With the momentum we have made in only a year from the historic Heersink family gift, I am excited to see more benefits and positive outcomes as we move forward.

This November, I am reflecting on gratitude. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Heersink School of Medicine in a leadership capacity. The work we do here every day is vitally important for our patients, their families, and our communities.

A few weeks ago, I was presented with the annual UAB Medicine Pulse Survey results.

This month, I step into the interim dean role and look forward to leading in this capacity.

As I begin the transition to a new career, my hope is that the achievements we have accomplished together here at UAB will continue to multiply.

Mona Fouad, M.D., MPH, and Selwyn M. Vickers, M.D., FACS, announce the establishment of the Heersink School of Medicine Office for Diversity and Inclusion Faculty Association for LGBTQ+ faculty and allies.

Last month, we passed a significant milestone with COVID-19: the two-year mark since the World Health Organization declared it a worldwide pandemic. Now, COVID-19 cases are decreasing and remain low. A new dawn is on the horizon for us individually and as a health care system.

Women’s History Month is a celebration. It’s a time to admire and respect women's contributions throughout history, but also a time to re-energize our efforts towards equality and equity for the rest of the year.

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