The UAB Department of Pediatrics has announced the residents selected as Pediatric Underserved and Global Health (PUGH) Scholars for the 2026-2027 academic year.
The PUGH Scholars Program is a longitudinal opportunity for pediatric residents to gain experience and focused education in global health throughout their three years of residency. The program helps residents better understand health care in developing countries and prepares them to provide culturally sensitive and competent care in limited-resource settings.
2026-2027 PUGH Scholars
PGY-1
- Elena Blain, M.D.
- Emmie Bruderer, M.D.
- Ryan Kimball, M.D.
PGY-2
- Lauryn Bass, M.D.
- Alyssa Goldman, M.D.
- Kahlea Haladwala, M.D.
- Jacob Wurst, M.D.
PGY-3
- Kymberlee Evans, M.D.
- Rafaella Navarro Hoyos, M.D.
- Jemma Thompson, M.D.
During the 2025-2026 academic year, the program focused on pediatric subspecialty care in global health. Emily Goodwin, M.D., discussed hematology and oncology in low-resource settings; Amelia Schuyler, M.D., presented on global neonatology; Alyssa Pfister, M.D., discussed providing care when subspecialists are unavailable; and Kelsey Thetford, M.D., spoke about caring for immigrant and refugee children. Graduating PGY-3 residents Maya Ahmadieh, M.D., and Elizabeth Proenza, M.D., also presented on pediatric tuberculosis.
Residents participated in two low-resource simulation sessions, as well as quarterly global health morning reports. Three residents also completed overseas away rotations in Santiago, Chile, with pre-travel orientation and post-return debriefing.
The PUGH Scholars Program is led by Meghan Hofto, M.D., and Mary Orr, M.D., assistant professors in the Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, and Priya Prabhakaran, M.D., professor in the Division of Pediatric Critical Care.
Through educational sessions, simulation and international experiences, the program provides residents with opportunities to broaden their understanding of global health and caring for children in diverse settings.