Erin DeLaney, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Brewer-Heslin Award for Professionalism in Medicine. Established by the late Gov. Albert Brewer, the annual award recognizes Heersink School of Medicine faculty members who demonstrate exceptional commitment to providing outstanding and compassionate medical care to patients.
As a skilled clinician in a multidisciplinary family medicine clinic, DeLaney’s work focuses on caring for patients across their lifespan from the local community, campus, and across Alabama. She is a five-time recipient of a UAB Patient Experience Excellence Award and has developed a reputation for compassion and respect for her patients. She has also been named Department of Family and Community Medicine Preceptor of the Year by her students. DeLaney has been a driving force behind the expansion of primary care access and improvements across clinics, including stronger communication across interprofessional care teams and reduced appointment wait times.
“I am sincerely honored to be selected for the 2026 Brewer-Heslin Award. It recognizes what I value most about what we do at UAB – caring compassionately for our patients with professionalism, while training the next generation of physicians. It is a privilege to do this work. I am incredibly thankful to my department for their continued support and nomination, as well as to the Heersink School of Medicine for this recognition.”
Delaney joined UAB in 2013 as an assistant professor. Since her arrival, she’s been appointed as Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs and Quality for the Department of Family and Community Medicine, the inaugural Neil E. Christopher, M.D., Endowed Chair in Family and Community Medicine, and Ambulatory Quality Officer. She also serves on the Heersink School of Medicine Clinical Faculty Council, the HSF GEF Grant Clinical Initiative Review Committee, the Primary Care Recruitment, Quality Team, the Access Team, the Compensation Committee, and more. These roles have enabled system-wide changes in provider engagement, care delivery models, workforce development, and more.
“Dr. DeLaney is a trusted and respected leader who demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and collaboration in all of her work,” said Irfan Asif, M.D., chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. “She brings physicians, nurses, and staff together to address challenges and improve processes, always keeping focus on what will best serve patients.”