Department of Medical Education

Sharon Noser is a curriculum coordinator for the Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) team, where she has served for more than 13 years. Before joining UME, she spent four years in the UAB contracts office. Noser was nominated to the 2025–2026 cohort of Medical Education Unsung Heroes by Mike Belue, program director for UME.

Hannah Zahedi, M.D., doesn’t just practice medicine; she lives it. In Marion, Alabama, her patients are neighbors, friends, and familiar faces she passes on her morning drive. A quick check-in call, a home visit, a conversation in the clinic, her day flows seamlessly between the office and the community she serves. For Zahedi, medicine is more than a job; it is a way of knowing the people behind every chart and responding to their needs with care and expertise.

Lori Allison is a program manager for the Office of International Medical Education where she has served since 2024. Before her work for IME, she spent 27 years in Information Technology, holding roles in Project Management, Process Development, and Risk and Quality Management. She was nominated to the 2025-2026 cohort of Medical Education Unsung Heroes by Michael Massey, program director for IME.

As part of the Medical Education Committee’s (MEC) charge for curricular planning and oversight, the group has recently voted to make several changes to the curriculum that will allow the students to have more time for career exploration and strengthening their credentials before applying to residency programs.

Tawny Fowler is a Data Verification Specialist for the Enrollment Management team. She has been a member of Admissions and Enrollment Management since 2021 and has worked at UAB since 2014. She was nominated to the 2025-2026 cohort of Medical Education Unsung Heroes by Faye Heard, senior director for Enrollment Management.

The Graduation Questionnaire (GQ) is administered by the AAMC each year to fourth-year medical students prior to their completion of medical school. The questionnaire is a national survey with participation from 155 schools. The results are reviewed closely by Department of Medical Education leadership to determine areas of success and areas of improvement within our learning environment and student experience.

UAB Heersink School of Medicine is committed to fostering an accessible, inclusive learning environment for students with disabilities. Working with UAB's Disability Support Services (DSS), Heersink's Medical Student Services (MSS), and Undergraduate Medical Education (UME), students receive individualized accommodations to support full engagement in classroom and clinical experiences. Examples of these accommodations may include lecture transcription, extended testing time, and access to assistive technology devices, among others. Each accommodation is tailored to the student’s needs to reduce barriers and ensure equal access to the learning environment.

Carlton Young, M.D., assistant dean for Access and Engagement – Medical Student Experience and Professor of Surgery, will retire from Heersink School of Medicine, effective Dec. 31, 2025, after 28 years of service in student support and mentorship for the institution. He will continue his clinical practice and will remain a crucial part of UAB Medicine.

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) hosted its annual Learn Serve Lead conference Nov. 1-5, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. The conference gathered leaders and professionals from across academic medicine to discuss pertinent issues in health and health care.

Crystal Burney is an office associate for the Office of Access and Engagement – Medical Student Experience. She joined the OAE team in March 2025 after serving as Lead Clinical Administrative Office Specialist for the UAB Health Services Foundation. She was nominated to the 2025-2026 cohort of Medical Education Unsung Heroes by Erica Brown, Ph.D., program manager for the Office of Access and Engagement – Medical Student Experience.

Denise Coston, administrative associate for Nick Van Wagoner, M.D., and Todd Peterson, M.D., is a vital member of Medical Students Services (MSS). She has been employed by UAB for a total of 35 years, and she has served MSS for the last 20 years. She was nominated to the inaugural cohort of Medical Education Unsung Heroes by Brook Hubner, Ph.D., director of Academic Success, and Jason Noah, program director for Student Success.

The grand rounds session at the Heersink School of Medicine is quiet and charged with attention. Caroline Harada, M.D., professor in the Department of Medical Education, watches as a student unfolds the story of a man from rural Alabama who—afraid of hospitals—grew out his hair to conceal a lump on his head. When his wife discovered it, she took him to the doctor. The diagnosis was grim: stage 4 meningioma (a tumor that grows from the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) with metastases to the spine.

Burleson Foundation gift creates historic endowment for Department of Medical Education

On Friday, November 14, 2025, students from the UAB Heersink School of Medicine gathered to celebrate faculty excellence during the annual Argus Awards Ceremony. Established to recognize outstanding contributions in medical education, the Argus Awards are determined entirely by student nominations and votes, honoring faculty, courses, and course directors who have made a lasting impact throughout the year.

The newly constructed atrium is the first street-level entrance for Volker Hall in recent history, providing convenient access from the corner of 16th St S and University Boulevard. The completion of this project also marks a major milestone in efforts to update the learning facilities and environments for current and future Heersink School of Medicine students.

The UAB Heersink School of Medicine launched the Family Medicine Integrated Residency (IR) program on the Huntsville campus in 2017, marking the beginning of a new approach to preparing physicians for long-term service in Alabama communities. The IR program combines early recruitment, hands-on training, and strong mentorship to help medical students transition seamlessly into residency.

Between lectures, labs, and late-night study sessions, medical students at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine have found a unique way to unwind on pickleball courts. The Pickleball Interest Group, led by second-year medical students Juan Contreras (president), Bradley Dorin (vice president), and Krishna Josyula (tournament director), has grown into a popular way for students to stay active and connected.

In March 2025, Heersink School of Medicine held its annual Match Day ceremony, recognizing 183 medical students discovering where they would complete their medical residency training. These students have begun their residency journey around the state of Alabama and throughout the United States, taking the next step in their journeys of becoming the next generation of physicians. For Todd Peterson, M.D., assistant dean for students, Match Day is a culmination of four years of dedicated training and mentorship, preparing Heersink students for the transition to residency.

At 4:30 a.m., while much of Birmingham is still asleep, Taylor St. Martin, M.D., is already moving through the quiet rhythm of her morning. With bottles prepared for her daughter and her scrubs on, she heads out the door before sunrise. By 5:30, she is at UAB Hospital, ready to begin another day in anesthesiology residency — a role that demands focus and precision.

The UAB Heersink School of Medicine student-run free clinic, Equal Access Birmingham (EAB), has partnered with the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA), operator of MAX Transit, to help reduce one of the most common barriers to healthcare—transportation.

UAB Heersink School of Medicine’s Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) is the recipient of a 2025 NIH-funded Institutional National Research Service Award (T32). The T32 grant will provide additional training opportunities for prospective students, expanding the total number of supported student slots from 18 to 20.

Craig Hoesley, M.D., senior associate dean for Medical Education and chair of the Department of Medical Education, has been named the inaugural Paul and Martha Burleson Endowed Chair in Medical Education.

On the second floor of Volker Hall, a group of first-year medical students gather in clinic practice rooms, their voices bright with energy as they run through patient histories and exam steps together. They compare notes, swap reminders, and encourage one another before stepping into a test session. These moments capture the essence of the Clinical Reasoning and Integrated Skills Program (CRISP), a pivotal element of the curriculum within the UAB Heersink School of Medicine. Launched in 2023, CRISP was built to ease the leap from the classroom to the clinic, giving students a structured, safe environment to build the skills and confidence they will need when they meet their first patients.

The Medical Education Committee (MEC) is charged with performing a review of each course and clerkship every four years. This ensures that medical education program quality is maintained and enhanced and that medical students achieve program objectives and participate in required clinical experiences and settings. During their fourth year, students take required acting internships, as well as their electives. The MEC Clinical Subcommittee, chaired by Dr. Stefanie Woodard, recently completed a review of the Acting Internships (AI) across UAB’s campuses, focusing on Internal Medicine, Ambulatory Care, Critical Care, Surgery, and OB. The review aimed to assess the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of clinical education for fourth-year medical students.

Educational Research & Innovations in Clinical & Health Sciences (ENRICH) Week is underway at UAB Heersink School of Medicine. The annual conference brings together healthcare educators to discuss and promote innovations in teaching skills, curriculum development, and healthcare research. It is organized by UAB’s Healthcare Educators Academy (HEA), which provides faculty development and mentorship for early career educators in Medicine, Public Health, Health Professions, Optometry, Dentistry, and Nursing at UAB.

A student walks into Cat Lewis, MSW, LICSW’s office and begins to share a challenge that has started to affect their ability to focus in school. Lewis listens closely, giving space for the story to unfold. Her role is to connect students with the right support—matching needs with resources so the weight they’re carrying feels lighter. For her, success means helping students return their focus not just to academics, but to managing life alongside medical school.

In Fall 2025, the UAB Heersink School of Medicine announced the creation of a twelfth Learning Community (LC). This is the first time an LC has been added since the founding of the program in 2015, and it has been named after Latesha Elopre, M.D., MSPH, a beloved member of the Heersink School of Medicine family who tragically passed away earlier this year.

On Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, the UAB Heersink School of Medicine welcomed the 196 students of the class of 2029 at the annual White Coat Ceremony, held at the Alabama Theatre.

In a recent article, the 2024 House Staff Council leadership for the Graduate Medical Education (GME) Office reflected on their year of service. In a yearly election, the small group of individuals are selected to serve as support for the 1,100+ residents and fellows training at UAB Heersink School of Medicine, operating as a direct link between trainees and institutional leadership.

The UAB Heersink School of Medicine welcomed 196 new students to the class of 2029 for New Student Orientation, held July 28–31. Throughout the week, incoming first-year medical students engaged in a variety of sessions and activities designed to equip them with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to begin their medical education confidently

On July 28, 2025, the newly constructed atrium for UAB Heersink School of Medicine’s Volker Hall opened its doors. After one year of construction, the brand-new space welcomed the incoming class of medical students for their first day of new student orientation. The opening of the atrium marks the completion of a major milestone to refresh Volker Hall and enhance the student experience for UAB’s medical students.

UAB Heersink School of Medicine aims to serve the state of Alabama and surrounding region through forward-thinking and patient-centered physician training of its medical students. Heersink School of Medicine’s regional campuses provide sites across the state that extend the school’s reach and embed its vision and values into the communities they serve. Lanita Carter, Ph.D., Dale Dickinson, Ph.D., and Britney Sellers, MPH, who have a combined 30+ years in their roles, provide crucial services to Heersink students in their path to become future physicians.

Akanksha Malepati, a third-year medical student in the M.D. program at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, is deeply engaged in ophthalmologic research that spans both systemic disease and pediatric trauma. With a sharp focus and a personal connection to her work, she brings a high level of commitment to every research endeavor she undertakes.

Following the Medical Education Committee (MEC) faculty retreat in May 2025, the committee has continued discussions relating to medical student experience. One current initiative focuses on how medical students face difficulties distinguishing themselves when applying for residency. To address this challenge, the MEC has recently approved the establishment of a Clinical Commendation designation for MS1–MS3 students.

Three students from the UAB Heersink School of Medicine’s Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), housed within the Physician Scientist Development Office (PSDO), recently earned first place in an international hackathon hosted by the Mission: Brain Foundation. Hazel Cho, Abdulraheem Kaimari, and Riyaz Razi competed in the three-day virtual event, which brought together more than 80 teams from more than 40 countries to develop practical solutions to challenges in neurosurgical care. Their project stood out for its innovation, clarity, and teamwork.

It is with heavy hearts that the Heersink School of Medicine mourns the passing of Latesha Elopre, M.D., MSPH. Latesha served in a multitude of roles at UAB since 2015 and made positive impacts throughout many areas of our institution. She is survived by her husband, Chris; two children, Jacob and Gabrielle "Gigi"; brother, Kenneth; and her mother, Glenda.

Research at UAB Heersink School of Medicine enhances future physicians' understanding of evidence-based medicine and critical thinking. Hands-on experiences prepare students to apply scientific discoveries to clinical practice, bridging the gap between research and patient care. Gelare Ghajar-Rahimi, a student in the MD/PhD program, exemplifies the commitment to research and mentorship emphasized by Heersink School of Medicine.

UAB Heersink School of Medicine is pleased to announce several new individuals joining the Department of Medical Education team. Four new staff members have started their roles since May, and a new staff member will join us at the end of June. The department also has a few members who are departing for other opportunities. Please join us in providing a warm welcome to these new additions and well wishes to those who have been pivotal to our team for many years.

Thirteen medical students from the UAB Heersink School of Medicine and one resident physician spent their Memorial Day serving runners and honoring fallen heroes during the 45th annual Cotton Row Run on Monday, May 26, 2025, in downtown Huntsville.

As the 2024–2025 Alabama Albert Schweitzer Fellowship draws to a close, seven UAB Heersink School of Medicine students—Andee Beierle, Caroline Davies, Ben Honan, Kavita Kantamneni, Salem Khalaf, Leanne D. Jeong, and Faris Zaibaq—are being recognized for completing their service years, spearheading projects that improved health and well-being across Alabama. Through hands-on work in education, advocacy, and access, these future physicians addressed pressing health care needs while developing leadership skills and experience with community engagement that will shape their medical careers.

At UAB Heersink School of Medicine, many work quietly behind the scenes to ensure medical students have the tools, support, and structure to succeed. One key figure is Kenneth Hurd, a technician turned educator whose influence shapes everything from high-stakes exams to hands-on electives. His blend of technical expertise and student-centered service makes him a trusted presence during one of the most demanding phases of a future physician’s journey.

On May 9, 2025, members of the Heersink School of Medicine Medical Education Committee (MEC) met for its annual retreat to discuss directions for the undergraduate medical education curriculum. The MEC’s primary responsibility is to plan and oversee the curriculum and the communication of curricular changes to wider faculty, student, and administrative audiences across Heersink’s four campuses and instructional sites. The presentations and organized discussions throughout the day facilitated the beginning of conversation around the future of undergraduate medical education.

Research at UAB Heersink School of Medicine gives medical students hands-on experience in investigative medicine, helping deepen their understanding of and develop solutions for health care access and accessibility.

On May 17, 2025, the UAB Heersink School of Medicine proudly celebrated the graduation of 183 medical students during its annual Commencement ceremony, held at Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.

At the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, more than 1,100 residents and fellows participate in graduate medical education through over 100 training programs—74 of which are exclusive to UAB in the state of Alabama. Representing the voices of these trainees is the House Staff Council (HSC), a body composed of residents and fellows from across all programs that serves as a vital bridge between learners and institutional leadership. 

The UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine recognized 15 faculty members for their outstanding contributions to research, education, and clinical care at the Spring 2025 Endowed Chairs and Professorships Reception.

Holden Thorp, Ph.D., editor-in-chief of Science, will deliver the keynote address at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine 2025 commencement ceremony.

In every medical school class, students stand out not only for their academic excellence but for their integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to uplifting those around them. For the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Class of 2025, James Stallworth is one such student. A four-time Class President and future urologist, Stallworth has shaped not only his own path but also the journey of his peers throughout his medical school years.

Commencement ceremonies connect today’s graduates to centuries of academic tradition. One of the most recognizable symbols is academic regalia—the cap, gown, and hood. At the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, these garments reflect pride in achievement and a longstanding commitment to academic excellence.

As part of the Office of Service Learning initiative, 24 MS1s recently provided in-person counseling at the Foundry and the Lovelady Center. This in-person activity marked a significant shift from previous years, allowing students to directly interact with individuals at these centers and gain firsthand experience in community health counseling.