Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
From sports nutrition and cutting-edge rehabilitation tools to real-world strategies for concussion care, the 2026 Robert A. Ferguson Endowed Lecture Series: A Conference on Sports and Exercise Medicine will offer practical education on athlete care while spotlighting the future of sports medicine. Hosted by UAB Sports & Exercise Medicine, the conference takes place Saturday, June 13, at the UAB National Alumni Society House.
UAB Sports & Exercise Medicine is extending its educational impact beyond Birmingham, serving as a clinical training resource for athletic training programs across Alabama through a growing series of invited lectures and hands-on labs.
For most high school athletes, their senior season is a moment they look forward to for years, but Quay Lynch nearly had that dream taken away in an instant. Read the story on how UAB Orthopaedic Surgery fueled his comeback to compete.
The UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is excited to announce the results of its fellowship match for the 2027 program year!
The UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery achieved its highest-ever national ranking in the 2025 Blue Ridge Rankings, placing No. 34 among orthopaedic surgery departments nationwide.
The UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism have partnered to launch a new Fracture and Fragility Clinic, designed to provide patients with better access to specialized bone‑health care, particularly those at risk for osteoporosis‑related injuries.
UAB recently recognized 25 individuals for their years of service in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, ranging from 5 years to 35 years.
The UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is thrilled to announce the results of our 2026 residency match!
The joint care team plays a vital role in delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care for individuals undergoing orthopaedic surgery, from hip and knee replacement to complex joint conditions across the continuum of care. Every day, this multidisciplinary group works collaboratively to support patients before, during and after surgery, ensuring safe, coordinated and compassionate care at every step of the journey.
In 2025, the Department of Orthopeadic Surgery continued to show that caring for people goes beyond patient care. Throughout the year, we made space to support our staff, faculty, and trainees through moments of connection, appreciation, and wellness, recognizing that a supported team is essential to the work we do every day.
UAB Medicine has been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2025 list of “100 Great Neuro and Spine Programs,” which recognizes hospitals and health systems that demonstrate excellence in neuroscience and spine care.
As the temperature drops, it is not uncommon to experience joint pain. Joints may become stiffer and more painful due to colder temperatures, and this can be attributed to several reasons. Joint conditions, such as arthritis, can additionally impact joint health during the winter months.
Joint problems and conditions can be debilitating and significantly impact a patient's overall quality of life. Conditions such as forms of arthritis, cartilage damage, and injuries can affect mobility and cause pain during daily activities. Recognizing these conditions can enable early treatment and reduce the discomfort that joint conditions may cause.
UAB Medicine’s Leadership Development Office (LDO) celebrated the graduation of the 11th cohort from the Institute for Leadership on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025.
On Thursday, Nov. 20., the Heersink School of Medicine honored 20 faculty members at the Fall 2025 Endowed Chairs and Professorships Reception. This event recognizes Heersink faculty who have made major contributions to research, education, and clinical care.
Fourteen providers in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery were recently recognized by the UAB Office of Patient Experience and Engagement for the exceptional care they delivered to patients during FY25. These providers achieved a top box rating of 95 percent or higher (n ≥ 30) in care satisfaction, based on patient feedback in Medallia.
UAB Medicine’s Leadership Development Office (LDO) honored 33 graduates of the Emerging Leaders Series (ELS) fall 2025 Cohort 4 during a ceremony held on Thursday, Nov. 12. The cohort completed a multi-session program designed to strengthen leadership capability for emerging leaders across the enterprise.
Joseph Johnson, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), has been inducted as a fellow of the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) during its 138th Annual Leadership Meeting.
The UAB Orthopaedics’ Optimization Clinic was established to improve surgical outcomes for patients with complex medical needs by proactively addressing modifiable risk factors before surgery. The clinic focuses on patients who may have one or more co-morbid conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, or nicotine use, that can increase the risk of complications during or after orthopaedic procedures, especially hip and knee replacement surgeries.
In April 2025, the UAB Board of Trustees approved the establishment of the John S. Gould, M.D. and Sheryl H. Gould Endowed Support Fund, designed to support the educational mission of UAB’s Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship.
Complications following surgical procedures pose significant risks to pediatric patients. Detecting complications after an operation can pose a challenge due to heavy reliance on symptom reports from children and their caregivers. Children may struggle to effectively convey their symptoms, leading to delayed recognition of post-operative complications. A new article published in Science Advances may show a promising solution.
According to the CDC, each year, 1 in 4 older adults experiences a fall, often leading to serious injuries like hip fractures, which can require surgery and months of recovery. While falls are common, the good news is that many are preventable, especially with a few simple safety steps at home and outdoors.
UAB Medicine’s Leadership Development Office welcomed 18 individuals in its 11th cohort of Institute for Leadership in August 2025.
Joseph Johnson, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), has been awarded a Pilot and Feasibility Study grant from the UAB Comprehensive Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, Bone and Autoimmunity Center (CAMBAC). His study, titled “Immunologic Phenotyping of Fracture-Related Infection Patients at Risk for Treatment Failure,” seeks to improve clinical outcomes for patients with fracture-related infections (FRIs) through early immunologic intervention.
Hassan Ghomrawi, Ph.D., MPH, associate professor and vice chair for research and innovation in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), has been named treasurer of the Orthopedic Research Society's Strategies in Clinical Research section.
Summer marks the ideal opportunity for travel and relaxation, allowing individuals to plan their perfect getaway. However, for those who struggle with chronic joint pain, increased travel and outdoor activity can pose unique challenges, making movement more difficult.
After decades of living with chronic orthopedic issues, Terry Sanfilippo thought she knew what to expect from surgery and recovery. But thanks to the care she received at UAB Orthopaedics, her recent experience was both surprising and hopeful.
UAB Hospital has been reverified as a Level I adult trauma center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma (COT) and remains the only ACS-Level I adult trauma center in the state of Alabama. Learn what it takes to meet the rigorous standards set by the ACS.
Following a successful Match Day, the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery welcomes a distinguished group of physicians who will continue their advanced training in specialized fellowship programs.
On April 28, 2025, Jasmine Thum, M.D., M.S. assistant professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery and Department of Biomedical Engineering, hosted a peripheral nerve education course for trainees at UAB. The event offered residents in-depth lectures and anatomic demonstrations of peripheral nerve anatomy, pathology, diagnostic techniques and surgical approaches.
The UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is taking action to revolutionize its research efforts. Through identified focus areas, increased collaborative efforts, and research priorities, the department is working to be a leader, not only in the field of orthopaedics, but also in orthopaedic research.
The AHSAA Super 7 football state championship games showcased more than just athletic talent this past year. Patients from the UAB Sports & Exercise Medicine clinic and Children’s of Alabama took center stage as honorary captains, representing resilience, determination, and hope on the state’s largest high school sports stage.
Over 100 million Americans are experiencing temperatures below 10°F, with the Southeastern U.S. seeing record lows, causing many individuals, especially those with joint pain, to feel the effects of the cold weather. As one University of Alabama at Birmingham orthopaedic surgeon explains, the low temperatures—coupled with changes in barometric pressure—can intensify symptoms of joint pain, leading to discomfort and stiffness, but these helpful tips can provide relief.
This December, the Heersink School of Medicine Office of Access & Engagement sought to connect with the medical community by learning about the season’s rich variety of holidays. In part three of our holiday series, we explore Christmas, celebrated worldwide for its message of love, generosity, and joy. To capture the spirit and significance of the holiday, we spoke with Monica Henderson, Administrative Director in Clinical Simulation, and Dominique McCray, Clinical Program Manager II in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, to learn more about how Christmas' themes of giving and togetherness resonate in their lives and work.
In Fall 2024, UAB Heersink School of Medicine announced the winners of the 2024 Dale J. Benos Medical Student Research Day (MSRD). All medical students were invited to present the results of their research projects and submit posters for judging.
Thirty-three individuals comprising seven teams recently graduated from UAB Medicine’s High Performing Care Collaborative summer 2024 program. The program, presented by UAB Medicine’s Leadership Development Office, recognized its graduates at a ceremony on Aug. 14, 2024.
Hassan Ghomrawi, Ph.D., MPH, has joined the UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine as an associate professor and the inaugural vice chair for Research and Innovation for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery as well as associate director for the Comprehensive Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, Bone and Autoimmunity Center (CAMBAC).
Twenty-eight UAB employees recently graduated from the Emerging Leaders Series (ELS) Spring 2024 program. In its pilot year, the program, presented by UAB Medicine’s Leadership Development Office (LDO), recognized its first cohort of graduates at a ceremony on May 23, 2024.
In Birmingham, Alabama, the commitment to fostering the potential of young athletes extends far beyond the playing field. Thanks to the initiative spearheaded by James Jones, head athletic trainer for the UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Birmingham City Schools, and Bama Wellness Advocacy, and from the financial support provided by the UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and UAB Sports & Exercise Medicine, a revolutionary nutrition program has been launched. This program not only emphasizes the significance of proper nutrition but also highlights the importance of self-wellness factors such as sleep, ultimately aiming to enhance the overall performance and well-being of student-athletes.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening event that can happen unexpectedly to anyone, including young individuals. Unlike a heart attack, SCA occurs when the heart suddenly stops functioning, leading to unconsciousness and cessation of breathing. It's crucial to recognize the signs, understand the risks, and be prepared to take action, especially in sports and other high-risk settings.
Sara Gould, M.D., MPH, associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, and Camden Hebson, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics, were recently featured as experts on ESPN’s SportsCenter regarding athlete Bronny James’ recent cardiac arrest.
Aaron Casp, M.D., and Amit Momaya, M.D., attended the Annual American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) Conference in Washington, D.C. on July 13-16. Casp presented on cartilage injuries in elite athletes.
The one-day conference included talks on common running injuries and treatments, performance optimization, nutrition, mental health and more.
In the last several years, UAB Medicine and Heersink School of Medicine have worked to bring leadership development to faculty and staff through the UAB Medicine Institute for Leadership and Momentum in Medicine programs.
Medical Student Research Day celebrates the research accomplishments of medical students and provides them with the opportunity to present their projects to fellow students and faculty.