For December, the UAB Department of Surgery is featuring Dr. Lacey Swenson in its monthly Access & Engagement Committee spotlight.
Lacey Swenson, M.D., is a general surgeon and assistant professor in the Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery at UAB. Born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama, she went to medical school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham after graduating summa cum laude in biology and physical sciences at Auburn University’s Montgomery campus. She completed general surgery residency at Brookwood Baptist Health in Birmingham.
Her clinical interests include: robotic minimally invasive surgery, gallbladder disease, hernia repairs, colon cancer and diverticulitis and endoscopic procedures. Dr. Swenson primarily practices at Russell Medical Center in Alexander City, AL.
Share your journey into the medical field with us. What areas were you most interested in and what do you like about your current role in Surgery?
I knew I wanted to be a doctor by the age of 10. My dad was very sick and I took care of him a lot as a child. He was a paramedic and taught me a lot about medicine. I enjoyed helping with his wound care and knew I wanted to do something hands on.
What’s it like practicing surgery outside of the Birmingham metro? What do you find most rewarding?
I really enjoy practicing in a small town/ small hospital. You get very used to operating on your coworkers and neighbors pretty quickly. The hospital staff feels more like family and it’s just very rewarding taking care of your close knit community. The people are always so openly grateful.
What is your surgical specialty?
I specialized in general surgery, which mostly consists of gallbladders, hernias, bowels, and soft tissue surgeries.
If you could share anything about your role with readers, what would it be? Why?
Although we stay pretty busy in our little community, I do feel that being in this rural setting life moves a little slower. I tend to appreciate the little things much more and have a better quality of life in this setting.
Fun facts! What do you enjoy outside of the OR / clinic? What’s your favorite restaurant?
Outside of the OR, you will find me chasing 3 corgis, 10 chickens, and 1 six month old baby boy around our little wannabe farm. I love plants and gardening (things that are easy to keep alive) and traveling whenever possible.
Current favorite restaurant is Waverly Local in Waverly, AL. Incredible gourmet food in a small town.
My favorite coffee shop is Restoration 49 in Tallasee, AL.