Explore UAB

awardbanner
The UAB Department of Neurosurgery prides itself on the outstanding training programs which shape the next generation of neurosurgeon scientists. This includes providing award opportunities to our resident classes. Below outlines the current opportunities available.

If you would like to sponsor a new award or donate to a current opportunity, please reach out to Jennifer Philpot at jlphilpot@uabmc.edu.   

  • J. Garber Galbraith Resident Research Award

    Award: Cash Award ($500) with Recognition at the J. Garber Galbraith Scientific Symposium 

    PGY Resident Eligible: All PGY years

    Award Criteria: Based on the average score of raters for the resident's oral presentation at the annual Galbraith Scientific Symposium. 1st place - Rated on content, organization (secures audience attention, objective and outline well formulated, well structured, flowed logically, offers a summary of ideas), and delivery (understanding of English, uses vocal variety, content well displayed, visible, good choice of font, colors, pics, uses physical behavior, adheres to time requirements). To find out more information about the J. Garber Galbraith Scientific Symposium please click here.

    Current Award Winner: Adeel Ilyas, MD, Pro-Ictal State in Human Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

  • Harsh Resident Research Award

    Award: Cash Award ($300) with Recognition at the J. Garber Galbraith Scientific Symposium

    PGY Resident Eligible: All PGY years

    Award Criteria: Based on the average score of raters for the resident's oral presentation at the annual Galbraith Scientific Symposium. 2nd place - Rated on content, organization (secures audience attention, objective and outline well formulated, well structured, flowed logically, offers a summary of ideas), and delivery (understanding of English, uses vocal variety, content well displayed, visible, good choice of font, colors, pics, uses physical behavior, adheres to time requirements). To find out more information about the J. Garber Galbraith Scientific Symposium please click here.

    Current Award Winner: Dago Estevez-Ordonez, MD, Phase I clinical trial of oncolytic HSV-1 M032, a second-generation virus armed to expressed IL-12, for the treatment of recurrent or progressive high-grade glioma

  • Morawetz Resident Research Award

    Award: Cash Award ($200) with Recognition at the J. Garber Galbraith Scientfic Symposium

    PGY Resident Eligible: All PGY years

    Award Criteria: Based on the average score of raters for the resident's oral presentation at Galbraith. 1st place - Rated on content, Organization (secures audience attention, objective and outline well formulated, well structured, flowed logically, offers a summary of ideas), and delivery (understanding of English, uses vocal variety, content well displayed, visible, good choice of font, colors, pics, uses physical behavior, adheres to time requirements. To find out more information about the J. Garber Galbraith Scientific Symposium please click here.

    Current Award Winner:

    • Andrew Hale, MD, PhD, Integrative genomics implicates decreased FDG6 expression underlying risk of intracranial aneurysm rupture
    • Nick Laskay, MD, Virtual Reality Simulation Module for Pedicle Screw Placement in Neurosurgical Trainees: Pilot Study

  • Mahaley Resident Research Award

    Award: Cash Award ($1,000) with Recognition at the J. Garber Galbraith Scientific Symposium

    PGY Resident Eligible: All PGY years

    Award Criteria: Based on the highest average score of raters for the Resident's oral presentation at the annual Galbraith Scientific Symposium for translational research projects. Rated on content, organization (secures audience attention, objective and outline well formulated, well structured, flowed logically, offers summary of ideas) and delivery (understanding of English, uses vocal variety, content well displayed, visible, good choice of font, colors, pics, uses physical behavior, adheres to time requirements). To find out more information about the J. Garber Galbraith Scientific Symposium please click here.

    Current Award Winner: Adeel Ilyas, MD, Pro-Ictal State in Human Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

  • Beverly C. Walters, MD, MSc, FRCSC, FACS Academic Achievement Award

    Award: Cash Award ($1,000) with recognition at resident graduation

    PGY Resident Eligible: All PGY years

    Award Criteria: This award goes to a resident who encompasses excellent research and teamwork during the academic year. The award winner has had an outstanding publication record for the academic year looking at both quantity and quality of the publications. The winner also demonstrates their knowledge with creative development of clinically relevant and innovative research projects. They also work with their co-residents in study/writing teams to help the development of more junior residents. They also take a leadership role through Journal Club participation, demonstrating an affinity for lifelong learning.  

    Current Award Winner: Adeel Ilyas, MD 

    Past Award Winners:

    • 2021 - Jacob Lepard, MD
    • 2020 - Gustavo Chagoya, MD 
    • 2018 - Matthew Davis, MD
    • 2017 - Paul Foreman, MD
  • James "Buddy" Nobles, Jr. Resident Education Award

    Award: Recognition and plaque at the resident graduation dinner

    PGY Resident Eligible: All PGY years

    Award Criteria: The award winner demonstrates professionalism exemplary of a neurosurgeon, exceptional clinical acumen, outstanding academic performance, perseverance, drive, and commitment, as well as being a professional colleague and team player.

    Current Award Winner: Matthew Parr, MD 

    Past Award Winners: 

    • 2021 - Nidal Omar, MD
    • 2020 - Philip Schmalz, MD
    • 2019 - Samuel McClugage, MD
    • 2018 - EB Kuhn, MD
    • 2017 - Jacob Lepard, MD
    • 2016 - Kimberly Kicielinski, MD
    • 2015 - Matthew Davis, MD
    • 2014 - Paul Foreman, MD
    • 2013 - Kimberly Kicielinski, MD
    • 2012 - Joseph Miller, MD
    • 2011 - Christoph Griessenauer, MD
    • 2010 - Mahesh Shenai, MD
    • 2009 - Robert Naftel, MD
  • The Jacob R. Lepard, MD Outstanding PGY-2 Resident Consultant in Neurosurgery

    Award: Recognition and plaque at the resident graduation dinner

    PGY Resident Eligible: PGY2

    Award Criteria: This award recognizes the exemplary effort and hard work during the steepest portion of the learning and service curve in the Neurosurgical Residency Training Program. Key characteristics include: intelligence, insight, timeliness, professionalism, courtesy and civility, outstanding clinical consulting, and above all, great concern for patient well-being.

    Current Award Winner: Sasha Howell, MD 

    Past Award Winners: 

    • 2021 - Yasaman Alam, MD
    • 2020 - Travis Atchley, MD
    • 2019 - Adeel Ilyas, MD
    • 2018 - Arsalaan Salehani, MD
    • 2017 - Nidal Omar, MD
    • 2016 - Jacob Lepard, MD
  • Award for Neurosurgery Resident Leadership

    Award: Recognition and plaque at the resident graduation dinner

    PGY Resident Eligible: PGY7 - Chief Resident

    Award Criteria: This award goes to the chief resident who promotes the art and science of Neurosurgery. Must demonstrate outstanding clinical skills, offers leadership by word and example, and provides mentorship to junior residents.

    Current Award Winner: Nidal Omar, MD

    Past Award Winners: 

    • 2021 - Elizabeth Alford, MD
    • 2020 - Christopher Shank, MD
    • 2019 - Matthew Davis, MD
    • 2017 - Ross Dawkins, MD
    • 2016 - Paul Foreman, MD
    • 2015 - Christoph Griessenauer
    • 2014 - Amber Gordon, MD
    • 2013 - Thomas Whisenhunt Jr., MD, PhD
    • 2012 - Robert Naftel, MD
    • 2011 - Mahesh Shenai, MD
    • 2010 - Jason Cormier, MD