Dr. Galloway to Serve as Medical Director of Center for Advance Intestinal Rehabilitation
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Sep 16
It is my pleasure to announce that David Galloway, M.D., Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, has accepted the position as the Medical Director of the UAB-Children’s of Alabama Center for Advanced Intestinal Rehabilitation (CAIR). He will be joining Dr. Colin Martin who is currently the Surgical Director. David joined the team over a year ago and has demonstrated superb leadership in the areas of patient care, quality improvement, research, and education. I am personally very excited to have Colin and David at the helm as we continue to grow our program both clinical and academically.
It is my pleasure to announce that David Galloway, M.D., Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, has accepted the position as the Medical Director of the UAB-Children’s of Alabama Center for Advanced Intestinal Rehabilitation (CAIR). He will be joining Dr. Colin Martin who is currently the Surgical Director. David joined the team over a year ago and has demonstrated superb leadership in the areas of patient care, quality improvement, research, and education. I am personally very excited to have Colin and David at the helm as we continue to grow our program both clinical and academically.
Committed to a Cure - Bone Marrow Donor Drive
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Sep 16
On August 30 and 31, 2016, Children's of Alabama partnered with UAB Department of Pediatrics and Be the Match to host our annual Committed to a Cure Bone Marrow Donor Drive. The event kicked off with patient, Frances Grace Hirs, meeting her donor for the first time. After the ceremony, people willing to be on the registry were able to sign up. Over the course of the two days, we were able to sign up approximately 200 potential bone marrow donors. This was a fantastic way to kick off the month of September which celebrates Sickle Cell and Childhood Cancer Awareness. To view the Facebook album from the bone marrow donor recipient meeting, click here.
On August 30 and 31, 2016, Children's of Alabama partnered with UAB Department of Pediatrics and Be the Match to host our annual Committed to a Cure Bone Marrow Donor Drive. The event kicked off with patient, Frances Grace Hirs, meeting her donor for the first time. After the ceremony, people willing to be on the registry were able to sign up. Over the course of the two days, we were able to sign up approximately 200 potential bone marrow donors. This was a fantastic way to kick off the month of September which celebrates Sickle Cell and Childhood Cancer Awareness. To view the Facebook album from the bone marrow donor recipient meeting, click here.
Town Hall meeting with School of Medicine and Children's of Alabama Leadership
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Sep 16
Make plans to attend a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 4 - 5 p.m. in the Bradley Lecture Center. Mike Warren, Mitch Cohen, M.D., Mike Chen, M.D., and Selwyn M. Vickers, M.D., F.A.C.S. will be present for an engaging, informal discussion. This time can be used to address issues that concern you, share feedback you think would be helpful and ask questions about any topics relevant to you and your careers.
Make plans to attend a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 4 - 5 p.m. in the Bradley Lecture Center. Mike Warren, Mitch Cohen, M.D., Mike Chen, M.D., and Selwyn M. Vickers, M.D., F.A.C.S. will be present for an engaging, informal discussion. This time can be used to address issues that concern you, share feedback you think would be helpful and ask questions about any topics relevant to you and your careers.
Dr. Kong featured in Birmingham podcast
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Sep 16
Michele Kong, M.D., Pediatric Critical Care, was recently interviewed in the podcast, Vulcan Has a Fade (VHAF). Vulcan Has a Fade is an audio broadcast interviewing the people of Birmingham who are making a difference. Dr. Kong discusses her work at UAB and Children's, advocating for autism, and her non-profit, Kulture City. Click here to listen.
Michele Kong, M.D., Pediatric Critical Care, was recently interviewed in the podcast, Vulcan Has a Fade (VHAF). Vulcan Has a Fade is an audio broadcast interviewing the people of Birmingham who are making a difference. Dr. Kong discusses her work at UAB and Children's, advocating for autism, and her non-profit, Kulture City. Click here to listen.
Hyundai Hope on Wheels Ceremony at Children's
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Sep 09
Children’s of Alabama is one of 30 institutions to receive The Hyundai Scholar Grant or Young Investigators Grant for pediatric cancer research. This $250,000 grant is designed to support the work of Gregory Friedman, M.D., Pediatric Hematology & Oncology. The event was celebrated Tuesday afternoon at Children's with children putting colorful hand prints on a new Hyundai and on the back of Dr. Friedman's coat. To view the Facebook photo album from the event, click here.
Children’s of Alabama is one of 30 institutions to receive The Hyundai Scholar Grant or Young Investigators Grant for pediatric cancer research. This $250,000 grant is designed to support the work of Gregory Friedman, M.D., Pediatric Hematology & Oncology. The event was celebrated Tuesday afternoon at Children's with children putting colorful hand prints on a new Hyundai and on the back of Dr. Friedman's coat. To view the Facebook photo album from the event, click here.
Drs. Kong, Madan-Swain and Sims join 2016-2017 HLA Training Program
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Sep 09
The UAB Healthcare Leadership Academy (HLA) class roster for 2016-2017 was recently announced. Among the recipients are: Michele Kong, M.D.,Pediatric Critical Care, Avi Madan-Swain, Ph.D., Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Brian Sims, M.D.,Neonatology. The purpose of the HLA is to establish a cohesive and comprehensive program that offers training opportunities and helps develop essential skills for leaders in the 21st century academic health center. Clickhere to learn more.
The UAB Healthcare Leadership Academy (HLA) class roster for 2016-2017 was recently announced. Among the recipients are: Michele Kong, M.D.,Pediatric Critical Care, Avi Madan-Swain, Ph.D., Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Brian Sims, M.D.,Neonatology. The purpose of the HLA is to establish a cohesive and comprehensive program that offers training opportunities and helps develop essential skills for leaders in the 21st century academic health center. Clickhere to learn more.
Dr. Sasser Receives Prosper Curricular Enrichment and Innovation Awards
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Sep 09
The General Endowment Fund of the UA Health Services Foundation (HSF-GEF) has announced its annual PROSPER Curriculum Enrichment and Innovations Awards. Among the recipients is Will Sasser, M.D., Pediatric Critical Care, for his project titled, "Pilot Study: Development of a Pediatric Fourth Year Course Selection Road Map." This award was made possible through a funded HSF-GEF grant within the Office of Undergraduate Medical Education in the SOM Department of Medical Education for the PROSPER Educator Enrichment Faculty Development Program.
The General Endowment Fund of the UA Health Services Foundation (HSF-GEF) has announced its annual PROSPER Curriculum Enrichment and Innovations Awards. Among the recipients is Will Sasser, M.D., Pediatric Critical Care, for his project titled, "Pilot Study: Development of a Pediatric Fourth Year Course Selection Road Map." This award was made possible through a funded HSF-GEF grant within the Office of Undergraduate Medical Education in the SOM Department of Medical Education for the PROSPER Educator Enrichment Faculty Development Program.
Valerie Eubanks Tarn Featured in Dietician Textbook
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Sep 09
Valerie Eubanks Tarn, MS, RD, LD, Training Director and Nutrition Faculty in the Pediatric Pulmonary Center (PPC), was recently featured in the 6th Edition of The Profession of Dietetics: A Team Approach. "Profile a Professional" highlights dietitians and dietetic technicians on their experiences and accomplishments. To read the transcript of Valarie's spotlight, which highlights her many accomplishments and involvement in local, state, and national nutrition and dietetics associations, click here.
Valerie Eubanks Tarn, MS, RD, LD, Training Director and Nutrition Faculty in the Pediatric Pulmonary Center (PPC), was recently featured in the 6th Edition of The Profession of Dietetics: A Team Approach. "Profile a Professional" highlights dietitians and dietetic technicians on their experiences and accomplishments. To read the transcript of Valarie's spotlight, which highlights her many accomplishments and involvement in local, state, and national nutrition and dietetics associations, click here.
NBC 13 Interviews Dr. Kimberlin Regarding Flu Vaccines
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Sep 09
The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a statement Tuesday urging parents to vaccinate all children over the age of six months this flu season. However, they specify that the injectable vaccine is more effective. The AAP cites a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation that says the nasal spray doesn't protect against the influenza strains that have been the most prominent in the last three years. David Kimberlin, M.D., Pediatric Infectious Disease, was consulted as an expert on this issue. Click here to read more.
The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a statement Tuesday urging parents to vaccinate all children over the age of six months this flu season. However, they specify that the injectable vaccine is more effective. The AAP cites a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation that says the nasal spray doesn't protect against the influenza strains that have been the most prominent in the last three years. David Kimberlin, M.D., Pediatric Infectious Disease, was consulted as an expert on this issue. Click here to read more.
Dr. Friedman's Cancer Research Highlighted
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Sep 09
St. Baldrick's Foundation, the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, has funded more than 370 grants addressing the recently released recommendations included in the Cancer Moonshot Blue Ribbon Panel Report. Of those grants funded is the cancer research of Gregory Friedman, M.D., Pediatric Hematology & Oncology.
Click here to read more on PRNewswire.
Click here to read the Children's press release.
St. Baldrick's Foundation, the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, has funded more than 370 grants addressing the recently released recommendations included in the Cancer Moonshot Blue Ribbon Panel Report. Of those grants funded is the cancer research of Gregory Friedman, M.D., Pediatric Hematology & Oncology.Click here to read more on PRNewswire.
Click here to read the Children's press release.
International Adoption Clinic Welcomes Officials from Africa
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Sep 02
The UAB International Adoption Clinic (IAC) welcomed officials from the Republic of Congo in Africa to tour the IAC Clinic and facilities at Children’s South on August 24, 2016. This group of delegates was hosted by the Agape Adoption Agency, a local agency hoping to build an international Congo adoption program. The tour of IAC and subspecialty departments at Children’s South was an effort to demonstrate to the Congolese officials the excellent care that their adopted children can expect to receive through the Agape program. The officials were given the detailed care that children receive for adoption specific issues including nutritional catch-up, emotional adjustment, developmental progression, as well as individualized care regarding their specific medical special needs. Traveling with the officials were the founders of Mwana Villages, an organization in Congo who shelter vulnerable infants and children providing clothing, nutrition and nurturance. Among the governmental officials visiting were:
Director, International Adoption Clinic
The UAB International Adoption Clinic (IAC) welcomed officials from the Republic of Congo in Africa to tour the IAC Clinic and facilities at Children’s South on August 24, 2016. This group of delegates was hosted by the Agape Adoption Agency, a local agency hoping to build an international Congo adoption program. The tour of IAC and subspecialty departments at Children’s South was an effort to demonstrate to the Congolese officials the excellent care that their adopted children can expect to receive through the Agape program. The officials were given the detailed care that children receive for adoption specific issues including nutritional catch-up, emotional adjustment, developmental progression, as well as individualized care regarding their specific medical special needs. Traveling with the officials were the founders of Mwana Villages, an organization in Congo who shelter vulnerable infants and children providing clothing, nutrition and nurturance. Among the governmental officials visiting were: - Alain Michel Opo, President of the First Civil Chamber Great Instance Court – Pointe-Noire;
- Jean Mouanga, President of Second Civil Chamber (Great Instance Court –Pointe-Noire);
- Joseph Bivihou, Country Director of childhood Legal Protection (advisor for intercountry adoption);
- Clault-Aymar Titi-Levis, Legal Advisor for Mwana Villages
Director, International Adoption Clinic
Dr. Bhatia Accepted into AMSPDC’s PLDP Program
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Sep 02
Smita Bhatia, M.D., MPH, Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, recently accepted a position as a scholar in the Association of Medical School Pediatric Department Chairs’ (AMSPDC) Pediatric Leadership Development Program for the 2017-2018 term. Click here for more information.
Smita Bhatia, M.D., MPH, Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, recently accepted a position as a scholar in the Association of Medical School Pediatric Department Chairs’ (AMSPDC) Pediatric Leadership Development Program for the 2017-2018 term. Click here for more information.
Pediatric Fellowship Director & Coordinator Retreat
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Sep 02
On Tuesday, August 30, the first Pediatric Fellowship Director and Coordinator Retreat was held at the UAB Hill Student Center. More than 34 Program Directors and Coordinators attended the retreat. It was a great time of sharing ideas and we had a variety of speakers who shared about wellness, professional development, recruiting best practices, evaluation best practices, self-study and APE, plus many more topics. Thank you to all who helped make the day a success!
On Tuesday, August 30, the first Pediatric Fellowship Director and Coordinator Retreat was held at the UAB Hill Student Center. More than 34 Program Directors and Coordinators attended the retreat. It was a great time of sharing ideas and we had a variety of speakers who shared about wellness, professional development, recruiting best practices, evaluation best practices, self-study and APE, plus many more topics. Thank you to all who helped make the day a success!
Former UAB Department of Pediatrics Fellow Receives National Attention for Vaccine Hesitancy Article
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Sep 02
Catherine Hough-Telford, M.D., FAAP, former UAB Department of Pediatrics resident and fellow in Pediatric Infectious Diseases, is the lead author on a recent publication in Pediatrics, which summarizes findings of a periodic survey of pediatricians on parental concerns around immunizations. "The vast majority of the work in this study was conducted by Dr. Hough-Telford while she was completing her fellowship here at UAB and Children's of Alabama." said David Kimberlin, M.D., Pediatric Infectious Disease, who is also an author of the study, "I expect we will be seeing Catherine’s name for years to come in vaccine advocacy roles at the national level." Click the links below to read the publicity from various outlets: ABC News, AAP News, Live Science, The Seattle Times, The Huffington Post, and AAP Smart Brief.
Click here for the original study.
Catherine Hough-Telford, M.D., FAAP, former UAB Department of Pediatrics resident and fellow in Pediatric Infectious Diseases, is the lead author on a recent publication in Pediatrics, which summarizes findings of a periodic survey of pediatricians on parental concerns around immunizations. "The vast majority of the work in this study was conducted by Dr. Hough-Telford while she was completing her fellowship here at UAB and Children's of Alabama." said David Kimberlin, M.D., Pediatric Infectious Disease, who is also an author of the study, "I expect we will be seeing Catherine’s name for years to come in vaccine advocacy roles at the national level." Click the links below to read the publicity from various outlets: ABC News, AAP News, Live Science, The Seattle Times, The Huffington Post, and AAP Smart Brief. Click here for the original study.
August New Faculty Spotlight - Welcome!
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Aug 26
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The UAB Department of Pediatrics welcomed four new faculty members during the month of August. Join us in welcoming the following faculty members:
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Rachel Kassel, M.D., Ph.D.,2016 UAB Promotion and Tenure Awards
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Aug 26
T
he UAB Department of Pediatrics congratulates the following faculty on their new academic appointments, which will be effective October 1, 2016.
Ambika Ashraf, M.D., promoted to Professor of Pediatric Endocrinology.
David Askenazi, M.D., MPH, promoted to Professor of Pediatric Nephrology.
Tim Beukelman, M.D., MSCE,Associate Professor of Pediatric Rheumatology, awarded Tenure.
Nancy Tofil, M.D., ME.d., promoted to Professor of Pediatric Critical Care.
Marjorie Lee White, M.D., MPPM, MA, FAAP, FACEP, CHSE, Associate Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, awarded Tenure.
he UAB Department of Pediatrics congratulates the following faculty on their new academic appointments, which will be effective October 1, 2016.Ambika Ashraf, M.D., promoted to Professor of Pediatric Endocrinology.
David Askenazi, M.D., MPH, promoted to Professor of Pediatric Nephrology.
Tim Beukelman, M.D., MSCE,Associate Professor of Pediatric Rheumatology, awarded Tenure.
Nancy Tofil, M.D., ME.d., promoted to Professor of Pediatric Critical Care.
Marjorie Lee White, M.D., MPPM, MA, FAAP, FACEP, CHSE, Associate Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, awarded Tenure.
UAB PCD Clinic at Children's Becomes Fully Accredited Center
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Aug 26
The UAB Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) Clinic at Children’s of Alabama, the only PCD Clinic in the region, is now accredited as a full center in the Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Foundation Clinical and Research Network (PCDF-CRCN). Our Clinic is one of only four in the country to have achieved this designation. Full centers have the capability to do a complete diagnostic workup for PCD, including ciliary biopsy, nasal nitric oxide measurement and genetic testing. These sites receive specialized training in diagnostic procedures, participate in PCD research and clinical improvement initiatives and will be entry points for the PCD clinical registry. Full sites receive accreditation through a site visit and audit program. Click here for more information.
The UAB Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) Clinic at Children’s of Alabama, the only PCD Clinic in the region, is now accredited as a full center in the Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Foundation Clinical and Research Network (PCDF-CRCN). Our Clinic is one of only four in the country to have achieved this designation. Full centers have the capability to do a complete diagnostic workup for PCD, including ciliary biopsy, nasal nitric oxide measurement and genetic testing. These sites receive specialized training in diagnostic procedures, participate in PCD research and clinical improvement initiatives and will be entry points for the PCD clinical registry. Full sites receive accreditation through a site visit and audit program. Click here for more information.
Dr. Ambal to Serve on AAP NeoPREP Plannin COmmittee
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Aug 26
Namasivayam Ambalavanan, M.D., Neonatalogy, has been selected to serve on the NeoPREP Panning Committee Team. NeoPREP is a seven day review course in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, held every two years, which is sponsored by the Section on Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Dr. Ambal's appointment to the planning committee is for 6 years. Congratulations!
Namasivayam Ambalavanan, M.D., Neonatalogy, has been selected to serve on the NeoPREP Panning Committee Team. NeoPREP is a seven day review course in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, held every two years, which is sponsored by the Section on Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Dr. Ambal's appointment to the planning committee is for 6 years. Congratulations!
MARROW DONOR DRIVE 2016
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Aug 26
The 2016 Committed to a Cure Marrow Registry Drive is set for Tuesday, Aug. 30 from noon until 5 p.m. and Wednesday, Aug. 31, from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. in the Russell Lobby Performance Room at Children’s of Alabama.
The Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s is partnering with Be The Match bone marrow donor registry in this regional effort to add people to the national registry of those willing to donate bone marrow. This year’s event is sponsored by the Alabama Chapter of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.
Prospective donors need to only complete a health questionnaire and conduct a simple mouth swab. Upon completion, the individual’s information is added to the registry as a potential donor match for a patient anywhere in the world. More information about the process is available at www.bethematch.org.
A Donor Reunion will be held at noon on August 30 in the Performance Area of the Russell Lobby. This is a can’t miss event!
To view the press release, click here.
The 2016 Committed to a Cure Marrow Registry Drive is set for Tuesday, Aug. 30 from noon until 5 p.m. and Wednesday, Aug. 31, from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. in the Russell Lobby Performance Room at Children’s of Alabama.The Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s is partnering with Be The Match bone marrow donor registry in this regional effort to add people to the national registry of those willing to donate bone marrow. This year’s event is sponsored by the Alabama Chapter of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.
Prospective donors need to only complete a health questionnaire and conduct a simple mouth swab. Upon completion, the individual’s information is added to the registry as a potential donor match for a patient anywhere in the world. More information about the process is available at www.bethematch.org.
A Donor Reunion will be held at noon on August 30 in the Performance Area of the Russell Lobby. This is a can’t miss event!
To view the press release, click here.
Among the Best in the Nation - CME Program Accredited and Commeded
By: Sara Davies
Published Date: Aug 19
The Children's/UAB Department of Pediatrics CME Program has once again been awarded Accreditation with Commendation by the Medical Association of the State of Alabama. This status is conferred to CME programs that demonstrate excellence in educational outcomes, which include involvement in multi-interventional and inter-professional collaborations with the goal of improving patient and population health outcomes.
The Children's/UAB Department of Pediatrics CME Program has once again been awarded Accreditation with Commendation by the Medical Association of the State of Alabama. This status is conferred to CME programs that demonstrate excellence in educational outcomes, which include involvement in multi-interventional and inter-professional collaborations with the goal of improving patient and population health outcomes.