Emily Gantz, M.D., associate professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Pediatrics’ Division of Pediatric Neurology, has been named associate program director for the UAB Child Neurology Residency Program.
In this new leadership role, Gantz will help support resident education, recruitment and program development while working alongside Program Director Sarah C. Novara, M.D., MSHQS, FCNS. Her appointment reflects the program’s continued commitment to strengthening resident mentorship and enhancing training opportunities as the residency continues to grow.
For Gantz, the opportunity represents a meaningful step in expanding her role in academic medicine and investing in the next generation of pediatric neurologists.
“I am looking forward to playing a bigger role in the education and development of our residents,” said Gantz. “It is exciting to see how our residents grow and learn over the years, and now I get to be a larger part of that and from earlier on.”
Gantz said one of her primary goals is to bring an additional perspective to program leadership while helping distribute responsibilities across the team. She emphasized the importance of collaboration in maintaining a strong residency experience.
“My goal is to bring another helpful perspective to the program and share in responsibilities,” said Gantz. “Our program director, Dr. Sarah Novara, and our coordinator, Toni Davison, do an amazing job with the program, but I think they could benefit from also having an associate program director to make it feel more like a team effort.”
A major focus for Gantz will be ensuring residents feel supported throughout their training and leave the program prepared for successful careers in pediatric neurology.
“I want them to graduate and feel as though they were supported and received excellent training,” said Gantz. “My hope is that by the time the residents graduate, they feel confident as pediatric neurologists and are well prepared to accomplish their next career goals.”
Novara said Gantz’s dedication to education, mentorship and resident success made her a natural choice for the position.
“I am thrilled that she will assist me in recruiting talented child neurology applicants and in promoting our initiatives to ensure high-quality child neurology mentorship and education for our residents,” said Novara.
The UAB Child Neurology Residency Program is dedicated to training future pediatric neurologists through comprehensive clinical education, mentorship and hands-on experience. With Gantz stepping into this leadership role, the program will continue building on its mission of preparing physicians to provide exceptional neurologic care for children and adolescents.