Explore UAB

Kennon Brake, M.D.

Kennon Brake, M.D.

Hometown
Montgomery, AL

Undergraduate
Auburn University

Medical School
Heersink School of Medicine

Lauren Brewer, M.D.

Lauren Brewer, M.D.

Hometown
Nashville, TN

Undergraduate
Lipscomb University

Medical School
University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Zach Brown, M.D.

Zach Brown, M.D.

Hometown
Provo, UT

Undergraduate
Duke University

Medical School
University of North Carolina

Katie Fogle, M.D.

Katie Fogle, M.D.

Hometown
Harvest, AL

Undergraduate
Auburn University

Medical School
Heersink School of Medicine

Kristen Hall, M.D.

Kristen Hall, M.D.

Hometown
Texarkana, TX

Undergraduate
Southern Methodist University

Medical School
University of Texas - San Antonio

Janie Hampton, M.D.

Janie Hampton, M.D.

Hometown
Montgomery, AL

Undergraduate
Auburn University

Medical School
Heersink School of Medicine

Tara Jehu, M.D.

Tara Jehu, M.D.

Hometown
Venice, FL

Undergraduate
University of Florida and George Mason University

Medical School
University of Central Florida

Natalie King, M.D.

Natalie King, M.D.

Hometown
Birmingham, AL

Undergraduate
The University of Alabama

Medical School
Heersink School of Medicine

Brian Kirkwood, M.D.

Brian Kirkwood, M.D.

Hometown
Huntsville, AL

Undergraduate
University of Montevallo

Medical School
Heersink School of Medicine

Caroline Lambert, M.D.

Caroline Lambert, M.D.

Hometown
Hattiesburg, MS

Undergraduate
Mississippi College

Medical School
University of Mississippi School of Medicine

Amanda Nelson, M.D.

Amanda Nelson, M.D.

Hometown
Milwaukee, WI

Undergraduate
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Medical School
Medical College of Wisconsin

Nicholas Obremskey, M.D.

Nicholas Obremskey, M.D.

Hometown
Nashville, TN

Undergraduate
University of South Carolina

Medical School
University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Greenville

KirbyAnne Plessala, M.D.

KirbyAnne Plessala, M.D.

Hometown
Mobile, AL

Undergraduate
Louisiana State University

Medical School
Lousiana State University - New Orleans

Sarah Prickett, M.D.

Sarah Prickett, M.D.

Hometown
Kansas City, MO

Undergraduate
The University of Alabama

Medical School
University of Texas - Southwestern

Rilee Racine, M.D.

Rilee Racine, M.D.

Hometown
Gainsville, GA

Undergraduate
University of Georgia

Medical School
Medical College of Georgia

Jameson Kenerly Ragsdale, M.D.

Jameson Kenerly Ragsdale, M.D.

Hometown
Jesup, GA

Undergraduate
University of Georgia

Medical School
Medical College of Georgia

Rachel Roark, M.D.

Rachel Roark, M.D.

Hometown
Little Rock, AR

Undergraduate
Ouachita Baptist University

Medical School
University of Arkansas

Kevin Roby, M.D.

Kevin Roby, M.D.

Hometown
Panama City, FL

Undergraduate
University of Florida

Gaduate School

University of Central Florida

Medical School
Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

Anna Seidenburg, M.D.

Anna Seidenburg, M.D.

Hometown
Lena, MS

Undergraduate
Mississippi State University

Graduate School

University of Mississippi Medical Center

Medical School
University of Mississippi School of Medicine

Nancy Claire Smith, M.D.

Nancy Claire Smith, M.D.

Hometown
Franklin, TN

Undergraduate
Carson-Newman University

Medical School
East Tennessee State University - Quillen College of Medicine

Keehn Strange, M.D.

Keehn Strange, M.D.

Hometown
Birmingham, AL

Undergraduate
Trinity University

Medical School
Heersink School of Medicine

Kevin Varghese, M.D.

Kevin Varghese, M.D.

Hometown
Montgomery, AL

Undergraduate
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Medical School
University of Mississippi School of Medicine

Shannon Walker, M.D.

Shannon Walker, M.D.

Hometown
Madison, AL

Undergraduate
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Medical School
Heersink School of Medicine

Stacy Young, M.D.

Stacy Young, M.D.

Hometown
Ponte Vedra, FL

Undergraduate
University of North Florida

Medical School
Florida Atlantic University

  • Kennon Brake, M.D.
  • Lauren Brewer, M.D.
  • Zach Brown, M.D.
  • Katie Fogle, M.D.
  • Kristen Hall, M.D.
  • Janie Hampton, M.D.
  • Tara Jehu, M.D.
  • Natalie King, M.D.
  • Brian Kirkwood, M.D.
  • Caroline Lambert, M.D.
  • Amanda Nelson, M.D.
  • Nicholas Obremskey, M.D.
  • KirbyAnne Plessala, M.D.
  • Sarah Prickett, M.D.
  • Rilee Racine, M.D.
  • Jameson Kenerly Ragsdale, M.D.
  • Rachel Roark, M.D.
  • Kevin Roby, M.D.
  • Anna Seidenburg, M.D.
  • Nancy Claire Smith, M.D.
  • Keehn Strange, M.D.
  • Kevin Varghese, M.D.
  • Shannon Walker, M.D.
  • Stacy Young, M.D.
  • Kennon Brake, M.D.

    PGY 3

    Hometown

    Montgomery, AL

    Undergraduate

    Auburn University

    Medical School

    Heersink School of Medicine

    Career/Clinical Interests

    General Pediatrics

    Why did you choose UAB Peds?

    So many reasons!! I knew that I would have excellent training, get to care for highly complex patients, and get to train alongside some of the kindest and most caring people I have ever met.

    Hobbies/Special Interests

    Spending time with my daughter, husband, and dog :) being active, photography, movies, tennis and pickleball.

    Fun Fact

    I'm secretly good at rapping.

  • Lauren Brewer, M.D.

    PGY 3

    Hometown

    Nashville, TN

    Undergraduate

    Lipscomb University

    Medical School

    University of Tennessee Health Science Center

    Career/Clinical Interests

    EM, PHM, and Endocrinology

    Why did you choose UAB Peds?

    I wanted a program with a free-standing children’s hospital, medium class size, and free lunch! I love that kids from all over Alabama come here, so we truly see things all over the spectrum. When I interviewed at UAB, I could tell these people were serious about patient care and learning, but also supporting each other- in work and in life.

    Hobbies/Special Interests

    Things I love: Jesus, being outside, softball, volleyball, game nights, trivia nights, good food (especially cheese and anything dessert) and drinks, Diet Coke, coffee shop vibes, and the Braves!

    Fun Fact

    I’m (mildly) allergic to pineapple but didn’t realize it until college… I thought everyone’s lips and tongue got numb and tingly. Still one of my fav fruits though!

  • Zach Brown, M.D.

    PGY 3

    Hometown

    Provo, UT

    Undergraduate

    Duke University

    Medical School

    University of North Carolina

    Career/Clinical Interests

    Cardiology, working with immigrant children

    Why did you choose UAB Peds?

    Because of how kind and authentic the program directors and atmosphere felt.

    Hobbies/Special Interests

    Running, tennis, golf

    Fun Fact

    Even though I went to UNC for med school, I am a HUGE Duke basketball fan - my sister gave us a homemade "Coach K's Lucky Charm" book when our first son was born and it is VERY well loved.

  • Katie Fogle, M.D.

    PGY 3

    Hometown

    Harvest, AL

    Undergraduate

    Auburn University

    Medical School

    Heersink School of Medicine

    Career/Clinical Interests

    General pediatrics, endocrinology

    Why did you choose UAB Peds?

    I knew I would be surrounded by the most caring, supportive, and fun co-residents, program directors and faculty! I also felt valued as a person and knew my training would be excellent. It brings me great joy to walk into a beautiful and extra-special children's hospital each day!

    Hobbies/Special Interests

    Reading, barre class, walking

    Fun Fact

    I have seen 2 space shuttle launches in person!

  • Kristen Hall, M.D.

    PGY 3

    Hometown

    Texarkana, TX

    Undergraduate

    Southern Methodist University

    Medical School

    University of Texas - San Antonio

    Career/Clinical Interests

    NICU, PICU or PHM

    Why did you choose UAB Peds?

    Everyone I talked to on my interview day was kind, fun, and truly interested in getting to know me. I also loved the vast amount of exposure you get at Children’s of Alabama and their focus on resident wellness.

    Hobbies/Special Interests

    I love reading, going to spin class, trying new restaurants and baking!

    Fun Fact

    I taught myself to knit during my time off in fourth year of medical school!

  • Janie Hampton, M.D.

    PGY 3

    Hometown

    Montgomery, AL

    Undergraduate

    Auburn University

    Medical School

    Heersink School of Medicine

    Career/Clinical Interests

    Inpatient Medicine - Critical Care/Acute Care

    Why did you choose UAB Peds?

    THE People! You won't find a better PD crew, more genuine co-workers, and even better kiddos to care for than the ones we get to learn from, work with, and serve at COA!

    Hobbies/Special Interests

    Anything sports!

    Fun Fact

    I'd eat chocolate chip waffles everyday if i could!

  • Tara Jehu, M.D.

    PGY 3

    Hometown

    Venice, FL

    Undergraduate

    University of Florida and George Mason University

    Medical School

    University of Central Florida

    Career/Clinical Interests

    Undecided: likely ED or Heme/Onc

    Why did you choose UAB Peds?

    Mentor alumni, interview process, such positive interactions with people here

    Hobbies/Special Interests

    Photography, dancing, food, lap swimming, travel, living abroad, reading

    Fun Fact

    I was a high school exchange student in the Alps in Bavaria, Germany!

  • Natalie King, M.D.

    PGY 3

    Hometown

    Birmingham, AL

    Undergraduate

    University of Alabama

    Medical School

    Heersink School of Medicine

    Career/Clinical Interests

    General Pediatrics

    Why did you choose UAB Peds?

    Faculty mentorship, community of residents, opportunity to serve Birmingham and broader Alabama

    Hobbies/Special Interests

    Playing with my kids (although they are quickly exceeding all my athletic ability), good coffee, running, snow skiing, local restaurants, chocolate chip cookies

    Fun Fact

    According to my 3 year old, he’s a doctor too.

  • Brian Kirkwood, M.D.

    PGY 3

    Hometown

    Huntsville, AL

    Undergraduate

    University of Montevallo

    Medical School

    Heersink School of Medicine

    Career/Clinical Interests

    I'm not sure yet, but I know I like taking care of kids in the hospital!

    Why did you choose UAB Peds?

    As a third year med student, I rotated at Children’s of Alabama during my Peds Clerkship. I loved it so much that I scheduled all of my 4th year rotations to be at Children’s. By the time interviews were done and rank lists were due, I had spent over 7 months rotating at CoA. I knew it was the place for me. I love the enthusiasm that people have for their specialty. I love that I feel supported and considered.

    Hobbies/Special Interests

    Houseplants, gardening, estate sales, dog parks, and mid-century modern decor.

    Fun Fact

    I know more about The Office than you do.

  • Caroline Lambert, M.D.

    PGY 3

    Hometown

    Hattiesburg, MS

    Undergraduate

    Mississippi College

    Medical School

    University of Mississippi School of Medicine

    Career/Clinical Interests

    General Pediatrics

    Why did you choose UAB Peds?

    During interview season, I really appreciated the thoughtfulness each person I interacted with at UAB put into the time I spent with them—their desire to support and build relationships with residents was beyond evident, even on Zoom. I knew that choosing this program would ensure me not only the new perspective and excellent training I was seeking but also the opportunity to work with kind and fun people:) I’m absolutely honored to be here and love living in Birmingham so far!

    Hobbies/Special Interests

    Hiking and adventuring to new places, baking sweet treats, catching up with friends on a walk or at a coffee shop, game nights (Nertz and CatchPhrase are my favs), reading, and jamming out to anything from musicals to mixtapes

    Fun Fact

    Served popcorn and ice cream in Disney World for a semester!

  • Amanda Nelson, M.D.

    PGY 3

    Hometown

    Milwaukee, WI

    Undergraduate

    University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

    Medical School

    Medical College of Wisconsin

    Career/Clinical Interests

    Neonatology, Transgender health, Health Equity

    Why did you choose UAB Peds?

    I wanted a resident-focused program with a free-standing children's hospital that would also offer plenty of research opportunities, which UAB is and does. My interview also felt more like I was talking with old friends and was so comfortable. The warm weather is an added bonus!

    Hobbies/Special Interests

    Irish dance, yoga, cross stitching

    Fun Fact

    I have a rescue pup named Pancake!

  • Nicholas Obremskey, M.D.

    PGY 1=3

    Hometown

    Nashville, TN

    Undergraduate

    University of South Carolina 

    Medical School

    University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Greenville

    Career/Clinical Interests

    Pediatric Hospitalist or Infectious Disease

    Why did you choose UAB Peds?

    The larger program is full of incredible faculty and residents. The hospital serves a large area allowing for greater exposure to a diversity of patients and more learning opportunities. Also my wife and I loved Birmingham.

    Hobbies/Special Interests

    Soccer, Astronomy, Hanging out with Hannah (my wife), trivia

    Fun Fact

    When I was a valet, I parked Thomas Rhett's car and didn't realize it was him. Also, I speak German

  • KirbyAnne Plessala, M.D.

    PGY 3

    Hometown

    Mobile, AL

    Undergraduate

    Louisiana State University

    Medical School

    Louisiana State University - New Orleans

    Career/Clinical Interests

    Nephrology

    Why did you choose UAB Peds?

    The culture! This program pushes you to challenge yourself and grow but supports you so well along the way.

    Hobbies/Special Interests

    Cooking, painting, playing soccer and volleyball

    Fun Fact

    I do calligraphy! I love addressing wedding invitations and decorating everything.

  • Sarah Prickett, M.D.

    PGY 3

    Hometown

    Kansas City, M.O.

    Undergraduate

    University of Alabama

    Medical School

    University of Texas - Southwestern

    Career/Clinical Interests

    I am still deciding on a future career path but am currently interested in hospital medicine and medical education!

    Why did you choose UAB Peds?

    Training at UAB provided the opportunity to care for patients from diverse backgrounds with a broad spectrum of medical complexity and acuity all within an incredibly supportive environment of residents, faculty, and staff. There were a handful of institutions I knew would offer excellent clinical experience, but UAB stood out for the people who so clearly enjoyed and supported one another even in the tough and busy moments..

    Hobbies/Special Interests

    I enjoy reading, trying new restaurants, game nights with friends, traveling to visit family, and spending time outdoors with my husband, Sam.

    Fun Fact

    I have a minor in Studio Art with special focus in ceramics and painting!

  • Rilee Racine, M.D.

    PGY 3

    Hometown

    Gainsville, GA

    Undergraduate

    University of Georgia

    Medical School

    Medical College of Georgia

    Career/Clinical Interests

    Too many things (undecided)

    Why did you choose UAB Peds?

    I always knew I wanted to stay in the Southeast close to family and be at a big children's hospital where I would be exposed to a high volume and high complexity of patients during my training. This can be found at a lot of programs, but after my interview with UAB, I couldn't really picture myself anywhere else. Everyone here is so kind, eager to teach, and really do love caring for the children and families of Alabama. I have felt an insane amount of support in my first few months of residency and find myself excited to go to work each day. Our administration and faculty invest in us as both future pediatricians and as people, and our intern class already feels like a family away from home. Birmingham itself is also awesome with so many fun things to do, minimal traffic, and amazing weather. Simply put, I would say that at UAB we work hard, but we love what we do. I truly couldn't be happier to be a resident here at Children's!

    Hobbies/Special Interests

    Anything on the water, outdoor walking or hiking, reading, indoor cycling

    Fun Fact

    My parents are bigtime water skiiers and taught me how to water ski when I was three (still remember faceplanting and swallowing a whole lot of water that day)

  • Jameson Kenerly Ragsdale, M.D.

    PGY 3

    Hometown

    Jesup, GA

    Undergraduate

    University of Georgia

    Medical School

    Medical College of Georgia

    Career/Clinical Interests

    Primary Care

    Why did you choose UAB Peds?

    I had the incredible opportunity to do an away rotation here and fell in LOVE with the encouraging, supportive culture of the program. The residents and faculty are truly the best!

    Hobbies/Special Interests

    Hanging with my nephew and niece, SEC football, historical fiction novels, and true-crime podcasts.

    Fun Fact

    I was the "fire twirler" for UGA! Go Dawgs!

  • Rachel Roark, M.D.

    PGY 3

    Hometown

    Little Rock, AR

    Undergraduate

    Ouachita Baptist University

    Medical School

    University of Arkansas

    Career/Clinical Interests

    Undecided, but strongly considering subspecialty training of some kind

    Why did you choose UAB Peds?

    The people in the program are kind, welcoming, and invested in the futures of the residents. It was obvious to me that this program would be a great place to grow as a physician to take the best care of my patients now and in the future! Also, Birmingham is an incredible city!

    Hobbies/Special Interests

    I love to host game nights for friends, take walks around town, make homemade lattes and listen to podcasts.

    Fun Fact

    My husband and I have a 10 year old Border Collie mix named Boots!

  • Kevin Roby, M.D.

    PGY 3

    Hometown

    Panama City, FL

    Undergraduate

    University of Florida

    Graduate

    University of Central Florida

    Medical School

    Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

    Career/Clinical Interests

    Cardiology, PICU

    Why did you choose UAB Peds?

    Besides the people!! UAB is the perfect mix of location, culture and career opportunities. Coming from metro Detroit, I wanted to be in a diverse city, without crazy winters and where my wife and I could own a home. The opportunity is unlike many places, to be an integral member of the care team at a large stand alone children’s hospital that sees all sorts of rare, complex and common cases. Best of all, was the gut feeling I got during interview day and how genuine all the people were that made UAB feel like home, even from a zoom meeting!

    Hobbies/Special Interests

    Playing tennis, cooking, gardening/ plants, hiking

    Fun Fact

    I was born and lived in Mexico for 9 years

  • Anna Seidenburg, M.D.

    PGY 3

    Hometown

    Lena, MS

    Undergraduate

    Mississippi State University

    Medical School

    University of Mississippi School of Medicine

    Career/Clinical Interests

    PICU, Heme/Onc, Hospitalist

    Why did you choose UAB Peds?

    I felt an instant connection with the people I met on my interview day at UAB. I grew up in a big, very close family and I knew that I wanted a residency program that would feel like a family to me. I felt so at home so quickly and felt like I’d found a perfect fit for me. The program would give me the opportunity to care for and learn from some of the sweetest, most complex patients in the Southeast since Children's has patients from all over the United States but also allow me to do it with people who would support me and invest in me outside of just the work environment over the next three years.

    Hobbies/Special Interests

    Traveling, specifically to the beach, cooking with my grandmother and mom, reading

    Fun Fact

    I have an irrational fear of birds! (For no good reason that I can figure out!)

  • Nancy Claire Smith, M.D.

    PGY 3

    Hometown

    Franklin, TN

    Undergraduate

    Carson-Newman University

    Medical School

    East Tennessee State University - Quillen College of Medicine

    Career/Clinical Interests

    Hospital Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Rehab medicine/ortho, Global Health

    Why did you choose UAB Peds?

    The program offers a strong training environment surrounded by a supportive team that is like a family. All the clinical opportunities, teaching, simulation experiences also appealed to me. And, of course, the people!

    Hobbies/Special Interests

    Hiking, biking, swimming, running, game nights, farmers’ markets, trivia nights

    Fun Fact

    I am a published children’s book author.

  • Keehn Strange, M.D.

    PGY 3

    Hometown

    Birmingham, AL

    Undergraduate

    Trinity University

    Medical School

    Heersink School of Medicine

    Career/Clinical Interests

    Cardiology

    Why did you choose UAB Peds?

    To train at an amazing institution and the people.

    Hobbies/Special Interests

    Playing guitar, golf, hiking with my dogs, fishing

    Fun Fact

    I’m 6’8” but still the shortest guy in my family.

  • Kevin Varghese, M.D.

    PGY 3

    Hometown

    Montgomery, AL

    Undergraduate

    University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Medical School

    University of Mississippi School of Medicine

    Career/Clinical Interests

    PHM, GI, or Neuro

    Why did you choose UAB Peds?

    I ranked UAB #1 because it’s the whole package. Genuinely kind faculty, great facilities, close knit residents, and windows in the resident lounge.

    Hobbies/Special Interests

    Hiking (Oak Mountain is great), tennis, breweries, video games, and board games

    Fun Fact

    I’ve been skydiving before and definitely want to go again.

  • Shannon Walker, M.D.

    PGY 3

    Hometown

    Madison, AL

    Undergraduate

    University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Medical School

    Heersink School of Medicine

    Career/Clinical Interests

    Undecided

    Why did you choose UAB Peds?

    Working with the pediatric residents as a medical student showed me how genuinely kind the people here are. The faculty took a genuine interest in my learning, and the residents treat each other like family.

    Hobbies/Special Interests

    Music, movies, video games, yoga, and conversations with my dogs

    Fun Fact

    I played bass in a touring rock band while applying to medical school.

  • Stacy Young, M.D.

    PGY 3

    Hometown

    Ponte Vedra, FL

    Undergraduate

    University of North Florida

    Medical School

    Florida Atlantic University

    Career/Clinical Interests

    Not exactly sure yet:)

    Why did you choose UAB Peds?

    It was program where I felt like I would be both challenged and supported! The residents and faculty I met throughout the interview process were all so welcoming and were truly interested in getting to know me as a person.

    Hobbies/Special Interests

    Baking, ballet, traveling, reading and spending time with my dog!

    Fun Fact

    I used to have my own baking business.

  • Kennon Brake, M.D.
  • Lauren Brewer, M.D.
  • Zach Brown, M.D.
  • Katie Fogle, M.D.
  • Kristen Hall, M.D.
  • Janie Hampton, M.D.
  • Tara Jehu, M.D.
  • Natalie King, M.D.
  • Brian Kirkwood, M.D.
  • Caroline Lambert, M.D.
  • Amanda Nelson, M.D.
  • Nicholas Obremskey, M.D.
  • KirbyAnne Plessala, M.D.
  • Sarah Prickett, M.D.
  • Rilee Racine, M.D.
  • Jameson Kenerly Ragsdale, M.D.
  • Rachel Roark, M.D.
  • Kevin Roby, M.D.
  • Anna Seidenburg, M.D.
  • Nancy Claire Smith, M.D.
  • Keehn Strange, M.D.
  • Kevin Varghese, M.D.
  • Shannon Walker, M.D.
  • Stacy Young, M.D.