Dr. Walley Awarded Renewal Grant from ADPH
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Oct 21
Susan Walley, M.D., Pediatric Hospital Medicine, received a grant renewal from the Alabama Department of Public Health Youth Tobacco Prevention Program. The objectives of this program are to decrease tobacco use and initiation among middle and high school students in Birmingham, particularly related to emerging products such as electronic cigarettes, and promote policies that protect youth in Birmingham from nicotine initiation and exposure to secondhand smoke. The grant is from October 2016 to September 2017 in the amount of $48,00
Susan Walley, M.D., Pediatric Hospital Medicine, received a grant renewal from the Alabama Department of Public Health Youth Tobacco Prevention Program. The objectives of this program are to decrease tobacco use and initiation among middle and high school students in Birmingham, particularly related to emerging products such as electronic cigarettes, and promote policies that protect youth in Birmingham from nicotine initiation and exposure to secondhand smoke. The grant is from October 2016 to September 2017 in the amount of $48,00
Two Alabama Pediatricians Honored with Distinguished Statewide Awards
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Oct 21
Michelle Freeman, MD, FAAP, (pictured right) a community pediatrician at Dothan Pediatric Clinic (DPC) in Dothan, Ala., and Marsha Raulerson, MD, FAAP, (pictured left) a long-time pediatrician from Lower Alabama Pediatrics in Brewton, were honored with the Children’s of Alabama Master Pediatrician Award and the Wallace Alexander Clyde Distinguished Service Award for Excellence in Pediatrics, respectively, at the Alabama Chapter-American Academy of Pediatrics (AL-AAP) Annual Meeting and Fall Pediatric Update, held recently in Birmingham. The Wallace Clyde award was initiated in 1984 by the UAB Department of Pediatrics and Children’s to recognize outstanding physicians who have devoted a lifetime of service to children and their families; recipients are chosen by a select committee of leaders in the field of pediatrics. Click here to read more. Clickhere to see photos from the annual AAP Meeting.
Michelle Freeman, MD, FAAP, (pictured right) a community pediatrician at Dothan Pediatric Clinic (DPC) in Dothan, Ala., and Marsha Raulerson, MD, FAAP, (pictured left) a long-time pediatrician from Lower Alabama Pediatrics in Brewton, were honored with the Children’s of Alabama Master Pediatrician Award and the Wallace Alexander Clyde Distinguished Service Award for Excellence in Pediatrics, respectively, at the Alabama Chapter-American Academy of Pediatrics (AL-AAP) Annual Meeting and Fall Pediatric Update, held recently in Birmingham. The Wallace Clyde award was initiated in 1984 by the UAB Department of Pediatrics and Children’s to recognize outstanding physicians who have devoted a lifetime of service to children and their families; recipients are chosen by a select committee of leaders in the field of pediatrics. Click here to read more. Clickhere to see photos from the annual AAP Meeting.
Alabama Parents Drive Distracted with Children in the Car
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Oct 21
Researchers in the UAB Department of Pediatrics found that Alabama parents living in suburban areas use cellphones in the speaker mode, read and send text messages, and surf the web slightly more often than parents in rural areas. Cellphone use among parents who are transporting children is part of a dangerous distracted driving epidemic all too common in Alabama.
“Cellphone use is one of the most common driving distractions among young and adult drivers,” said Kimberly Massey, M.D., principal investigator of the study published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery and former fellow in the UAB Department of Pediatrics. “This study proves that further research on how to best implement injury-prevention interventions should be done to target high-risk areas with distracted driving behaviors, like Alabama suburbs.”
Click here to continue reading on UAB news.
Researchers in the UAB Department of Pediatrics found that Alabama parents living in suburban areas use cellphones in the speaker mode, read and send text messages, and surf the web slightly more often than parents in rural areas. Cellphone use among parents who are transporting children is part of a dangerous distracted driving epidemic all too common in Alabama.“Cellphone use is one of the most common driving distractions among young and adult drivers,” said Kimberly Massey, M.D., principal investigator of the study published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery and former fellow in the UAB Department of Pediatrics. “This study proves that further research on how to best implement injury-prevention interventions should be done to target high-risk areas with distracted driving behaviors, like Alabama suburbs.”
Click here to continue reading on UAB news.
Pediatric Faculty Awards Reception - Monday, Oct. 5
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Oct 14
The UAB Department of Pediatrics believes that recognizing the exceptional contributions of our faculty and colleagues is a vital aspect of our culture. The Department will be honoring individuals with the following awards on Monday, Oct. 5, at 4:00 p.m. in the Bradley Lecture Center. Please plan to join us as we recognize faculty at the first Pediatric Faculty Achievement Awards Reception.
Awards will be given in the following categories:
Awards will be given in the following categories:
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Research Achievement Award
- Educational Achievement Award
- Service Achievement Award
- Mentoring Achievement Award
- Model of Excellence Award
- Community Pediatric Educator Award
Award Descriptions:
DOP Lifetime Achievement Award in Pediatric Healthcare
This award recognizes truly outstanding individuals whose career achievements represent exceptional contributions to pediatric healthcare through clinical services, education or research. Nominees must have been affiliated with the UAB DOP within the last 10 years. There will be a two-stage selection process. Nominations submitted to the selection committee will be reviewed and a list of potential awardees given to the Chair of the Department, who will make the final selection.
Research Achievement Award
The Research Achievement Award will be awarded based on research merit and impact on the appropriate field of research. Criteria will include attainment of national and international recognition for superior scholarship as indicated through publications, continued productivity over a sustained period of time, extramural funding, professional activities, academic awards and the impact or potential impact on improving child health.
Educational Achievement Award
The Educational Achievement Award will be awarded based on outstanding contributions to the teaching mission of the university. Criteria will include commitment to teaching, development of innovative and high-impact educational programs, demonstrated creative approaches to teaching, high standards of performance and outstanding teaching evaluations.
Service Achievement Award
The Service Award recognizes individuals who have exhibited sustained, significant and impactful clinical service or service through leadership, advocacy, or diversity enhancement to the department, university or community. Criteria will include significant sustained commitment to providing service to the institution and/or community.
Mentoring Achievement Award
The Mentoring Achievement Award recognizes faculty who are outstanding mentors to junior faculty, fellows and other trainees within the university. Criteria will include a strong commitment to the career development of trainees and junior faculty, excellent mentoring in clinical work, education and clinical/translational/basic research, and evidence of mentees’ success in these fields.
Team Excellence Award
The Team Excellence Award recognizes a team or group who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and clinical or research accomplishments at the national/international level. Criteria include demonstration that these accomplishments are due to both the team effort and the unique contributions of individual team members. Clinical teams are defined broadly and include those that focus on clinical care as well as quality improvement, safety, etc. Research is defined broadly and encompasses the full spectrum of research activities for the DOP.
DOP Community Pediatric Educator Award
This award recognizes an outstanding community pediatrician partner and his/her exemplary commitment to the UAB DOP as a co-educator of medical students, residents and fellows.
Dr. Cron Receives Center for Genomic Medicine Pilot Grant
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Oct 14
The UAB-HudsonAlpha Center for Genomic Medicine has awarded the second round of pilot grants. The three pilot grants have been given to collaborative teams comprised of one researcher from UAB and one from HudsonAlpha to pursue novel investigations. The pilot grant funding is $100,000 per year for up to two years. Randy Cron, M.D., Ph.D., Pediatric Rheumatology, received one of the three grants with Devin Absher, Ph.D., HudsonAlpha. Click here for more information.
The UAB-HudsonAlpha Center for Genomic Medicine has awarded the second round of pilot grants. The three pilot grants have been given to collaborative teams comprised of one researcher from UAB and one from HudsonAlpha to pursue novel investigations. The pilot grant funding is $100,000 per year for up to two years. Randy Cron, M.D., Ph.D., Pediatric Rheumatology, received one of the three grants with Devin Absher, Ph.D., HudsonAlpha. Click here for more information.
Dr. Abdul-Latif Receives Argus Awards
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Oct 14
Students from the UAB School of Medicine named 20 faculty and six clinical departments winners of the 2016 Argus Awards. Hussein Abdul-Latif, M.D., Pediatric Endocrinology, received the Argus Award for Birmingham Clinical Educator.
Created in 1996, the Argus Awards give medical students the chance to honor their mentors, professors, courses and course directors for outstanding service to medical education. Faculty members are nominated by course evaluations, and students vote to select award winners in each category.
Argus Award recipients and nominees were honored at a reception on Friday, Oct. 7 at Children’s Harbor. Click here to view Department of Pediatrics Nominees or here to view the all winners. Click here for photos from the event.
Students from the UAB School of Medicine named 20 faculty and six clinical departments winners of the 2016 Argus Awards. Hussein Abdul-Latif, M.D., Pediatric Endocrinology, received the Argus Award for Birmingham Clinical Educator.Created in 1996, the Argus Awards give medical students the chance to honor their mentors, professors, courses and course directors for outstanding service to medical education. Faculty members are nominated by course evaluations, and students vote to select award winners in each category.
Argus Award recipients and nominees were honored at a reception on Friday, Oct. 7 at Children’s Harbor. Click here to view Department of Pediatrics Nominees or here to view the all winners. Click here for photos from the event.
Children's of Alabama Celebrates our Superheroes
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Oct 10
October typically ushers in autumn outings and all things pumpkin, but at Children’s of Alabama, it’s all about superheroes. Children’s will again partner with Books-A-Million to kick off its Superhero Month festivities and its “The Power of Children’s” campaign, recognizing patients and staff as real-life superheroes while raising awareness of Children’s impact statewide.
The month-long celebration began Sept. 30 with a private superhero meet and greet at the hospital. Patients received capes and masks, and participated in arts and crafts activities. In addition, the Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children will be illuminated in blue every night in October in honor of patients and staff. A variety of superhero-themed events – from art activities to a special visit from not-so-average window washers – are scheduled throughout the month. To view the Children's press release, click here.
October typically ushers in autumn outings and all things pumpkin, but at Children’s of Alabama, it’s all about superheroes. Children’s will again partner with Books-A-Million to kick off its Superhero Month festivities and its “The Power of Children’s” campaign, recognizing patients and staff as real-life superheroes while raising awareness of Children’s impact statewide. The month-long celebration began Sept. 30 with a private superhero meet and greet at the hospital. Patients received capes and masks, and participated in arts and crafts activities. In addition, the Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children will be illuminated in blue every night in October in honor of patients and staff. A variety of superhero-themed events – from art activities to a special visit from not-so-average window washers – are scheduled throughout the month. To view the Children's press release, click here.
Pediatric Residency Reunion was a Hit!
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Oct 10
Additional thank you to everyone who helped put it on. We had over 200 attendees and 40 classes represented.Thank you to all who attended our FIRST Pediatric Residency Reunion! It was truly unforgettable!
Click here to view photos from the reunion.
Additional thank you to everyone who helped put it on. We had over 200 attendees and 40 classes represented.Thank you to all who attended our FIRST Pediatric Residency Reunion! It was truly unforgettable! Click here to view photos from the reunion.
September New Faculty - Welcome Dr. Cochran!
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Sep 30
Christina Cochran, M.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, joined the UAB Department of Pediatrics on Sept. 1. Dr. Cochran completed her pediatric residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina. She completed her pediatric emergency medicine fellowship at the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, IL. Dr. Cochran's academic interests include resident education, simulation, and anaphylaxis. Her personal interests include traveling and being outdoors.
Christina Cochran, M.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, joined the UAB Department of Pediatrics on Sept. 1. Dr. Cochran completed her pediatric residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina. She completed her pediatric emergency medicine fellowship at the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, IL. Dr. Cochran's academic interests include resident education, simulation, and anaphylaxis. Her personal interests include traveling and being outdoors.
Dr. Beierle Selected Among 2016 Women Who Shape the State
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Sep 30
Congratulations to Liz Beierle, M.D., Pediatric Surgery, who was selected as one of 2016 Women Who Shape the State by Al.com. More than 100 women were nominated and 29 women were selected for the second annual presentation of this award, which seeks to honor women throughout Alabama. From the UAB School of Medicine, Mona Fouad, M.D., was also honored. Click here to see all awardees.
Congratulations to Liz Beierle, M.D., Pediatric Surgery, who was selected as one of 2016 Women Who Shape the State by Al.com. More than 100 women were nominated and 29 women were selected for the second annual presentation of this award, which seeks to honor women throughout Alabama. From the UAB School of Medicine, Mona Fouad, M.D., was also honored. Click here to see all awardees.
Dr. Sasser Receives RIME Faculty Development Award
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Sep 30
Will Sasser, M.D., Pediatric Critical Care, received a 2016 Research and Innovations in Medical Education (RIME) Faculty Development UASOM Award; a program funded by an HSF-GEF grant. The RIME program will provide up to $7,500 funds for one year towards a successful enrollment in the Harvard Macy Institute for Educators in Health Professions program. The project titled, “Preparation for Residency” will enhance the curriculum experience for UASOM students.
Will Sasser, M.D., Pediatric Critical Care, received a 2016 Research and Innovations in Medical Education (RIME) Faculty Development UASOM Award; a program funded by an HSF-GEF grant. The RIME program will provide up to $7,500 funds for one year towards a successful enrollment in the Harvard Macy Institute for Educators in Health Professions program. The project titled, “Preparation for Residency” will enhance the curriculum experience for UASOM students.
Drs. Swinger and Simpson Receive RIME Poster Awards
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Sep 30
Research and Innovations in Medical Education (RIME) Week promotes teaching skills, fosters curriculum innovation and showcases scholarship and research findings in medical education for the 21st century. Nathaniel Swinger, M.D., Pediatrics Fellow, and Tina Simpson, M.D., MPH, General Pediatrics, received awards in the category of Medical Education, Research & Innovation. Dr. Swinger's poster presentation was titled "Variable Interval Training for Active Learning." Dr. Simpson's poster was titled, "Cultural Competence: LGBTQ Youth Module."
Research and Innovations in Medical Education (RIME) Week promotes teaching skills, fosters curriculum innovation and showcases scholarship and research findings in medical education for the 21st century. Nathaniel Swinger, M.D., Pediatrics Fellow, and Tina Simpson, M.D., MPH, General Pediatrics, received awards in the category of Medical Education, Research & Innovation. Dr. Swinger's poster presentation was titled "Variable Interval Training for Active Learning." Dr. Simpson's poster was titled, "Cultural Competence: LGBTQ Youth Module."
Dr. Kong Honored by the Women's Fund
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Sep 30
Michelle Kong, M.D., Pediatric Critical Care, will be recognized by the Women's Fund at an event at Iron City on Oct. 13. Event information here. Dr. Kong will be celebrated among 10 of Birmingham's Smartest Women. Her bio, which highlights her work at Children's, UAB and her nonprofit, KultureCity, can be found here.
Michelle Kong, M.D., Pediatric Critical Care, will be recognized by the Women's Fund at an event at Iron City on Oct. 13. Event information here. Dr. Kong will be celebrated among 10 of Birmingham's Smartest Women. Her bio, which highlights her work at Children's, UAB and her nonprofit, KultureCity, can be found here.
Dr. Barnes Appointed as Associate Scientist in the UAB Center for Exercise Medicine
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Sep 30
Margaux Barnes, Ph.D., Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, was recently appointed as an Associate Scientist in the UAB Center for Exercise Medicine. The appointment, effective Sept. 1, will work toward advancing exercise science and medicine through innovative and impactful research and training.
Margaux Barnes, Ph.D., Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, was recently appointed as an Associate Scientist in the UAB Center for Exercise Medicine. The appointment, effective Sept. 1, will work toward advancing exercise science and medicine through innovative and impactful research and training.
Dr. Seifert Receives Angus Cooper Award
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Sep 30
Michael Seifert, M.D., Pediatric Nephrology, received an Angus Cooper Award from The Comprehensive Transplant Institute at UAB. His project titled “The injury-repair response in renal allografts with subclinical inflammation” was awarded for one year at an amount of $50,000. Click here for more information.
Michael Seifert, M.D., Pediatric Nephrology, received an Angus Cooper Award from The Comprehensive Transplant Institute at UAB. His project titled “The injury-repair response in renal allografts with subclinical inflammation” was awarded for one year at an amount of $50,000. Click here for more information.
UAB Center for Teaching and Learning Recognizes Dr. Nicola
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Sep 30
Teodora (Thea) Nicola M.D., Ph.D., MBA, Research Scientist in Neonatology, earned at least 100,000 points in the UAB Center for Teaching & Learning certification program. On Thursday, Sept. 22, she was presented with a CTL Teaching Certificate in recognition of her active participation in the program.
Teodora (Thea) Nicola M.D., Ph.D., MBA, Research Scientist in Neonatology, earned at least 100,000 points in the UAB Center for Teaching & Learning certification program. On Thursday, Sept. 22, she was presented with a CTL Teaching Certificate in recognition of her active participation in the program.
Primary Care Practices Improve HPV Vaccination Rates
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Sep 30
While fewer than half of Alabama's teens have completed their HPV vaccine series, practices participating in ACHIA's 2016 learning collaborative "Prevent HPV Cancers Today!" delivered dose 1 to 79% of patients and dose 2 or 3 to 94%. The collaborative wrapped up with 13 practices exceeding their goal to increase HPV vaccine delivery by 10% over 3 months. Doctors received Part IV MOC while improving their strong provider message, reliably identifying patients at acute and well child visits, and strengthening reminder/recall systems. Click here for more about ACHIA.
While fewer than half of Alabama's teens have completed their HPV vaccine series, practices participating in ACHIA's 2016 learning collaborative "Prevent HPV Cancers Today!" delivered dose 1 to 79% of patients and dose 2 or 3 to 94%. The collaborative wrapped up with 13 practices exceeding their goal to increase HPV vaccine delivery by 10% over 3 months. Doctors received Part IV MOC while improving their strong provider message, reliably identifying patients at acute and well child visits, and strengthening reminder/recall systems. Click here for more about ACHIA.
Children's of Alabama on ESPN Gameday
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Sep 30
ESPN Gameday shared the story of Children’s of Alabama pediatric heart transplant patient, Davis Boswell, and his donor John Clarke Perry, on Saturday before the LSU-Auburn game. By sharing their story, the Boswells and Perrys hope more people will register to be organ donors. Watch this inspiring story of two families here.
ESPN Gameday shared the story of Children’s of Alabama pediatric heart transplant patient, Davis Boswell, and his donor John Clarke Perry, on Saturday before the LSU-Auburn game. By sharing their story, the Boswells and Perrys hope more people will register to be organ donors. Watch this inspiring story of two families here. Dr. Kimberlin featured in Miracles we have seen
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Sep 23
David Kimberlin, M.D., Pediatric Infectious Disease, is among the contributors to a newly published collection of essays, Miracles We Have Seen – America’s Leading Physicians Share Stories They Can’t Forget. The book includes 85 essays written by renowned specialists in almost every field of medicine. Dr. Kimberlin contributed the story of a patient from many years ago who survived a nearly-always fatal infection that occurred while she was being treated for leukemia. The essays recount, in moving everyday language, clinical events which stunned the physicians and everyone else involved – impossible cures, breathtaking resuscitations, extraordinary awakenings, spectacular serendipities, and recovery from unimaginable disasters.
The editor, Harley A. Rotbart, M.D., is donating 100% of net author proceeds to 65 charities chosen by the essayists. To purchase the book, click here.
David Kimberlin, M.D., Pediatric Infectious Disease, is among the contributors to a newly published collection of essays, Miracles We Have Seen – America’s Leading Physicians Share Stories They Can’t Forget. The book includes 85 essays written by renowned specialists in almost every field of medicine. Dr. Kimberlin contributed the story of a patient from many years ago who survived a nearly-always fatal infection that occurred while she was being treated for leukemia. The essays recount, in moving everyday language, clinical events which stunned the physicians and everyone else involved – impossible cures, breathtaking resuscitations, extraordinary awakenings, spectacular serendipities, and recovery from unimaginable disasters.The editor, Harley A. Rotbart, M.D., is donating 100% of net author proceeds to 65 charities chosen by the essayists. To purchase the book, click here.
Dr. Askenazi featured in Children's blog
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Sep 23
David Askenazi, M.D., Pediatric Nephrology, was recently featured in the Children's of Alabama blog. He discussed the recently published study by the Neonatal Kidney Collaborative (NKC), which is an international multidisciplinary collaboration of more than 20 centers that Dr. Askenazi leads. Click here to continue reading.
In addition, this study was recently featured as the lead article in ASN's Kidney News. Click here to view the September issue.
David Askenazi, M.D., Pediatric Nephrology, was recently featured in the Children's of Alabama blog. He discussed the recently published study by the Neonatal Kidney Collaborative (NKC), which is an international multidisciplinary collaboration of more than 20 centers that Dr. Askenazi leads. Click here to continue reading. In addition, this study was recently featured as the lead article in ASN's Kidney News. Click here to view the September issue.