News

Infertility affects millions of individuals and couples each year, yet many misconceptions still exist—particularly when it comes to male fertility. During National Infertility Awareness Week, the UAB Department of Urology is highlighting seven of the most common questions men ask about fertility, answered by Peter Kolettis, M.D., professor and male fertility expert in the Department of Urology.

The Department of Urology is proud to spotlight Eboni Austin, Business Officer II, whose dedication and commitment to growth reflect the values of UAB.

One UAB expert offers insight into the speculated connection between GLP‑1 medications and kidney stone risk.

How dedicated guidance shaped Brenton Bicknell’s path to medicine and research

Recent innovations include a noninvasive external urine collection device, a system designed to simplify how clinicians manage fluid balance in critically ill patients, an ergonomic assist device for ureteroscopy and new ways to prevent kidney stones.

The 2026 Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA) is May 15-18 in Washington, D.C. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

A rise in research funding within UAB’s Department of Family and Community Medicine highlights its expanding research impact.

UAB recently delivered its first implant of a new therapy for urge urinary incontinence (UUI) using a process called implantable tibial neuromodulation (ITNM), expanding treatment options for patients living with a condition that significantly affects quality of life but is frequently underreported and undertreated.

UAB recently recognized 14 individuals for their years of service in the Department of Urology, ranging from 5 years to 25 years.

Kyle Wood, M.D., MBA, associate professor in the UAB Department of Urology, explains what current evidence shows and why hydration remains essential for anyone using these medications. 

Carmen Tong, D.O., associate professor in the UAB Department of Urology, has been accepted into the 2026–2027 Surgical Education Research Fellowship (SERF), a national program offered through the Association for Surgical Education (ASE) to advance research skills, curriculum development, and innovation in surgical training.

Two faculty members in the UAB Department of Urology were recently recognized for a patent related to the treatment of primary hyperoxaluria, a rare genetic condition resulting from an excess of oxalate in the urine that can lead to chronic kidney disease.

The Department of Urology is proud to spotlight Katrina Edmond Taylor, an education administrator in the department, whose energy, organization, and passion for people make a meaningful impact.

UAB Medicine’s Leadership Development Office (LDO) celebrated the graduation of 12 faculty members from the LEading, Advancing, Developing (LEAD) program for spring 2026. The cohort brought together leaders from across clinical and basic science disciplines who are committed to strengthening their leadership impact and advancing academic excellence across the institution.

For a quarter century at UAB and the past decade within the Department of Urology, Liranda Howard, Education Administrator Senior, has focused on people and processes. Upon her retirement at the end of this month, she looks back with deep gratitude, having strengthened the residency program and created a supportive, organized environment for trainees and faculty.

The UAB Department of Urology recently launched its new Section of Academic Community Urology, which seeks to integrate aspects of academic urology into community-focused care and initiatives. Care is delivered to communities while maintaining strong ties to UAB as an academic medical center.

Thomas Chi, M.D., MBA, FACS, professor and chair, Anton J. Bueschen Endowed Chair in the UAB Department of Urology, presented the 2026 State of the Department on Tuesday, Feb. 17. 

Heidi Neas was diagnosed with cancer at 16 weeks pregnant, became cancer-free at 22 weeks and delivered a healthy baby boy.

Karishma Gupta, M.D., joined the Department of Urology as an assistant professor in September 2025. She completed her undergraduate and doctorate from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and worked at Grandview Medical Center and Urology Centers for Alabama prior to joining UAB St. Vincent’s. 

The UAB Department of Urology is thrilled to announce the results of our 2026 residency match!

Andrew Fang, M.D., joined the Department of Urology as an assistant professor in September 2025. He earned his undergraduate degree in biochemistry and neurobiology at the University of Texas at Austin and his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Houston McGovern Medical School.

UAB Medicine’s Leadership Development Office would like to welcome 19 individuals in its 12th cohort of the Institute for Leadership in the spring of 2026. The goal of the UAB Medicine Institute for Leadership is to enhance existing personal, leadership, and management competencies while leveraging current leadership strategies and trends.

Betsy Hopson, Ph.D., MSHA, joined the Department of Urology as an assistant professor in November 2025.

Joel Funk, M.D., joined the UAB Department of Urology as a professor in September 2025.

Joseph Crivelli, M.D., assistant professor in the UAB Department of Urology, recently participated in the AUA/SBU Academic Exchange Program in São Paulo, Brazil, benefiting from shared knowledge and experiences with colleagues in Brazil and supporting the program's goals to foster a closer alliance between the AUA and SBU (Sociedade Brasileira de Urologia).

Liranda Howard, education administrator senior in the UAB Department of Urology, has been selected as the recipient of the Program Coordinator Excellence Award from the Society of Academic Urologists (SAU) Association of Coordinators for Urologic Residency Education (ACURE). Howard will receive the award at the 2026 SAU Winter Meeting in Houston in February.

Twelve providers in the Department of Urology were recently recognized by the UAB Office of Patient Experience and Engagement for the exceptional care they delivered to patients during fiscal year 2025. These providers achieved a rating of 95 percent or higher in care satisfaction, based on patient feedback in Medallia.

The Department of Urology is pleased to announce the appointment of Chen-Han Wilfred Wu, M.D., Ph.D., to the faculty at the rank of associate professor. Wu also serves as associate director for Precision Surgery in the Hugh Kaul Precision Medicine Institute.

On Thursday, Nov. 20., the Heersink School of Medicine honored 20 faculty members at the Fall 2025 Endowed Chairs and Professorships Reception. This event recognizes Heersink faculty who have made major contributions to research, education, and clinical care.

UAB Medicine’s Leadership Development Office (LDO) honored 33 graduates of the Emerging Leaders Series (ELS) fall 2025 Cohort 4 during a ceremony held on Thursday, Nov. 12. The cohort completed a multi-session program designed to strengthen leadership capability for emerging leaders across the enterprise.