UAB Division of Surgical Oncology Assistant Professor Kimberly Kopecky, M.D., MSCI, has been chosen as the recipient of the UAB Department of Surgery’s John D. Kirklin Award.
Kopecky completed her medical degree at Harvard Medical School and surgical residency at Stanford Hospital. She completed a hospice and palliative medicine fellowship at the University of Wisconsin and a surgical oncology fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
“Our primary goal with the Kirklin Award is to select candidates who actively promote engagement in academic surgery. Dr. Kopecky exemplifies the values and culture of the UAB Department of Surgery. As a UAB Surgery faculty member, she has certainly been a champion in uplifting those around her,” says UAB Fay Fletcher Kerner Endowed Chair Herbert Chen, M.D.
Since joining UAB in February 2024, Kopecky has been recognized for her contributions to trainee wellness and has recently taken on the role of chair of the Wellness Committee. During her time as a faculty member, she has also been featured for her patient communication skills and for teaching future surgeons how to connect more effectively with the patients they serve.
In addition to her clinical practice, Kopecky has become a co-leader of the UAB Women in Surgery (WIS) group. This organization is dedicated to supporting medical students interested in surgery and advancing the careers of female surgeons, both trainees and faculty. UAB WIS welcomes all faculty, staff, and trainees within the UAB Department of Surgery.
“Not only is Dr. Kopecky enthusiastic about academic surgery, but she has also been recognized by her patients with a satisfaction rate higher than 95%,” says UAB Division of Surgical Oncology Interim Director Sushanth Reddy, M.D. “Our faculty and patients are fortunate to have her as a member of the Division of Surgical Oncology.”
About the Dr. John Kirklin Award
John D. Kirklin, M.D., served as chairman of the UAB Department of Surgery and chief of the UAB Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Kirklin inspired a generation of trainees in general surgery and cardiothoracic surgery with his evidence-based care. Throughout his life, he authored more than 700 scientific articles and revolutionized the use of the heart-lung machine.