Genetics Clinic Relocate to Children's of Alabama and The Kirklin Clinic
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Dec 02
UAB's genetics clinics have moved from the previous locations in the Hugh Kaul Human Genetics Building. Pediatric clinics are now on the sixth floor of the Dearth Tower at Children's of Alabama. Adult clinics are located on the first floor of the Kirklin Clinic.
Appointments can be made by calling 934-4983. Click here for more information.
UAB's genetics clinics have moved from the previous locations in the Hugh Kaul Human Genetics Building. Pediatric clinics are now on the sixth floor of the Dearth Tower at Children's of Alabama. Adult clinics are located on the first floor of the Kirklin Clinic. Appointments can be made by calling 934-4983. Click here for more information.
The UAB Department of Pediatrics Welcomes Dr. Mohamed
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Nov 18
Please join us in welcoming Associate Professor Ismail S Mohamed, M.D., FAAP, FRCPC, to the UAB Department of Pediatrics and the division of Pediatric Neurology.
Ismail S. Mohamed, M.D., FAAP, FRCPC, joins us from the IWK Health Center in Halifax, Canada. Dr. Mohamed graduated from Alexandria University in Egypt and completed pediatric neurology residency at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, clinical neurophysiology fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio and an epilepsy fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. His research interests are in functional brain imaging, in normal development, and reorganization after brain injury.
Ismail S. Mohamed, M.D., FAAP, FRCPC, joins us from the IWK Health Center in Halifax, Canada. Dr. Mohamed graduated from Alexandria University in Egypt and completed pediatric neurology residency at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, clinical neurophysiology fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio and an epilepsy fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. His research interests are in functional brain imaging, in normal development, and reorganization after brain injury.
David Ingram Elected to Chelsea City Council
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Nov 18
David Ingram, MBA, Director of Administration and Fiscal Affairs in the UAB Department of Pediatrics, was recently re-elected into Place 3 on Chelsea City Council by taking almost 80% of the votes in the municipal election in August. Chelsea, in Shelby County, is one of the fastest growing cities in the state of Alabama. This will be David’s 2nd term on the council. He was first elected in 2012 and his current term will run through 2020. In addition, he was appointed as Mayor Pro Tempore of the city at the organizational meeting on Monday, Nov. 7. David brings his 18 years of financial and budgetary experience to the council, in addition to leadership and involvement within the Chelsea parks and recreation arena.
David Ingram, MBA, Director of Administration and Fiscal Affairs in the UAB Department of Pediatrics, was recently re-elected into Place 3 on Chelsea City Council by taking almost 80% of the votes in the municipal election in August. Chelsea, in Shelby County, is one of the fastest growing cities in the state of Alabama. This will be David’s 2nd term on the council. He was first elected in 2012 and his current term will run through 2020. In addition, he was appointed as Mayor Pro Tempore of the city at the organizational meeting on Monday, Nov. 7. David brings his 18 years of financial and budgetary experience to the council, in addition to leadership and involvement within the Chelsea parks and recreation arena.
UAB Civitan-Sparks Clinic Receives Grant to Better Serve Those with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Central Alabama
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Nov 18
One of three Alabama Regional Autism Networks has opened at the UAB Civitan-Sparks Clinics to empower persons of all ages and all levels of functioning who have an autism spectrum disorder, as well as their families.
The UAB Civitan-Sparks Clinics were awarded a $75,000 grant to establish the network at UAB that will serve central Alabama by providing connections to resources for those with ASD, and for their families, technical assistance, and consultation services, as well as ASD-education programs to the general public and professional training.
These network centers are a key step in developing a system of care for people with ASD and their families throughout Alabama,” said Fred J. Biasini, Ph.D., director of the UAB Civitan-Sparks Clinics in the UAB Department of Pediatrics, and associate professor in the UAB College of Arts and Sciences Department of Psychology. “In working with Auburn University and the University of South Alabama, we will be able to provide additional resources and promote meaningful public awareness for those with ASD.”
Click here for to continue reading the press release on UAB news.
One of three Alabama Regional Autism Networks has opened at the UAB Civitan-Sparks Clinics to empower persons of all ages and all levels of functioning who have an autism spectrum disorder, as well as their families.The UAB Civitan-Sparks Clinics were awarded a $75,000 grant to establish the network at UAB that will serve central Alabama by providing connections to resources for those with ASD, and for their families, technical assistance, and consultation services, as well as ASD-education programs to the general public and professional training.
These network centers are a key step in developing a system of care for people with ASD and their families throughout Alabama,” said Fred J. Biasini, Ph.D., director of the UAB Civitan-Sparks Clinics in the UAB Department of Pediatrics, and associate professor in the UAB College of Arts and Sciences Department of Psychology. “In working with Auburn University and the University of South Alabama, we will be able to provide additional resources and promote meaningful public awareness for those with ASD.”
Click here for to continue reading the press release on UAB news.
What if Birmingham Was Known as the City that Cured Cancer?
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Nov 18
The UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center just released a video titled, "What If Birmingham was Known as the City that Cured Cancer?" Maaike Everts, PhD, Associate Professor in Pediatric Infectious Disease and Associate Director of the Alabama Drug Discovery Alliance (ADDA) is featured. Take a look by clicking here.
The UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center just released a video titled, "What If Birmingham was Known as the City that Cured Cancer?" Maaike Everts, PhD, Associate Professor in Pediatric Infectious Disease and Associate Director of the Alabama Drug Discovery Alliance (ADDA) is featured. Take a look by clicking here.
Dr. Friedman Approved for Appointment to Graduate Faculty
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Nov 18
Gregory Friedman, M.D., Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, has been approved as Full Graduate Faculty in the UAB Graduate School.
Dr. Kimberlin Honored by Ronald McDonald House Charities with Prestigious 2016 Medical Award of Excellence
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Nov 11
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) honored David Kimberlin, M.D., Pediatric Infectious Disease, for his work in the treatment, control and eradication of infectious diseases affecting children. More than 1,300 RMHC leaders and guests came together to recognize Dr. Kimberlin at the annual Awards of Excellence in Rosemont, Ill., where he received the 2016 Medical Award of Excellence, along with a $100,000 grant that will be given to the children’s charity of his choice, Camp McDowell. Dr. Kimberlin and his wife, Kim, are pictured (right) at the ceremony.
Past Medical Awards of Excellence recipients include: Agnes Binagwaho, M.D., MPed, Ph.D., Ben Carson, M.D., Catherine DeAngelis, M.D., MPH, Ralph Feigin, M.D., Philip Pizzo, M.D., and Walter Orenstein, M.D. To view a full list of all RMHC Awards of Excellence recipients, click here. Among the non-medical recipients includes: puppeteer and screenwriter Jim Henson (1990); Former U.S. President, Jimmy Carter (1991); Former First Lady Betty Ford (1998); Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan (2002); founder of Southwest Airlines, Herbert D. Kelleher (2010) and many more.
Click here to read the UAB News press release.
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) honored David Kimberlin, M.D., Pediatric Infectious Disease, for his work in the treatment, control and eradication of infectious diseases affecting children. More than 1,300 RMHC leaders and guests came together to recognize Dr. Kimberlin at the annual Awards of Excellence in Rosemont, Ill., where he received the 2016 Medical Award of Excellence, along with a $100,000 grant that will be given to the children’s charity of his choice, Camp McDowell. Dr. Kimberlin and his wife, Kim, are pictured (right) at the ceremony. Past Medical Awards of Excellence recipients include: Agnes Binagwaho, M.D., MPed, Ph.D., Ben Carson, M.D., Catherine DeAngelis, M.D., MPH, Ralph Feigin, M.D., Philip Pizzo, M.D., and Walter Orenstein, M.D. To view a full list of all RMHC Awards of Excellence recipients, click here. Among the non-medical recipients includes: puppeteer and screenwriter Jim Henson (1990); Former U.S. President, Jimmy Carter (1991); Former First Lady Betty Ford (1998); Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan (2002); founder of Southwest Airlines, Herbert D. Kelleher (2010) and many more.
Click here to read the UAB News press release.
Dr. Barnes Approved for Appointment to Graduate Faculty
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Nov 11
Margaux Barnes, Ph.D., Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, has been approved as Full Graduate Faculty in the UAB Graduate School. With this appointment, Dr. Barnes will have the opportunity to expand mentorship opportunities by serving on thesis and dissertation committees to help further promote the growth and development of graduate students within the UAB community.
Margaux Barnes, Ph.D., Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, has been approved as Full Graduate Faculty in the UAB Graduate School. With this appointment, Dr. Barnes will have the opportunity to expand mentorship opportunities by serving on thesis and dissertation committees to help further promote the growth and development of graduate students within the UAB community.
A Race Against Time For Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Nov 11
B-Metro Magazine recently did a series of feature stories dedicated to finding cures. Among the features, is local 11-year-old Duchenne muscular dystrophy patient, Gabe Griffin, in an article discussing the condition, the possible treatments, and the work of our very own, Matthew S. Alexander, Ph.D., Pediatric Neurology, and his lab here at Children's of Alabama and UAB Department of Pediatrics. Click here to read the story.
B-Metro Magazine recently did a series of feature stories dedicated to finding cures. Among the features, is local 11-year-old Duchenne muscular dystrophy patient, Gabe Griffin, in an article discussing the condition, the possible treatments, and the work of our very own, Matthew S. Alexander, Ph.D., Pediatric Neurology, and his lab here at Children's of Alabama and UAB Department of Pediatrics. Click here to read the story.
Dr. Alexander Participates in NIH Early Career Reviewer Program
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Nov 04
Matthew S. Alexander, Ph.D., Pediatric Neurology, recently participated in the NIH Early Career Reviewer (ECR) Program. Specifically, he was assigned to the Therapeutic Approaches to Genetic Diseases (TAG) study section.
Dr. Alexander comments on the experience. "I think that a lot of new faculty would be interested in the ECR program as it was helpful to get a behind the scenes look at the grant review process," Dr. Alexander said, "Overall, it was a very useful program for learning about what grant review panels are looking for and also how they are dealing with the new NIH guidelines for scientific rigor and reproducibility."
Click here to learn about the program.
Matthew S. Alexander, Ph.D., Pediatric Neurology, recently participated in the NIH Early Career Reviewer (ECR) Program. Specifically, he was assigned to the Therapeutic Approaches to Genetic Diseases (TAG) study section.Dr. Alexander comments on the experience. "I think that a lot of new faculty would be interested in the ECR program as it was helpful to get a behind the scenes look at the grant review process," Dr. Alexander said, "Overall, it was a very useful program for learning about what grant review panels are looking for and also how they are dealing with the new NIH guidelines for scientific rigor and reproducibility."
Click here to learn about the program.
Dr. Lebensburger to Serve on ASH Guideline Panel
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Nov 04
The American Society of Hematology (ASH) recently asked Jeffrey Lebensburger, D.O., Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, to serve on the committee to develop new clinical practice guidelines on sickle cell disease-related cardiopulmonary and kidney disease. The ASH anticipates that guideline development will launch in January 2017 and conclude with the publication of guidelines in spring 2019 in the journal, Blood. Congratulations to Dr. Lebensburger on this national leadership position!
The American Society of Hematology (ASH) recently asked Jeffrey Lebensburger, D.O., Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, to serve on the committee to develop new clinical practice guidelines on sickle cell disease-related cardiopulmonary and kidney disease. The ASH anticipates that guideline development will launch in January 2017 and conclude with the publication of guidelines in spring 2019 in the journal, Blood. Congratulations to Dr. Lebensburger on this national leadership position!
Dr. Sorrentino to Serve on ACEP Steering Committee
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Nov 04
Annalise Sorrentino, M.D., Pediatric Emergency Medicine, was selected to serve on the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Council Steering Committee for 2017. The Steering Committee is a
key leadership position in the College. Members typically serve on the committee for two years.
Annalise Sorrentino, M.D., Pediatric Emergency Medicine, was selected to serve on the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Council Steering Committee for 2017. The Steering Committee is a key leadership position in the College. Members typically serve on the committee for two years.
Drs. Whelan and Ross to Attend 2016 Mid-Career Women Faculty Professional Development Seminar
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Nov 04
Congratulations to Kim Whelan, M.D., Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, and Shannon Ross, M.D.,Pediatric Infectious Diseases, for being selected to attend the 2016 Mid-Career Women Faculty Professional Development Seminar in Austin, Texas, Dec. 10-13. The Seminar is designed for women who hold medical school appointments at the associate professor level and leadership positions within their discipline, department or institution. The program goal is to enhance knowledge and skills needed to support progress along the path to leadership in academic medicine.
Congratulations to Kim Whelan, M.D., Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, and Shannon Ross, M.D.,Pediatric Infectious Diseases, for being selected to attend the 2016 Mid-Career Women Faculty Professional Development Seminar in Austin, Texas, Dec. 10-13. The Seminar is designed for women who hold medical school appointments at the associate professor level and leadership positions within their discipline, department or institution. The program goal is to enhance knowledge and skills needed to support progress along the path to leadership in academic medicine.
Pediatric Grand Rounds Announcement
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Oct 28
Dr. Paola Mendoza-Sengco is now the new Director of Children's of Alabama/UAB Pediatric Medical Grand Rounds. Dr. Mendoza will begin leading Pediatric Grand Rounds on Nov. 1, 2016.
Dr. Mendoza is an Assistant Professor in the UAB Department of Pediatrics in the division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine. Prior to joining UAB, Dr. Mendoza completed her residency training at East Carolina University and her fellowship in pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. We are excited to see the educational opportunities she brings to our grand rounds audience.
Dr. Paola Mendoza-Sengco is now the new Director of Children's of Alabama/UAB Pediatric Medical Grand Rounds. Dr. Mendoza will begin leading Pediatric Grand Rounds on Nov. 1, 2016.Dr. Mendoza is an Assistant Professor in the UAB Department of Pediatrics in the division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine. Prior to joining UAB, Dr. Mendoza completed her residency training at East Carolina University and her fellowship in pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. We are excited to see the educational opportunities she brings to our grand rounds audience.
Dr. Casazza Receives Lacey Academic Leadership Award
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Oct 28
The Association of the Teachers of Maternal and Child Health (ATMCH) announced Krista Casazza, PhD, RD, LD, General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, as the winner of the 2016 Loretta P. Lacey Academic Leadership Award. View the announcement here.
The Association of the Teachers of Maternal and Child Health (ATMCH) announced Krista Casazza, PhD, RD, LD, General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, as the winner of the 2016 Loretta P. Lacey Academic Leadership Award. View the announcement here.
ACHIA Early Screening Collaborative Now Enrolling
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Oct 28
The Alabama Child Health Improvement Alliance (ACHIA) is enrolling practices in a learning collaborative to improve screening and referrals for children at risk of delays, autism, and behavioral concerns.
Which practices should enroll?
The collaborative will run from January to September 2017. Enrollment is through December 31, 2016.
Contact lchampion@alaap.org or click here to learn more.
The Alabama Child Health Improvement Alliance (ACHIA) is enrolling practices in a learning collaborative to improve screening and referrals for children at risk of delays, autism, and behavioral concerns.Which practices should enroll?
- Practices that want to start screening.
- Practices that want to increase screening consistency.
- Practices that want to switch screens from a paper to an electronic format.
The collaborative will run from January to September 2017. Enrollment is through December 31, 2016.
Contact lchampion@alaap.org or click here to learn more.
Dr. Maddox on ABC 3340 Discussing Sleep Deprivation in Teens
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Oct 28
Only 10 percent of teenagers are getting the sleep they need according to experts. The American Academy of Pediatric (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend schools not start before 8:30 a.m. for high school. That may be a tough sell to parents. But when you consider how dangerous it is for our kids to do things like drive and play sports sleepy, doctors say we need to take a hard look at this issue. Over 50 percent of teens sleep 7 hours or less a night. Doctors say they need 8.5-9 hours a night.
Click here to see ABC 3340's story interviewing Mary Halsey Maddox, M.D., Pediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine.
Only 10 percent of teenagers are getting the sleep they need according to experts. The American Academy of Pediatric (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend schools not start before 8:30 a.m. for high school. That may be a tough sell to parents. But when you consider how dangerous it is for our kids to do things like drive and play sports sleepy, doctors say we need to take a hard look at this issue. Over 50 percent of teens sleep 7 hours or less a night. Doctors say they need 8.5-9 hours a night.Click here to see ABC 3340's story interviewing Mary Halsey Maddox, M.D., Pediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine.
Congratulations to Department of Pediatrics Faculty Achievement Award Recipients
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Oct 21
On Monday, Oct. 18, the Department recognized the exceptional contributions of our faculty and colleagues at the first annual Pediatric Faculty Achievement Awards Reception. These awards provide the department a chance to highlight faculty who've attained a level of excellence recognized by their peers. Please join us in congratulating the winners in each category. Click here to see photos.
Lifetime Achievement in Pediatric Healthcare
Sergio Stagno, M.D.
Richard J. Whitley, M.D.
Research Achievement
William Britt, M.D.
Educational Achievement
Nancy Tofil, M.D., MEd
Service Achievement
Carolyn Ashworth, M.D.
Mentoring Achievement
Kathy Monroe, M.D.
Model of Excellence
The Pediatric Pulmonary Center
Brad Troxler, M.D. and Claire Lenker, LICSW, CCM
Community Educator
Mahmood Zaied, M.D.
Lifetime Achievement in Pediatric HealthcareSergio Stagno, M.D.
Richard J. Whitley, M.D.
Research Achievement
William Britt, M.D.
Educational Achievement
Nancy Tofil, M.D., MEd
Service Achievement
Carolyn Ashworth, M.D.
Mentoring Achievement
Kathy Monroe, M.D.
Model of Excellence
The Pediatric Pulmonary Center
Brad Troxler, M.D. and Claire Lenker, LICSW, CCM
Community Educator
Mahmood Zaied, M.D.
Drs. Beierle and Feig Named Endowed Chairs
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Oct 21
Margaret M. Porter and Charles D. McCrary, two long-time members of the Children's of Alabama Board of Trustees, have been honored for their service to Children's of Alabama with the establishment of endowed chairs in their names. Porter began her volunteer leadership service to Children's in 1995. She served as board chairman in 2002 and 2003. McCrary began his volunteer leadership service to Children's in 1995 and served as board chairman in 2006 and 2007.
Daniel I. Feig, M.D., is the first holder of the Margaret M. Porter Endowed Chair in Pediatric Nephology. Dr. Feig serves as the division director of pediatric nephrology and is the medical director of the Pediatric Renal Transplant Program and co-director of the Renal Fellowship Program. Feig’s research interest focuses on the physiology of early onset essential hypertension as well as the prevention of hypertensive target organ damage.
Elizabeth Beierle, M.D., is the first holder of the Charles D. McCrary Endowed Chair in Pediatric Surgery. Dr. Beierle is a professor of surgery, and her research interest lies in the study of pediatric solid tumors, specifically the signal transduction pathways involved in neuroblastoma. Her patient care emphasis includes surgical oncology, neonatal surgery and burn and trauma care. Beierle also serves as surgical director of the Hepatobiliary Clinic. The multidisciplinary clinic provides specialized care for children with liver, gallbladder and bile duct disorders. Children's is only the second hospital in the southeastern United States to have a pediatric Hepatobiliary Clinic.
Click here to view the Children's press release.
Autism Support Group for Spanish Speaking Families
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Oct 21
On Saturday, Oct.15, Children's Harbor was the site of the first ever Alabama Support Group for Spanish Speaking Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum. Drs. Justin Schwartz, Morissa Ladinsky, Marcella Frazier and Myriam Peralta united the Alabama Autism Society and over 30 families to create a community of support for these caregivers. An army of volunteer housestaff, clinical staff, Sparks Trainees, Interpreter Services leaders including Amado Santos, and Ben Tuanama were unflappable in their care of these challenging kids giving their parents intangible time to receive guidance and connect with others living the demanding and frightening path raising an autistic child in a place with little support or trust. We applaud the generosity of Audrey Lampkin and Children's Harbor for hosting and the UAB Benevolent Society who gave this team a large grant to continue this invaluable effort.
On Saturday, Oct.15, Children's Harbor was the site of the first ever Alabama Support Group for Spanish Speaking Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum. Drs. Justin Schwartz, Morissa Ladinsky, Marcella Frazier and Myriam Peralta united the Alabama Autism Society and over 30 families to create a community of support for these caregivers. An army of volunteer housestaff, clinical staff, Sparks Trainees, Interpreter Services leaders including Amado Santos, and Ben Tuanama were unflappable in their care of these challenging kids giving their parents intangible time to receive guidance and connect with others living the demanding and frightening path raising an autistic child in a place with little support or trust. We applaud the generosity of Audrey Lampkin and Children's Harbor for hosting and the UAB Benevolent Society who gave this team a large grant to continue this invaluable effort.