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.

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.

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).

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.