L to R: McGee Hopper, Sergio Stagno and Emily PoindexterThe Pediatric Residency Program was honored to have Sergio Stagno, M.D., professor emeritus, give the annual “Last Lecture” on June 15th. Each year, chief residents select a speaker whom they feel has significantly impacted their education and development in residency.

Dr. Stagno framed his remarks around a quotation from Spanish poet Antonio Machado: “walker, there is no road; the road is made by walking.” Little did Dr. Stagno know a decision to come to Birmingham for training in 1971 would lead to a 51-year career of service and leadership to UAB and the Department of Pediatrics. As a residency program, we are eternally grateful the road Dr. Stagno chose to walk included service as residency program director and chair of the Department of Pediatrics. His legacy includes creation of multiple training and research opportunities that have positively shaped the careers of countless students, residents, fellows and faculty.

On a personal level, Dr. Stagno will be remembered for the care he demonstrated to residents. From greeting individual applicants on interview days to intentionally seeking to get to know residents, Dr. Stagno’s support of trainees has been invaluable to our residency program’s success.