Note from the President
It is an exciting time for our Medical Alumni Association, as we continue to build on the strength of our community and invest in the future of our students and the Heersink School of Medicine. I encourage each of you to remain engaged by paying your dues. Your support makes a tangible difference in the lives of our medical students and the vitality of our alumni programs.
We are also looking forward to seeing Dean Agarwal, who will be attending our Regional Reception in Huntsville at The Purveyor on December 10. Our Montgomery Regional Dean’s Reception, which took place October 1 at the Montgomery Country Club, was enjoyed by all attendees. These gatherings are a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with classmates, strengthen professional relationships, and celebrate the continued growth and greatest needs of our medical school. Learn more.
One of the highlights of this year was the recent opportunity to meet with our students and participate in the White Coat Ceremony. There is nothing more inspiring than welcoming a new class of medical students as they begin their journey. They are full of promise, purpose, and dedication to the profession we all share. At the same time, we are reminded of the importance of supporting our students when they need it most.
The Medical Student Assistance Fund provides critical relief during unexpected emergencies, ensuring that temporary hardships do not derail long-term dreams. Consider making a gift to this much-needed fund when you pay your dues online.
Finally, I invite you to recognize excellence within our medical alumni community by nominating a classmate or colleague for one of our Medical Alumni Awards. Through engagement, generosity, and recognition, we continue to strengthen the legacy of our Association.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Byrd, M.D.
Class of 1995
Save the Date for Alumni Weekend
March 5-6, 2027
The 2027 Medical Alumni Association Weekend, taking place March 5-6, brings alumni back to campus for a dynamic weekend of learning, connection, and celebration, featuring the Reynolds-Finley Historical Lecture with Mike Saag, M.D., welcome festivities, presentations, student engagement, campus tours, and alumni recognition events. The weekend concludes with family-friendly gatherings, class reunion receptions, and dinners that provide meaningful opportunities to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate the strength of the medical alumni community.
White Coat Fitting
Because of you, white coats are possible.
Alumni generosity is helping the 2026 incoming class begin their journey to becoming physicians. Our first-year medical students arrived on campus July 27, and one of their first activities was being fitted for their white coat. the mantle of the medical profession. This milestone is made possible by the generosity of our dues-paying members.
Several students wrote thank you cards to our alumni at the event, which are quoted here.
“Receiving a white coat is a key milestone in any physician's journey.”
Tomeka Frieson
“I hope to one day do this for another medical student.”
Emily Giles
“This helps me know I belong here.”
Grant Ulrich
2027 Alumni Awards Call for Nominations
Nominations are open for the 2027 Medical Alumni Awards honoring excellence in research, care, service, leadership, and community impact. Submit your nominations by Friday, November 10, 2026. Eligible nominees are graduates of the UAB Heersink School of Medicine and its legacy institutions.
Renew. Give. Make an Impact.
MAA Weekend: Your dues help bring alumni together for Medical Alumni Weekend, fostering connections, celebrating achievements, and strengthening ties within the medical community.
Student White Coats: Contributions provide white coats for incoming students, marking the beginning of their medical journey and reinforcing a tradition of professionalism and purpose.
Scholarships: Gifts to scholarships help ease financial burdens and empower talented students to focus on their education as they prepare for careers in medicine.
Regional Receptions and Events: Support for regional receptions and alumni events keeps graduates connected across the country through networking, mentorship, and engagement opportunities.
Student Study Breaks: Your support makes student study breaks possible, providing encouragement and moments of relief during demanding academic periods.
Your membership is the foundation of our organization, and your generosity helps us go even further. We invite you to renew your dues and, if you're able, make an additional gift to support the programs and experiences that strengthen our alumni community and support future physicians.