Explore UAB

We are excited to announce that Emily Franklin has joined the Department of Pediatrics as the Communications Coordinator. A Huntsville native and recent graduate from Auburn University with a bachelor's degree in public relations and minor in public health, she brings a passion for communication and healthcare. Franklin had previously worked as the Department of Pediatrics Intern since September 2022. Please join us in welcoming her to the team!

Top L to R: Rahmath Althaf, Carter Barnett, Kulsajan Bhatia, Chloe Braun and Ting WeiThe Dixon Foundation supports the Dixon Pediatric Fellowship training program for fellows who intend to pursue an academic career with a research emphasis (ranging from basic and translational science to education or QI-centric research) in approved pediatric subspecialties.

L to R: Kennon Ulicny and Jeffrey CooteThe Chu Family has generously donated funds to Children's of Alabama and the Department of Pediatrics to support educational initiatives. A portion of this donation has been set aside for the pediatric fellows to fund scholarships for fellows who apply. Candidates were selected on a competitive basis. These awards will provide funds for tuition, books and fees related to their educational endeavors.

Stephen Obaro, M.D., Ph.D., professor in the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, was named a Sparkman Center for Global Health Scholar. His appointment is effective as of April 22, 2024.

Erin Shaughnessy, M.D., professor in the Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, recently graduated from the Executive Leadership in Health Care (ELH) program. The program is offered by Drexel University School of Medicine.

The Department of Pediatrics would like to introduce the 2024 Department of Pediatrics Staff Recognition Awards. These awards were created to honor staff members throughout the department for their contribution and commitment to the department's mission. Our staff are essential to making our department run, and this is an opportunity to show our appreciation.

David Ingram, director of Administrative and Fiscal Affairs for the Department of Pediatrics (HSF), was recently inducted into the Chelsea High School Hall of Fame for his outstanding community involvement. Ingram, a 1991 Chelsea High School graduate, has made a lasting mark on his community.

We are thrilled to announce the selection of our 2024 Children’s of Alabama Scholars: Chibuzo Ilonze, M.D., MPH, assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, and Jessica Schmitt, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes. 

The UAB Department of Pediatrics welcomed one new faculty member in the month of March. Please join us in making them feel at home!

The UAB Department of Pediatrics welcomed one new faculty member in the month of February. Please join us in making them feel at home!

Zaili Luo, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

L to R: Camden Hebson, David Askenazi and Ahmed AsfariLast month in honor of National Heart Month, three researchers from UAB were chosen as the 2024 inaugural recipients of the Hope Fund Award and received $25,000 each in research support. The Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center at Children’s of Alabama is honored to support the following researchers and their commitment to enhancing the care of pediatric patients affected by congenital heart disease:

L to R: Sam Gentle, Viral Jain and Kent WillisSam Gentle, M.D., assistant professor, Viral Jain, M.D., assistant professor and Kent Willis, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Neonatology, received Career Development Grants from American Heart Association.

Scott James, M.D., associate professor in the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, was named chair of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS) Workforce Development Committee.

Sam Gentle, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Neonatology, received the SSPR Young Investigator Award at the Southern Society for Pediatric Research (SSPR) Annual Meeting in New Orleans last weekend.

Ammar Saadoon Alishlash, MD, associate professor in the Division of Pediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, was invited as a speaker at the First Qatar International Thoracic Conference held in Doha between February 15-17, 2024. 

David Kimberlin, M.D., professor in the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, was recently appointed to the United States National Sustainability Committee (NSC) for the Elimination of Measles, Rubella, and Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS).

At the Faculty Black History Month quiz, our colleagues correctly answered Black History questions to receive the following books:

Suresh Boppana, M.D., professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases, was elected to the Faculty Council.

Top L to R: Tom Harris, Ariel Salas, Jeffrey Blount, Christy Foster, Byron Lai and Hope WilsonChildren’s of Alabama and the Kaul Pediatric Research Institute (KPRI) are pleased to announce the 2024 awards. The major goal of the KPRI grant program is to allow investigators to obtain data that will advantage applications for additional extramural funding. This will bring new knowledge to the care of children, leverage the investment of the KPRI, and allow projects to be competitive for the very best science on the national stage. A second, but important, goal is to ensure that a dedicated funding source is available to unique segments of the pediatric research, education, and quality improvement enterprise.

Congratulations to Alan Tita, M.D., Ph.D., and Waldemar Carlo, M.D., professor in the Division of Neonatology, who have received an award from The Clinical Research Forum.