UAB Department of Surgery faculty members Annabelle Fonseca, M.D., MHS, and Brenessa Lindeman, M.D., MEHP, presented research at the Southern Surgical Association (SSA) Annual Meeting last month, showcasing the department’s leadership in surgical education, workforce development, and health equity-focused outcomes research.
Dr. Annabelle FonsecaFonseca, an associate professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology, presented research examining the impact of the socioeconomic factors on overall survival in pancreatic cancer, demonstrating that patients from disadvantaged backgrounds experience worse survival outcomes despite receiving guideline-concordant treatment. This work reflects Fonseca’s broader commitment to outcomes research and health equity, highlighting how structural and social barriers continue to influence cancer outcomes beyond tumor biology or treatment quality alone. The findings underscore the need for system-level interventions that address access, support, and continuity of care for vulnerable patient populations.
- Presentation Title: Biology vs. Barriers: Socioeconomic Disadvantage Decreases Overall Survival in Pancreatic Cancer Despite Receipt of Guideline-Concordant Treatment
- Authors: Annabelle Fonseca, M.D., MHS, Ioannis Liapis, M.D., MSPH, Jaspinder Sanghera, M.D., Michelle Holland, M.D., Krisha Amin, M.D., Rida Ahmed, M.D., Sailesh Kumar, M.D., Archie Landrum, Ahmed Abdalla, Joshua Richman, M.D., Ph.D., Smita Bhatia, M.D., MPH, Martin J. Heslin, M.D., MHSA.
“My research focuses on understanding how social and structural factors influence cancer outcomes,” said Fonseca. “Even when patients receive guideline-concordant treatment, barriers such as access, resources, and support can significantly affect survival. By identifying these gaps, we can develop more equitable, patient-centered approaches to surgical oncology care.”
Lindeman, a professor in the Division of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, presented national-level research examining resident satisfaction with the quantity of feedback 
Dr. Andrada Diaconescu & Dr. Brenessa Lindemanreceived on their best and worst rotations. As the department’s vice chair of education, program director of the UAB Endocrine Surgery Fellowship, and assistant dean of UAB Graduate Medical Education, this research is closely linked to Lindeman’s longstanding focus on surgical education, wellness, and learning environments, with the goal of identifying actionable strategies to improve feedback delivery and trainee experience across residency programs nationwide. By analyzing resident perceptions across diverse training settings, the study provides evidence to guide faculty development efforts and optimize educational culture within surgical training.
- Presentation Title: National-Level Resident Satisfaction with Feedback Quantity on Their Best and Worst Rotations
- Authors: Andrada Diaconescu, M.D., Chandler McLeod, Ph.D., Daniela Munoz Wilson, George A. Sarosi, M.D., Carol Barry, M.D., Andrew Jones, M.D., Rebecca Minter, M.D., Jo Buyske, M.D., Karen Brasel, M.D., Brenessa Lindeman M.D., MEHP.
“My work is focused on producing rigorous, meaningful research that directly informs how we train surgeons,” said Lindeman. “By better understanding how feedback and learning environments shape the resident experience, we can build training programs that promote both technical excellence and trainee well-being.”
“As a resident, I’m deeply interested in how day-to-day training experiences shape both learning and professional growth,” said Andrada Diaconescu, M.D., research resident at the UAB general surgery residency program. “This project allowed us to capture residents’ perspectives on feedback across their best and worst rotations, with the goal of identifying concrete ways to improve educational environments and support trainee development.”
About the Southern Surgical Association
Founded in 1887, the Southern Surgical Association is one of the oldest and most prestigious surgical organizations in the United States. The association is dedicated to advancing the art and science of surgery through excellence in research, education, and mentorship. Its annual meeting brings together leading academic surgeons, trainees, and researchers from across the country to present high-impact scientific work, foster collaboration, and shape the future of surgical practice and training.