Ambika Ashraf, M.D., professor, will be stepping down from her role as Division Director of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, effective September 28, 2026. This decision will allow her to spend more time with family.
During her time as Division Director, Ashraf has provided thoughtful leadership and played an important role in shaping the direction and success of the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and the Department of Pediatrics. Her commitment to her faculty, staff and patients has left a lasting impact.
Ashraf will remain on faculty in a reduced clinical role continuing to care for patients with metabolic bone disease and will continue to lead her NIH-funded grants.
To ensure a smooth transition, Jessica Schmitt, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes has been named interim Division Director. Schmitt completed her medical degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and her pediatric residency at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and her pediatric endocrinology fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She holds a Master of Science in Healthcare Quality and Safety from UAB. She currently serves as Medical Director of Pediatric Endocrinology clinic and is an Officer with the Pediatric Office of Improvement Science. Schmitt has provided innovative operational leadership for Endocrinology, serving as a model for other Children’s of Alabama clinics. Schmitt is looking forward to sustaining the success of the Division.