Dr. Straughn will assume chief of the medical staff role in January
As chief of the medical staff-elect for the past year, he worked closely with current COMS Elizabeth Turnipseed, M.D., MSPH, to expand his understanding of this leadership role, become a strong voice for the medical staff, and promote more effective communication between the medical staff and hospital administration. Dr. Straughn says he will spend his first 90 days in the new position meeting with clinical staff and leadership to learn how he can help support them and develop goals for his advocacy role. Read more
UAB's Rare Double Uterine Delivery Captivates National and International Attention
In the world of medical marvels, some stories stand out for their rarity and uniqueness. The recent double uterine delivery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has captured the attention of not only the local community but also the national and international media. This extraordinary event has shed light on the incredible complexities of pregnancy and childbirth, showcasing the expertise and innovation within the medical field.
Read moreOB/GYN welcomes Chelsea Crawford, Ph.D., OB/GYN Director of Research Development
We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Chelsea Crawford joined the department this month to lead research development strategy, partnering with the chair, vice chair of Research, department and CWRH leadership team, and faculty to devise strategies and activities to maintain and enhance the department’s research mission and funding portfolio. Crawford will work in collaboration with all faculty to develop research proposals as well as promote research mentorship for junior faculty and interested fellows to secure extramural and intramural research funding.
Read moreUAB Announces Tita as 2023-2024 Distinguished Faculty Lecturer
In a recent announcement from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Alan T. Tita, M.D., Ph.D., a distinguished figure in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology, has been honored with the prestigious title of the 2023-2024 Distinguished Faculty Lecturer. This recognition demonstrates his outstanding academic and research contributions, esteemed reputation among peers, and his exceptional service to the university and the broader community.
The esteemed letter, dated October 25, 2023, came from UAB President, Dr. Ray Watts, who expressed great pleasure in revealing this highly coveted award to Dr. Tita. The announcement marks a momentous occasion not only for the recipient but for the entire UAB community.
UAB Medicine Bereavement Care helps families deal with infant loss
Oct. 15 is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, a healthcare observation recognizing one of the most emotionally difficult experiences that parents and medical professionals can face. There’s no way to make up for the loss of an infant, but hospitals can guide and support families throughout the grieving process. UAB Women & Infants Services provides support specialists as part of its comprehensive bereavement care for families.
Read moreUAB OB/GYN specialty ranked No. 13 by U.S. News & World Report
We are pleased to announce that UAB Medicine’s obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) specialty was ranked the No. 13 best program of its kind nationally in the 2023-2024 Best Hospitals rankings by U.S. News & World Report. The publication also ranked UAB Hospital as the No. 1 hospital in Alabama.
These rankings reiterate UAB Medicine’s position as a top-tier institution and reaffirm our commitment to exceptional patient care, cutting-edge research, and innovation in medicine.
Read moreArend Appointed Inaugural Holder of the Dr. James and Vicki Orr Endowed Professorship
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has taken a momentous step in recognizing and celebrating excellence in the field of Women's Oncology. Effective September 7, 2023, the Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama System officially appointed Rebecca C. Arend, M.D., MSPH, as the inaugural holder of the Dr. James and Vicki Orr Endowed Professorship in Women's Oncology.
Read moreSubramaniam appointed holder of the Bruce Harris, Jr., M.D. Endowed Professorship
On September 7, 2023, the Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama System approved the appointment of Akila Subramaniam, M.D., M.P.H., as the next holder of the Bruce Harris, Jr., M.D. Endowed Professorship in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
The Bruce Harris, Jr., M.D. Endowed Professorship in Obstetrics and Gynecology was formally established at UAB through a resolution adopted on May 7, 1999. This professorship serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Dr. Bruce Harris, Jr., a distinguished figure in the field of obstetrics and gynecology.
Women's Health in Ecuador: An OBGYN's Perspective on Global Healthcare
Women's health is a critical issue that has been overlooked in many parts of the world, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Most of these countries have socialized medicine and access to primary care, but access to specialty services is more limited. Ecuador is no exception, where women face numerous challenges in accessing gynecological services, especially when procedure and surgical interventions are needed. However, there are individuals who are dedicated to empowering women and improving their health outcomes.
Read moreStraughn steps down as Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Director, after 14 years of educational leadership and mentorship: Smith to assume role
The UAB Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Division of Gynecologic Oncology announces a transition in leadership within the Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship program. After a remarkable and long-standing tenure of 14 years, J. Michael Straughn, Jr., M.D., has made the decision to step down as the Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Director. We extend our deepest appreciation for his outstanding contributions to the field and his unwavering commitment to the program's success.
Read moreHoover to assume role following Jenkins’ long successful tenure as division director of Women’s Reproductive Health
The UAB Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) announces a transition in the leadership in the Division of Women's Reproductive Health. After 15 years of exceptional service and leadership, Todd Jenkins, M.D., will step down from his position as the division director, effective July 1, 2023. Jenkins' contributions and dedication to the department have been invaluable, and the department is immensely grateful for his unwavering commitment to Women's Reproductive Health.
Read moreObstetric Fistula in Africa: Healing lives, empowering women
There is an overlooked healthcare crisis affecting millions of women, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. An obstetric fistula is a devastating condition that deeply impacts the lives of affected women, their families, and communities. By raising awareness and working towards prevention and treatment, UAB medical professionals are working to promote dignity, restore health, and empower women.
Read moreBurney named inaugural holder of the J. Benjamin Younger, M.D. - Roensch Family Endowed Chair in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Richard O. Burney, M.D., MSc, division director and associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, has been named the Inaugural Holder of the J. Benjamin Younger, M.D. - Roensch Family Endowed Chair in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The appointment was approved by the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees during the April meeting.
Read moreCasey named holder of the John C. Hauth Endowed Professorship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Brian M. Casey, M.D., has been named as the holder of the John C. Hauth Endowed Professorship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the UAB Marnix E Heersink School of Medicine. The appointment was approved by the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees during the April meeting.
Read moreAndrews appointed as Professor Emeritus in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine has announced the appointment of William W. Andrews, M.D., PhD, as Professor Emeritus in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) as of April 20, 2023. This prestigious appointment recognizes Andrews' significant contributions to the field of medicine, particularly in women's health.
Read moreUAB plays major role in launching statewide action plan to eliminate cervical cancer
Alabama Department of Public Health, in partnership with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB, TogetHer for Health, Rotary Club of Birmingham, and the American Cancer Society launched a statewide action plan, Wipe Out Cervical Cancer, to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem in Alabama.
Read moreBoitano receives grant for research on overcoming chemobrain
Teresa Boitano, M.D., is a fellow in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology’s Division of Gynecologic Oncology. Her team was recently awarded a National Ovarian Cancer Coalition Quality of Life Research pilot grant.
Read morePembrolizumab improves outcomes for endometrial cancer treatment
Concurrent with its presentation as a Late Breaking Abstract at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology’s Annual Meeting in Tampa, Florida, the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) recently published an international, randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 clinical trial that evaluated the effectiveness of adding Pembrolizumab to the current front-line standard of care for women with advanced primary or recurrent endometrial cancer. Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyDivision of Gynecologic Oncology Director Charles A. Leath, III, MD, MSPH, was named among the investigators the study.
Read moreArend appointed Co-Leader of Experimental Therapeutics Program at O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center
The O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has recently announced the appointment of Rebecca Arend, M.D., MSPH, Associate Professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and Associate Scientist in the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, as Co-Leader of the Experimental Therapeutics Program.
Read moreBlack Maternal Health Week: Raising awareness and empowering Black women
Black Maternal Health Week, which is celebrated annually from April 11-17, was founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance and is part of National Minority Health Month. It serves to raise awareness of Black maternal health issues and promote dialogue around solutions, policies, research, and community involvement.
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