At the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, we prepare our students to become highly qualified, compassionate physicians and offer a range of clinical, educational, and research opportunities that make our medical center a creative and vibrant environment for medical students.

From the beginning, you’ll learn evidence-based fundamental science and begin integrating this knowledge with clinical skills, in both active and simulated situations, through your Introduction to Clinical Medicine courses. Our approach encourages active, case-based learning and teamwork.

Throughout your four years of medical school, you will work closely with faculty mentors, career advisers, and faculty members in various medical and research settings. You’ll also be part of a Learning Community, which helps our students find community and fellowship among their classmates and provides longitudinal peer experiences.

Where you'll be training

You’ll complete your first two years of preclinical training at our campus in Birmingham, located in center of UAB and surrounded by world-class medical facilities UAB Hospital, the Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital and Children’s of Alabama. You can choose the medical school experience you want by completing clinical training in Birmingham or at our regional campuses in Huntsville, Montgomery and Tuscaloosa. In addition to the UAB Health System, we have relationships with Huntsville Hospital, Baptist Medical Center South, Baptist Medical Center East and DCH Regional Medical Center to provide excellent clinical training sites where our students to grow and learn.

• Years 1–2: You'll learn concepts of basic science, woven together with clinical scenarios, communication skills and professionalism.
• Year 3: You'll be a part of patient care teams in your clinical clerkships on one of our four campuses.
• Year 4: You'll have the option to to promote your chosen speciality through electives and visiting elective opportunities.

You'll take healthcare to the community

Our students engage their passion for service at different levels, from practical volunteer experiences woven throughout our curriculum to competitive, research and project-based service learning programs.

• Student organizations: our student-led organizations often engage in community service & volunteer efforts, like mentoring high school students interested in science & healthcare careers, building relationships with home-bound senior citizens, and demonstrating preparing nutrient rich meals with a limited budget.
• Equal Access Birmingham: our student-run EAB free clinic serves uninsured and underinsured individuals in the greater Birmingham community, and provides meaningful, service-learning experiences.
• Health Equity Scholars: our Health Equity Scholars program develops physician leaders with the knowledge and skills to promote health equity for medically underserved communities.
• Albert Schweitzer Fellowship: UAB is home to one of only 14 chapters of the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship, a prestigious national organization that prepares the next generation of professionals to serve and empower vulnerable people to live healthier lives and create healthier communities.

Milestones you'll celebrate

You'll have many achievements to celebrate throughout your time in medical school.

White Coat Ceremony

Our ceremony symbolizes the honor, responsibility, and commitment required to become a physician.

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Match Day

Celebrate your residency match and the next phase of your medical education with your classmates, family, and faculty.

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Commencement

Our formal event highlighting your achievements throughout your journey through medical school.

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You'll be in good hands

Teams across the school support our students and our academic mission through student wellness, personal growth, and professional development.

Academic Success

Our Academic Success Program maximizes your personal and professional development through individualized advising, peer tutoring, and career guidance.

Student Services

We weave a support system through learning communities, individual career advising, academic tutoring, and service learning opportunities.

Financial Support

Students have access to personal budgeting and debt management counseling through one-on-one appointments and special seminars.

Diversity is everyone

Our Office for Diversity and Inclusion, Student Affairs Office, educates the next generation of physicians to be culturally and socially sensitive to the diverse backgrounds of fellow students, faculty, staff, and patients.

• Student Advisory Board: the Student Advisory Board consists of representatives from all four classes and student organizations to influence administrative policy and advocate for diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• Student Organizations: you'll find community in our student chapters of the Student National Medical Association, Latino Medical Student Association, American Medical Women's Association, MedPride and more.
• Mentorship: finding a mentor is critical for academic success. Our UAB Connect program makes it easier for students from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine to find and connect with faculty mentors from similar backgrounds.

You'll have plenty in common

We believe a strong community and activities beyond the classroom are critical to your wellness and success.

Campus Life

UAB's beautiful urban campus covers more than 100 city blocks and is home to the award winning UAB Recreation Center and lush green spaces.

Downtown Life

From dinner at the Pizitz Food Hall to shows at the Alabama Theatre and baseball games at Region's Field, downtown Birmingham has something for everyone.

Student Community

Our 50 student-driven interest groups enable you to pursue your specific medical interests and find connections with your classmates.