Rohit Dhall, M.D.With a career defined by advances in clinical research, the growth of clinical programs, and, now, departmental leadership as chair, Rohit Dhall, M.D., an alumnus of both UAB Neurology residency and fellowship programs, credits UAB for establishing a foundation on which he could thrive.
Dhall, who completed his residency at UAB Neurology in July 2007 followed by a fellowship in movement disorders in June 2009, describes a “meandering career trajectory.” It has included roles building the deep brain stimulation program at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, introducing new diagnostics and therapeutics with the support of clinical trials as a faculty member in the Department of Neurology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), and now leading that department as chair, a role he has held since 2023.
“Since then, we have worked to grow our size and impact in clinical service delivery, securing the future workforce for Arkansans by growing neurology residency size and quality,” Dhall said. “We doubled the number of neurology residents trained in Arkansas this year (thanks in part to guidance from Drs. Bashir and Standaert) and have been building access to clinical research in neurological disorders for our state.”
Learn more about Dhall’s experience in the UAB Department of Neurology and his reflections on his time spent at UAB.
What initially drew you to UAB for your training and/or career?
Dhall: I vividly remember my residency interview at UAB. Before the interview, I thought of UAB as a reasonable training program in the South. During my visit, I was struck by how friendly and collegial everyone was (especially Drs. Achong and DeWolfe, PGY2 residents who took us on the campus tour and shared how rigorous the training was).
But I distinctly recall the moment UAB went to the top of my list – Dr. Ed Faught was the interim chair, and he casually shared during our conversation that Dr. Ray Watts was going to be joining as the new department chair soon. I knew “of” Dr. Watts – and that I wanted to train in Movement Disorders. In that short conversation, I also felt the deep regard that Dr. Faught held for Dr. Watts, and the belief that his taking the chair role would be deeply impactful for the department. Leaving that interview, I knew where I wanted to do my residency training. And we all know how impactful Dr. Watts has been, not just for UAB Neurology but for Alabama’s healthcare.
How would you describe the culture of the UAB Department of Neurology during your time there, and what made it unique compared to other institutions?
Dhall: When I interviewed, UAB was a relatively small training program with a strong culture of faculty involvement in education, although the neurodegenerative and stroke groups had experienced attrition. Even before I started my residency, neurodegenerative disorders expanded (Dr. Watts brought Drs. Stover and Dr. Freeman with him, and later recruited world-class leaders with Drs. Standaert and Roberson, who have accelerated that growth).
Faculty were exceptional clinicians who were incredibly committed to the educational mission, and faculty and residents/fellows genuinely cared for people. I have been grateful to have lifelong mentors in Drs. Watts, King, Oh, Bashir, Atchison, Nabors, Standaert, and Stover, as well as friends in Drs. Sung, DeWolfe, Walker, Maron, and Amara, among others. I have been at multiple other institutions, but the culture of truly caring for those you’re around has been rare and something we are trying to emulate in my current department.
Can you share a favorite memory or defining moment from your time at UAB Neurology that still stands out to you today?
Dhall: Too many favorites to recount – our resident group dinners, every morning report led by Dr. Gwen Claussen, a.m. rounds with Drs. Halsey, Faught, King, and Bashir, radiology case conferences led by Dr. Cure and days of my research elective in Dr. King’s lab stand out, as do book clubs with Dr. King and Nabors. I feel lucky I had attendings who kindled the joy of learning in every interaction with us. From my 17 years as an educator, I know how difficult it is to sustain that commitment to educational excellence. One of my favorite personal memories is my oldest, Samir, who was born at UAB in my final year of fellowship and bringing him home to our condo.
What lessons or skills gained at UAB have proven most valuable in your career since leaving the department?
Dhall: As a PGY4, I recall advice from Dr. Standaert about not diverting my focus to lab research. It was painful to receive in the moment, but I’ve since understood how important, timely, and kind that input was. It allowed me to focus on my strengths from early in my career. In addition, staying intellectually curious, having a long-term vision, and learning from as well as contributing to the growth of every member of your group have been tremendously valuable lessons.
Looking back, what do you think UAB Neurology did especially well in training neurologists and advancing the field?
Dhall: The field of neurology is vast (and growing), and the training period (residency or fellowship) is time-limited. In the available training time, good programs provide foundational competency in the breadth of neurological disorders and their management, allow adequate time and opportunities to develop required procedural and practice skills, and kindle lifelong learning.
I believe UAB has continued to provide this balance for their learners exceptionally well. This opinion is based on more than my personal training experience, since UAMS Neurology is fortunate to have several UAB graduates working for us now, and I hope that number grows (hint to anyone looking for an academic job after finishing their training at UAB 😊).