The UAB Department of Pathology is excited to announce our chief residents for the 2026-27 year and thank our 2025-26 chiefs.

We want to acknowledge the incredible example that our 2025-26 chiefs Drs. Gian Piero Carames, Anne Henry Hylander and Alyssa Lee have set over the past year. They excelled in their leadership positions, and we thank them all for a job well done.

Our 2026-27 chief residents, effective Sunday, February 1, 2026, are:

Ryan Bragiel, M.D. – Chief Resident in Anatomic Pathology

Bragiel is currently completing his PGY3 AP/CP residency year and is a graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia. Bragiel will complete his fellowship in Women’s Health here at UAB after his residency in 2027.

“I am honored to have been selected as chief resident for Anatomic Pathology. I look forward to finding ways to support my co-residents over the next year and continuing to develop as a professional. I’m excited to discuss new ideas, plans, and initiatives to enhance our residency experience here at UAB!”

Edward Chung, D.O. – Chief Resident in Clinical Pathology

Chung is currently completing his PGY3 AP/CP residency year and is a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine. After his residency, he plans to pursue a fellowship in hematopathology and cytopathology. 

"I’m honored and grateful to be chosen as Chief of Clinical Pathology. I’m excited to work with my co-chiefs to support and advocate for our residents, keep communication open, and strengthen consistent education while continuing to deliver excellent patient care. I’m looking forward to learning and growing together as a team."

Nicholas Eisele, D.O. – Chief Resident in Education and Outreach

Eisele is currently completing his PGY2 AP/CP residency year and is a graduate of the Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine. After residency, he plans to pursue a fellowship in hematopathology

"It's an honor to serve as the upcoming Education and Outreach chief. Education is at the core of our medical residency training so I look forward to using this opportunity to help my co-residents develop into the best pathologists they can be. I also look forward to working with the rotating medical students to give them the best possible snapshot into the vast world of pathology."

In addition, we would like to announce the 2026-27 VOICE (vision, outreach, involvement, community and engagement) leaders, made up of the following:

Maya Handberry-Howard, M.D., M.P.H. - Resident Leader for Vision

This position serves to provide insight and feedback to the Program Evaluation Committee and program leadership to help meet goals and fulfill action items as determined by the Annual Program Evaluation. The role will also serve as the future-oriented leader of the resident group during committee meetings, such as the Resident Education Council. 

Huda Haq, M.D. - Resident Leader for Outreach and Involvement

This position serves to highlight our residency program, events and residents on the department's established social media channels and newsletter by working closely with the UAB Department of Pathology's communications team to plan, develop and implement content. The role will advocate for the field of pathology as a career path through various education and outreach efforts.

Isabella Kohlhepp, D.O. - Resident Leader for Community and Engagement

This position serves to plan social events focused on building comradery, collegiality, work-life balance and overall wellness for the residents. The role will work closely with the Resident Leader for Outreach and Involvement and the Committee for Access and Engagement to highlight resident activities. 

Each VOICE leader will work closely with the chief residents to develop initiatives for recruitment, the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Pathology Interest Group, medical student education and hosting students and scholars. 

We look forward to beginning the new year with this team in place, building upon the work of those before them. Congratulations to our chief residents and resident leaders!