March 2025 Pediatric Pandemic Network updates
Mini Medical School
Youth Advisory Board Service Project Central Alabama
On Saturday, March 8, members of the Central Alabama Youth Advisory Board (YAB) volunteered at HUB Worldwide, a local nonprofit that diverts surplus medical supplies from landfills to individuals and organizations in need. YAB members helped organize the HUB warehouse, gaining first hand insight into the scope of products the organization distributes.
Equally as important as the hands-on work was hearing from HUB staff about how they source and distribute products to communities ranging from the mountains of Ecuador to rural clinics in Alabama to flood-stricken areas of North Carolina. Inspired by these stories, some YAB members made plans for future service at the HUB.
Youth Advisory Board Service Project Black Belt Region
The UAB Pediatric Pandemic Hub’s eighth Adolescent Medicine Youth Advisory Board meeting in Wilcox County for the 2024-2025 term was a success. Jasmine S. Kennedy, clinical research coordinator II and PPN YAB facilitator, led an interactive activity focused on a service project centered on mental health and social-emotional resilience.
Students designed a flyer conveying their message, featuring a QR code linked to a self-designed interactive app conceptualized as a "virtual diary." They also developed questions for the Daily Feelings Journal Form. The app can be added to a home screen.
MCH Hopes
Maternal Child Health HOPES participants from Jackson-Olin, Parker, and Carver high schools took part in simulation exercises at Children's of Alabama under the leadership of Dr. Chrystal Rutledge and the hospital’s simulation team.
Students performed simulations in hyponatremic seizures, coding, anaphylaxis, respiratory issues, and suturing. Marsha Sutton Kelly, MPA, clinical research manager, facilitated the group.
PARCA Annual Forum
The 2025 Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) held its annual forum on Friday, March 7, at the Harbert Center, bringing together policymakers, business leaders, nonprofit executives, educators, and mental health professionals to address mental health challenges in schools and the workforce.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey delivered the keynote address. Children’s of Alabama’s Lou Lacey spoke on “Where Do We Go From Here?” Attendees included Lonnie Pressley, MPH, MSEM, PPN director; Jasmine Kennedy, MA, clinical research coordinator II; and Katy Smith, MPA, educational liaison.
Blood Drive
The Pediatric Pandemic Network partnered with Children’s of Alabama and the Red Cross for a March blood drive. Free A1C testing was available, and donors received a $10 Amazon gift card. Special thanks to Dr. Elizabeth Baker, Dr. Mark Baker, Lonnie Pressley, and Marsha Kelly Sutton for their participation.
Reality Check
Marsha Kelly-Sutton, program manager for UAB Medicine, staffed the “Life Happens” table for the Reality Check program at Ramsay High School on March 18, 2025. Approximately 120 students in 10th through 12th grade participated. While some were satisfied with their outcomes, others faced financial challenges. The event was engaging, and many students realized the importance of adaptability in navigating life’s uncertainties.
Dr. Kong presents at Birmingham Kiwanis Club
Michele Kong, M.D., professor in the Division of Critical Care, recently presented at the Kiwanis Club in Birmingham.
Dr. Coyne-Beasley appointed APS President
Tamera Coyne-Beasley, M.D., MPH, professor in the Division of Adolescent Medicine, has been appointed 2025-2026 president of the American Pediatric Society (APS), beginning June 1, 2025.
Pediatrics welcomes one new faculty member in February 2025
The UAB Department of Pediatrics welcomed three new faculty members in the month of January. Please join us in making them feel at home!
Neonatology SSPR Travel Awards
Members from the Division of Neonatology research team were awarded the Southern Society for Pediatric Research travel award.
Dr. Salas named SSPR president elect
Ariel Salas, M.D., MSPH, associate professor in the Division of Neonatology, has been named as the 2026-2027 Southern Society for Pediatric Research (SSPR) president-elect.
Southern Society for Pediatric Research awardees 2025
Annalise Sorrentino, M.D., professor in the Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, and Sam McCartney, M.D., second-year pediatric resident, received awards from the Southern Society for Pediatric Research (SSPR).
Department of Pediatrics residents elected to Alpha Omega Alpha
Alana Nichols, M.D., and Gillian Garver, M.D., fourth year Med-Peds residents, have been elected for membership into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society (AΩA).
Department of Pediatrics places second at the 2025 Cultural Connections Food Fair
The UAB Department of Pediatrics participated in the 2025 Heersink School of Medicine Cultural Connections Food Fair, highlighting a diverse array of delicious dishes representing various cultures.
Grand Rounds top 10 articles of 2024
Top 10 articles of 2024, as presented in Grand Rounds on 2/6/2025
Read moreFebruary 2025 Pediatric Pandemic Network updates
Congratulations to Michele Kong, Kulture City
Congratulations to Michele Kong, M.D., professor in the Division of Pediatric Critical Care and Co-Founder of Kulture City. Kulture City was recently recognized for the training it provides for first responders. On November 7, 2024, the first responders were called to a car accident in Limestone County. One of the accident victims began panicking and the first responder having received training from Kulture City recognized the characteristics of an invisible disability in the individual. The awareness training assisted the first responder in identifying the issue and aiding the car accident victims.
Read more2025 Kaul Pediatric Research Institute grant awardees announced
L to R: Alishlash, Dike, Mackay, Richter, Stafman, Alexander, WolfsonCongratulations to the 2025 Kau Pediatric Research Institute grant awardees!
Dr. Oduru receives National Pancreas Foundation travel grant
Olawale Oduru, M.D., fellow in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition has received a travel grant to attend the National Pancreas Foundations (NPF) Fellows Symposium in Orlanda, FL in April 2025.
Pediatrics welcomes three new faculty members in January 2025
Acosta, Boone and OjoThe UAB Department of Pediatrics welcomed three new faculty members in the month of January. Please join us in making them feel at home!
2024-2025 Fall Research Roundtable & Fellow Core Conference Attendance Award
Please join us in congratulating Mary Margaret Barr M.D., second year fellow in the Division Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, on receiving the 2024-2025 Fall Fellow Research Roundtable/Fellow Core Conference Attendance Award.
Hand in Hand donations
Hand in Hand Early Intervention (EI) is a vital program that supports infants and toddlers with developmental delays, diagnosed disabilities, or those at risk of developmental delays during their first three years of life.
Pediatrics welcomes one new faculty member in December 2024
The UAB Department of Pediatrics welcomed one new faculty member in the month of December. Please join us in making them feel at home!
Dr. Densmore chosen for competitive Educational Scholars Program
Caroline Densmore, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Academic General Pediatrics, was recently selected as a 2025 Academic Pediatric Association (APA) Educational Scholar.
Pediatric Pandemic Network November updates
Meads Miracle Foundation - UAB Complex Care Team 2024
After losing their twin boys to Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDG), a rare genetic condition, Hannah and Jared Meads sought a way to support others affected by the condition. In memory of their boys, they launched the Meads Miracles Charity Golf Tournament. This foundation aims to advance CDG research and provide resources for families navigating life with this challenging disorder.