UAB - School of Medicine - Surgery

King elected to WHS board of directors

Associate Professor in the Division of Plastic Surgery Timothy King, M.D., Ph.D., was recently elected to the board of directors of the Wound Healing Society.

Gongora joins Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery

The UAB Department of Surgery recently welcomed a new associate professor to the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery with the addition of Enrique Gongora, M.D.

Mustian receives Dale Benos Scholar Award

General surgery research resident Margaux Mustian, M.D., was recently named a recipient of the Dale Benos Scholar Award by the UAB Nephrology Research Training Center.

Tanner named new director of Surgical Critical Care Fellowship

Lauren Tanner, M.D., has been named the new director of the UAB Surgical Critical Care Fellowship. A 2016 graduate of the fellowship, Tanner steps into this position as an assistant professor in the Division of Acute Care Surgery, associate program director of the UAB General Surgery Residency and co-director of the UAB Women in Surgery Program.

Tanner named new director of Surgical Critical Care Fellowship

Lauren Tanner, M.D., has been named the new director of the UAB Surgical Critical Care Fellowship. A 2016 graduate of the fellowship, Tanner steps into this position as an assistant professor in the Division of Acute Care Surgery, associate program director of the UAB General Surgery Residency and co-director of the UAB Women in Surgery Program.

Human brain protein associated with autism confers abnormal behavior in fruit flies

The human dopamine transporter protein is missing a single amino acid.

UAB Surgery heads to Houston for ASC 2019

The UAB Department of Surgery gathers for a photo while attending the 14th Annual Academic Surgical Congress in Houston, Texas, Feb. 5-7, 2019.The Department of Surgery traveled to Houston, Texas, this week for the 14th Annual Academic Surgical Congress, where numerous faculty, residents, fellows and medical students from UAB gave talks, presented research or moderated sessions. Continuing its streak, UAB Surgery again led the pack in abstract submissions at ASC, boasting a total of 84 presentations — 13 more than last year — and roughly 70 presenters.

Cannon elected treasurer of state ACS chapter

Associate Professor in the Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery Jamie Cannon, M.D., was recently elected treasurer of the Alabama Chapter of the American College of Surgeons. She begins her term immediately and will serve in this role at the annual chapter meeting this summer.

Chu edits journal's comprehensive issue on ERAS

The Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery’s Daniel Chu, M.D., recently served as the editor of the December 2018 issue of Surgical Clinics of North America.

Department of Surgery joins Promise Coalition

This spring, the UAB Department of Surgery will join the University of Michigan, the University of Wisconsin, Stanford University and the Brigham and Woman’s Hospital of Harvard University in a new multi-institutional partnership that seeks to help faculty and trainees reach their professional goals.

UAB Surgery hosts 2019 CME Course

Guest speaker Dr. Fabrizio Michelassi speaks on his techniques for the surgical management of Crohn's disease at the third annual UAB Surgery CME Course on Feb. 1, 2019, at the Hilton Birmingham at UAB. More than 70 physicians and researchers traveled to the Hilton Birmingham at UAB last week to attend the third annual UAB Department of Surgery CME Course, "Best Practices in General Surgery."

School of Medicine celebrates third annual Diversity Fair

The School of Medicine’s Office for Diversity and Inclusion hosted its third annual Diversity Fair Jan. 25, 2019 in the atrium of North Pavilion. Hundreds of guests attended and enjoyed wandering among the booths to sample cuisines while listening to the sound of international music.

Dean's Excellence Award winner profile: Benjamin Wei, M.D.

Benjamin Wei, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Surgery, is one of two junior faculty members to win the Dean's Excellence Award in Service.

Transplanting pig hearts into sick babies may be a promising temporary treatment option

Pig heart transplants could potentially save the lives of infants with life-threatening heart diseases.

Ultrasound helps predict successful fistula formation for kidney dialysis patients

Creating a fistula in the arm is vital before starting hemodialysis, yet half of fistulas fail to mature so that they are usable for dialysis.

Chu awarded ACS Traveling Fellowship

The Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery’s Daniel Chu, M.D., has been awarded an American College of Surgeons Traveling Fellowship to Japan for 2020, where he will attend meetings and visit surgical centers for his research and practice. While in Japan, Chu will write about his experiences in the ACS Bulletin.

Khan, Aucoin receive travel awards from ACS

Dr. Aimal KhanDr. Victoria AucoinUAB advance GI and minimally invasive surgery fellow Aimal Khan, M.D., and third-year integrated vascular surgery resident Victoria Aucoin, M.D., were each recently named a recipient of a travel award from the American College of Surgeons to attend the 2019 ACS Leadership and Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., March 30 – April 2.

Kidney-resident macrophages — a role for healing during acute kidney injury?

These kidney macrophages reprogram to a developmental state after kidney injury, similar to those in newborn mice.

Locke named director of UAB Comprehensive Transplant Institute

The Comprehensive Transplant Institute is a product of the culture of excellence that permeates transplantation at UAB, promoting state-of-the-art care and research across all organ systems.

Chen delivers annual State of Department address

UAB Department of Surgery Chair Dr. Herbert Chen presents his annual State of the Department of Surgery address at Surgery Grand Rounds on Jan. 15, 2019, in Margaret Cameron Spain Auditorium. (Photo Courtesy of Danilea Carmona-Matos, @danileacm on Twitter)On Tuesday, Jan. 15, UAB Department of Surgery Chair Herbert Chen, M.D., delivered his annual State of the Department of Surgery address at Surgery Grand Rounds in Margaret Cameron Spain Auditorium.

UAB Medicine calls for Medcast ideas

UAB Medicine wants to hear your ideas for its medical education and clinical information podcast series, UAB Medcast. These podcasts – which are eligible for CME credit – are ideal for physicians, nurses, technicians and other medical professionals interested in staying abreast of clinical and research developments at UAB Medicine while helping satisfy their ongoing professional education requirements.

Marayati wins OPE travel award to attend ASC

General surgery resident Raoud Marayati, M.D., was recently named the recipient of the Spring 2019 Office of Postdoctoral Education Travel Award.

Get ready for UAB @ #ASC2019

The UAB Department of Surgery gathers for a photo at the 2018 Academic Surgical Congress in Jacksonville, Floriday, Jan. 30 – Feb. 1.As the UAB Department of Surgery prepares for the 14th Annual Academic Surgical Congress next month in Houston, Texas – where UAB is again expected to win the ASC abstract submission contest with a total of 85 abstracts – we’ve made available a spreadsheet of presenters who are affiliated with UAB or who have authored presentations affiliated with our UAB Surgery faculty.

Kale receives ACS Resident Research Scholarship

Second-year general surgery resident Cozette Kale, M.D., MPH, has been selected to receive a 2019 American College of Surgeons Resident Research Scholarship.

Martin receives ASC travel award

The Division of Pediatric Surgery’s Colin Martin, M.D., was recently selected to receive the 2019 Academic Surgical Congress 10x10 Career Development Traveling Fellowship. This award will provide Martin with a $2,000 stipend to visit a scholar or clinician at the institution of his choosing for one week.

Obesity surgery leads to emergence of new microbial strains in the human fecal community

A novel informatics technique allows researchers to identify different strains of the same bacterial species.

Blood and marrow transplant patients celebrate the holidays with UAB

UAB blood and marrow transplant patients received extra holiday cheer this season.

“A 4 percent chance is nothing to me”

Former MLB player Frank Baker says his experience at UAB’s Pancreatobiliary Disease Center was a home run.

Kidney Chain “Bridge Donor” author hopes to inspire others through personal story

In 2014, Berwager volunteered to donate one of her kidneys to a friend who was suffering from lupus, and who had kidney failure.

Chu receives grant to expand SeamlessMD

Using SeamlessMD, UAB Medicine provides patients with a digital experience through which they can access information about their surgeries via cellphone, tablet or computer — from surgery preparation to the recovery process.

An enzyme in immune cells plays essential role in host defense against tuberculosis

This finding may point to a therapeutic target to treat tuberculosis, which kills 1.3 million people each year.

Krontiras and Rutledge selected as Women Who Shape the State

Every year, AMG presents 30 Alabama women with the Women Who Shape the State award.

Mild blast forces cause pathology and deficits in the brain, despite lack of macroscopic damage

An animal model for mild traumatic brain injury shows microscopic neuropathology, as well as neurophysiological and biochemical changes.

Lindeman inducted into ACS Academy of Master Surgeon Educators

Lindeman was honored at a ceremony Oct. 3 in Chicago.

A guide to finding your passion

Here is a guide to finding your passion, no matter what field, from UAB transplant surgeon Jayme Locke, M.D.

Hernias: why they hurt and what can be done

Most people refrain from calling attention to an unusual bulge in their lower abdomen. But it could be a potentially dangerous condition that needs to be discussed with your doctor right away.

UAB creates integrated program to manage diseases of the pancreas, bile ducts

A new UAB center will serve as a state-wide resource for patients with diseases of the pancreas and bile ducts.

Six faculty awarded incentive grants to submit a second R01

Six School of Medicine faculty projects were recently funded through an AMC21 initiative giving NIH-funded investigators incentive to submit a second R01.

Bus accident update and a moment of gratitude

Last Friday, a bus carrying 26 UAB residents from the Department of Pediatrics was involved in a severe accident following a retreat at Camp McDowell. The School of Medicine leadership is extremely grateful to everyone who has been involved in the care for its residents and their families during this difficult time.

Clearing a xenotransplantation hurdle: detecting infectious agents in pigs

Sensitive, specific assays are needed to ensure the safety of inter-species transplants for patients needing new organs like kidneys and hearts.

Hello, goodbye 2018: Surgical Critical Care Fellowship

More than 1,200 interns, residents and fellows train in every medical specialty at UAB in Birmingham, at our regional campuses in Montgomery, Huntsville and Tuscaloosa, and in our program in Selma. In an ongoing series, the Department of Surgery will feature incoming and outgoing trainees for all UAB Surgery programs. This week, learn about the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship.

Three new faculty join department in August

Dr. John McKinney Dr. Eric Schinnerer Dr. Michael HernonThree incoming faculty will join the UAB Department of Surgery this month, taking positions in the divisions of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Acute Care Surgery and Gastrointestinal Surgery.

Nation’s longest single-site kidney chain reaches 100

High-tech medicine and human kindness combine in UAB’s ongoing kidney chain, a series of transplant surgeries that have given 101 people a new lease on life.

Bariatric surgery is effective under the right circumstances

When you struggle with weight issues, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by your weight loss options and dismayed by setbacks.

Former resident, fellow receives award while on faculty at UNC

Dr. Lauren RaffAssistant Professor in the Division of General and Acute Care Surgery at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, as well as 2016 graduate of the UAB General Surgery Residency Program and 2017 graduate of the UAB Surgical Critical Care Fellowship, Lauren Raff, M.D., was recently awarded the UNC Department of Surgery’s Rookie of the Year Award. This annual award is presented by the Department’s general surgery chief residents and recognizes Raff for her impact on resident education.

State puts forth resolution to recognize National Stop the Bleed Day

The Alabama House of Representatives recently signed a resolution to observe National Stop the Bleed Day on March 31 and Alabama Trauma Awareness Day on March 21. The resolution encourages all Alabama citizens, particularly education administrators and faculty, to participate in the Stop the Bleed initiative and learn more about the importance of bleeding control measures.UAB's trauma team has heavily promoted the national Stop the Bleed initiative and has also provided #StoptheBleed training to local schools.

Novel procedure shortens stay for melanoma patients

Melanoma is highly capable of spreading and can be deadly rapidly if not treated.

Local eighth-grader gets hands-on experience on her two passions — robotics and surgery

A 13-year-old girl gets to have a special training experience with UAB surgeons during robotics surgery celebration.

UAB leads the nation in robotic surgeries after more than 10,000

Surgeons across UAB Medicine are working together to enhance robotic surgery, cementing UAB as a national leader in the field.

Locke wins ACTS Distinguished Investigator Award

The Association for Clinical and Translational Science awarded its Distinguished Investigator Award for Translation into Public Benefit and Policy to kidney transplant surgeon, researcher.

Bilateral lung transplant provides Montgomery teen chance to graduate, better future

After living with pulmonary fibrosis for 15 years, Quintarius Daniels received a life-changing lung transplant that has helped him live the life he has always wanted.

Good news for weekend warriors — UAB Orthopaedics opens sports medicine clinic

UAB Orthopaedics’ new sports medicine clinic features five physicians specially trained in managing sports-related injuries.

UAB celebrates 50th anniversary of first transplant in Alabama

Since 1968, UAB Medicine has performed more than 14,000 life-saving organ transplants.

Air Force surgeon to become trauma medical director

The Division of Acute Care Surgery welcomes a new trauma medical director this summer with the addition Daniel B. Cox, M.D. Cox is currently an active-duty Air Force surgeon assigned as the medical director for en route care in the Office of the Command Surgeon, Air Mobility Command. He also serves as a clinically active trauma and emergency general surgeon in the Department of Trauma, Critical Care, and Acute Care Surgery at the University of Cincinnati.

Students, resident teachers, faculty instructors attend 3rd annual Surgery Boot Camp

The Department of Surgery recently hosted the third annual Surgery Boot Camp at UAB. Surgery Boot Camp is a two-week course designed to help fourth-year medical students prepare for their surgical internship year. This year’s event, held March 26 – April 6, saw 15 student participants, all of whom had matched into surgery-related specialties such as general surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery or obstetrics and gynecology.

Kidney transplant recipients save time, money thanks to telehealth

Kidney transplant recipients used to have to come to UAB for their post-transplant appointments. But thanks to telehealth, they no longer have to travel long distances to see their doctors.

Department of Surgery hosts Society of Black Academic Surgeons 28th Annual Meeting

The UAB Department of Surgery hosted the Society of Black Academic Surgeons (SBAS) 28th Annual Meeting last week. More than 200 surgeons from all over the country traveled to Birmingham to attend the meeting.

Alabama Organ Center celebrates National Donate Life Month, National Blue & Green Day

More than 30 percent of Alabamians are registered to be organ donors, but more are needed.

UAB to celebrate 50th anniversary of first transplant in Alabama

Since 1968, UAB surgeons have performed more than 14,000 transplants.

Spindle cell sarcoma: rare but not to be ignored

A Dothan man is back on the hiking trail following a rare soft tissue tumor treated by UAB’s “Sarcoma King.”

Two faculty members receive RIME faculty development funding

Cordelia Stearns, M.D., and Brenessa Lindeman, MD, MEHP, were selected to receive the 2018 Research and Innovations in Medical Education (RIME) Faculty Development Award. Both Stearns and Lindeman received $7,500, which will go toward the 2019 Harvard Macy Institute Program for Educators in Health Professions.

Medical students prepare for Surgery Boot Camp

From March 26 – April 6, UAB medical students will attend the Department of Surgery’s annual Surgery Boot Camp in order to prepare for their upcoming internships. Surgery Boot Camp gives students interested in pursuing surgery or a related procedure-based specialty the opportunity to attend interactive lectures, work in hands-on skills stations and take part in real-to-life patient simulations.

Blood stored longer may be less safe for patients with massive blood loss and shock

In a collaborative study using a mouse model, University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers from the departments of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Biostatistics, Emergency Medicine, Pathology, and Surgery have found mechanistic links between older stored red blood cell transfusions and subsequent bacterial pneumonia.

New faculty joining Department of Surgery

The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery welcomes three new faculty this month: Christopher G. A. McGregor, M.B., F.R.C.S., M.D. (Hon.); Guerard W. Byrne, Ph.D., and Rongbing Xie, Dr.P.H., M.P.H.

Blood stored longer may be less safe for patients with massive blood loss and shock

Research findings that suggest free heme leads to bacterial pneumonia may reveal new approaches to improve safety of stored red blood cell transfusions.

A one-stop shop for colorectal cancer care

UAB Medicine recently established a colorectal oncology clinic to provide a hassle-free experience for diagnosis and treatment.

Transplant programs more than 8,200 miles apart form key partnership

After providing UAB's School of Medicine with HIV-positive deceased donor transplant protocols, UAB aims to return the favor to Groote Schuur Hospital in South Africa by providing paired exchange transplant training.

Transplant programs more than 8,200 miles apart form key partnership

After providing UAB's School of Medicine with HIV-positive deceased donor transplant protocols, UAB aims to return the favor to Groote Schuur Hospital in South Africa by providing paired exchange transplant training

Call for proposals: UAB GME Works for Well-Being

The UAB Graduate Medical Education (GME) Office is currently accepting proposals for an initiative that exclusively aims to improve physician wellness at UAB.

UAB surgeons explain 'Stop the Bleed' initiative and why more kits are needed

UAB joined the Stop the Bleed campaign in 2017, and provided on-site trauma kits and training at Homewood High School. UAB News recently broadcasted a livestream in which UAB physicians demonstrated how to use Stop the Bleed kits in the event of a mass incident.

UAB partnership further enhancing recovery after surgery

UAB's Enhanced Recovery After Surgery pathway uses technology to improve patient recovery from major surgery.

UAB surgeons explain 'Stop the Bleed' initiative and why more kits are needed

Watch a bleeding-control demonstration and join in with questions live as trauma surgeons show benefits of kits in public settings.

Significant increase in transplants in 2017 helps fuel national record

As national deceased donor transplants top 10,000, UAB and AOC credit increase to "hero" donors and broader organ acceptance criteria.

Xenotransplant's Cooper honored with national John P. McGovern Award

The Compleat Physician Award is given each year to a U.S. physician who embodies medical excellence and humane and ethical care.

'Treat your first cancer seriously'

A cancer diagnosis was a serious wake-up call for Ragan Cain to become proactive about her health.

Kerby to serve on ACS trauma committees

Dr. Jeffrey KerbyDivision of Acute Care Surgery Director Jeffrey Kerby, M.D., Ph.D., was recently selected to serve on the Executive Committee of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. Kerby will also serve as chair of the Membership Committee of the ACS Committee on Trauma.

World record Kidney Chain extends with inspired organ donors

A TEDx Birmingham talk by Jayme Locke inspires an Alabamian to donate altruistically and save more lives.

Adult cardiovascular surgery earns top quality rating

UAB is one of only three hospitals in the United States to receive a three-star ranking in each of the five categories of surgery.

Two Alabamians push UAB Hospital past milestone of 10,000 kidney transplants

Michael Cox is kidney transplant recipient No. 10,000. Tony Adams became the 10,001st recipient after his brother — and UAB employee — Daniel Adams became his donor.

Comprehensive study examines gun-related deaths and how to prevent them

A new study suggests complex solutions to gun-related deaths and goals to decrease rates based on the type of death.

UAB announced as SIREN participant

The UAB Department of Surgery has recently been announced as a participant in the SIREN network. SIREN, short for Strategies to Innovate EmeRgENcy Care Clinical Trials Network, seeks to enable the conduct of high-quality, multi-site clinical trials to improve outcomes for patients who experience neurologic, cardiac, respiratory, hematologic and trauma emergency events.

Corey, Hendershot elected to AAS Education Committee

Dr. Britney CoreyThe Division of Acute Care Surgery’s Kimberly Hendershot, M.D., and the Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery’s Britney Corey, M.D., were recently elected to the Association for Academic Surgery’s Education Committee.Dr. Kimberly Hendershot

State of Alabama approves paid leave benefits for living organ donors beginning Oct. 1

UAB employees spearheaded an effort that led to the university’s adopting the paid leave benefits policy earlier this year — and then they carried their initiative to the state level.

UAB hosts national meeting of Society of Asian Academic Surgeons

Nearly 200 surgeons are expected in Birmingham as UAB hosts the second annual national meeting of the Society of Asian Academic Surgeons.

Hendershot, Krontiras chosen for UAB Healthcare Leadership Academy

Helen Krontiras, M.D.Dr. Helen Krontiras, director of the Division of Surgical Oncology, and Kimberly Hendershot, M.D., from the Division of Acute Care Surgery were recently accepted into the 2017-18 UAB Healthcare Leadership Academy training program.

Alabama man finally meets the woman from Germany— his one in 24 million match — who saved his life with her bone marrow donation

Alina Franke registered to donate her bone marrow in Hamburg, Germany, in 2009. She wound up being the one person in 24 million around the world on the Be The Match registry to be the perfect match that Jimmy Roberson needed.

ProAssurance gift to UAB establishes the nation’s first academic research program dedicated to physician wellness

The ProAssurance Endowed Chair for Physician Wellness at UAB will help address health issues unique to physicians as they deal with the stress and pressures associated with providing care in today’s evolving health care environment.

After 31 years and more than 2,200 transplants, surgical students share the secret of their mentor’s success

Surgeon Mark Deierhoi has performed more than 2,200 kidney transplants in his career and trained hundreds of students who say his patience as a teacher has had a tremendous impact.

UAB partnering with VA Medical Centers in randomized trial

The trial will seek to find out whether less-invasive endovascular surgery is always a better choice than traditional open surgical repair for veterans with aortic abdominal aneurysms.

UAB nurse and two-time transplant recipient, Team Mountain showcase the power of organ donation with Mount Kilimanjaro climb

UAB nurse Calvin Kennedy climbed some 17,000 feet before torn knee ligaments, avascular necrosis and an intestinal parasite forced the two-time kidney transplant recipient to halt his ascent just 5.5 hours from the summit.

New faculty recruits join UAB Surgery

This month, the Department of Surgery welcomes several new faculty recruits to the UAB family.

CIREN, Carroll awarded NHTSA funding

Dr. Shannon CarrollThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has again selected UAB as a medical center for the Crash Injury Research Engineering Network (CIREN) Program. The current award is $2.3 million over a period of five years, and the Division of Acute Care Surgery’s Shannon Carroll, M.D., serves as the principal investigator. The mission of the CIREN is to improve the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of motor vehicle crash injuries to reduce deaths, disabilities, and human and economic costs. UAB has served as a medical center for CIREN since 2010.

Hu wins AAST scholarship

Dr. Parker HuShoutout to the Division of Acute Care Surgery’s Parker Hu, M.D., who received an American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Research and Education Foundation Scholarship to attend the 76th Annual Meeting of the AAST and Clinical Congress of Acute Care Surgery, Sept. 13-16 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Division of Acute Care Surgery hires new director of research

The Division of Acute Care Surgery is pleased to announce the addition of Jan O. Jansen, M.B.B.S., Dr. Med., Ph.D., currently a consultant trauma surgeon and intensivist at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, Scotland, and St. Mary’s Hospital in London, England.

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