UAB - School of Medicine - Surgery

New medical student awards created in honor of Beierle, Stahl

Thanks to the generosity of UAB Professor of Pediatric Surgery Elizabeth Beierle, M.D., and Associate Professor of Gastrointestinal Surgery Richard Stahl, M.D., two new Department of Surgery medical student awards will be introduced at this year's UAB School of Medicine Birmingham Campus Awards’ Luncheon on May 17:

Myers named active member of ASCS

The American Society of Craniofacial Surgeons recently elevated Division of Plastic Surgery Assistant Professor René Myers, M.D., to active membership within the organization, making Myers one of fewer than 100 active ASCS members in the United States.

Hello, goodbye 2019: Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency

Match Day 2019 ushered in a new group of surgery residents, while saying goodbye to others who will soon leave UAB for different programs across the country. With 98 percent of students matching into residency positions, UAB students will continue their medical educations at 89 institutions across 30 states.In an ongoing series, the Department of Surgery will feature incoming and outgoing trainees for all UAB Surgery programs. This week, learn about the Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency Program and its new and graduating residents.

City of Birmingham offers paid leave for living organ donors

The city of Birmingham joins UAB and the state of Alabama by providing paid leave for living organ donors.

Lombardi Cancer Foundation gives $150K to COA to support Beierle’s cancer research

Dr. Elizabeth BeierleLast month, the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation presented a $150,000 grant to Children’s of Alabama to continue funding research on a tumor xenograft study led by the Division of Pediatric Surgery’s Elizabeth Beierle, M.D., as well as the Department of Pediatrics’ Jamie Aye, M.D., and Kimberly Whelan, M.D., MSPH, and the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology’s Karina Yoon, Ph.D.

Chu attends TSA annual meeting in Taipei

Dr. Daniel Chu recently attended the Taiwan Surgical Association's 2019 annual meeting in Taipei, March 16-17, at the city's National Defense Medical Center.The Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery’s Daniel Chu, M.D., traveled to Taipei last month for the Taiwan Surgical Association’s 2019 annual meeting. Surgeons and scientists from all over the world attended the two-day event at the National Defense Medical Center in Taipei, March 16-17, making it the largest meeting of its kind in Taiwan.

Locke, Martin to travel to Bangkok for DCAS Course

By Daniel BrackerAssociate professors of surgery Jayme Locke, M.D., MPH, and Colin Martin, M.D., will be traveling to Bangkok, Thailand, in May to attend the 2019 “Developing a Career and skills in Academic Surgery Course.”

Farmer talks serendipity in science as 2019 UAB Women in Surgery speaker

UC Davis Health's Dr. Diana Farmer speaks to faculty, trainees and students at the April 1, 2019, UAB Women in Surgery networking reception at The Lumbar.Diana L. Farmer, M.D., chair of the Department of Surgery at UC Davis Health, headlined the Department of Surgery’s annual UAB Women in Surgery Lectureship and networking reception last Monday and Tuesday, April 1-2.

Orandi awarded $40K for transplant research

By Daniel BrackerAssistant Professor of Transplantation Babak John Orandi, M.D., Ph.D., was recently named the recipient of the 2019 Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract’s Career Development Award for Clinical/Outcomes/Education Research for his proposal, “Implications of donor methamphetamine use in deceased donor liver, pancreas, and small bowel transplantation,” by the SSAT Research Committee.

Marayati receives award for abstract at 2019 UAB Pediatric Science Day

Raoud Marayati, M.D., general surgery research resident and Beierle Lab member, received the Best Abstract Award in Basic and Translational Research at last month’s UAB Pediatric Science Day at Children’s of Alabama.

Pereira to attend ACS leadership course

The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery’s Sara J. Pereira, M.D., was recently selected to attend the Division of Education of the American College of Surgeons’ 2019 course, “ACS Surgeons as Leaders: From Operating Room to Boardroom,” in Durham, North Carolina, April 28 – May 1.

Martin appointed to SUS Membership Committee

By Daniel BrackerThe Division of Pediatric Surgery’s Colin Martin, M.D., was recently appointed to the Society of University Surgeons Membership Committee.

Huh named 51st president of national gynecologic oncology society

UAB gynecologic oncologist Huh will serve in a leadership role within a national gynecologic organization.

New interdepartmental research program offers funding for collaborative pilot projects

Faculty from the departments of Surgery and Biomedical Engineering meet at their 2016 "Speed Dating" event to discuss collaborative projects.After residents across the country celebrated their Match Day last Friday, the UAB departments of Surgery, Biomedical Engineering and Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine are preparing for their own “Match.com Day” for researchers in May.

Towns to begin as new DOS development officer in April

On April 22, Jessica Towns will join the UAB School of Medicine Development Office as the executive director of development for the Department of Surgery, as well as the departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine.

Theiss to join Birmingham VA Quality Scholars Fellowship Program

Lauren Theiss, M.D., currently a second-year UAB general surgery resident, was recently selected for the Veterans Affairs Quality Scholars Fellowship Program at the Birmingham VA Medical Center.

Hello, goodbye 2019: General Surgery Residency

Match Day 2019 ushered in a new group of surgery residents, while saying goodbye to others who will soon leave UAB for different programs across the country. With 98 percent of students matching into residency positions, UAB students will continue their medical educations at 89 institutions across 30 states.

Marayati receives GSG travel award

Dr. Raoud MarayatiGeneral surgery research resident Raoud Marayati, M.D., was recently awarded a $400 travel grant from the UAB Graduate Student Government to attend the 2019 American Pediatric Surgery Association annual meeting this summer, where she will present her research project, “PIM Kinases Mediate Cisplatin Resistance in Hepatoblastoma.”

Vascular fellowship expands program to offer additional spot

The UAB Vascular Surgery Fellowship is expanding its resident-dedicated research program, opening up a new clinical spot for another graduating chief resident in general surgery. The position will become available on Aug. 1, 2019, with successful completion of the program expected by July 31, 2021.

UAB graduate and professional programs again ranked among the nation’s best

U.S. News & World Report ranking features a number of UAB programs ranked in the top 25, including a School of Health Professions’ master’s program at No. 1.

New single port robot changing robotic surgery at UAB

Patients at UAB now have access to state-of-the-art robotic surgery technology.

Hendershot appointed chair of state ACS Committee on Trauma

The Division of Acute Care Surgery’s Kimberly Hendershot, M.D., FACS, was recently appointed the chair of the American College of Surgeons Alabama Committee on Trauma.

Tanner named director of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care Fellowship

Lauren Tanner, M.D., has been named the new director of the UAB Trauma and 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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