with a broader understanding of health care delivered across diverse global settings. -
Caring while learning: How Audria Wood, MS4, balanced medical school and familyMay 18, 2026In the span of four years, medical school asks students to master science, develop clinical judgment, and grow into physicians. For Audria Wood, MS4, it also meant learning how to care for a family member—her father. -
Remembering Roy KrackeMay 18, 2026Roy Kracke, M.D., helped lay the foundation for what would become the UAB Heersink School of Medicine and one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers.