Ray L. Watts, M.D. and Maria Rodriguez Shirey, Ph.D.The Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame will recognize several distinguished leaders from the University of Alabama at Birmingham this year, celebrating their exceptional contributions to health care education, research and clinical service across the state.
“This is a diverse group of individuals who have unique contributions to health care in the state of Alabama and beyond,” said Christy Harris Lemak, Ph.D., chair of the Hall of Fame Board. “We are proud to recognize them and to add them to the select group of people who have earned this honor.”
UAB President Ray L. Watts, along with prominent UAB physicians, educators and researchers, will be honored at the induction ceremony on Aug. 8 in Montgomery.
In addition to helping shape the broad impact UAB Medicine has on millions of patients through his leadership as president and, previously, as neurology chair and dean of the Heersink School of Medicine, Watts is also a practicing neurologist who continues to care for patients every week.
“Saving and improving as many lives as possible is central to UAB's mission, and it has been my honor to serve patients as an administrator and face-to-face in the clinic setting,” Watts said. “I am humbled and grateful for this induction that I believe recognizes the positive impact UAB continues to have in Alabama and beyond. I want to thank the Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame and congratulate my fellow inductees on this well-deserved, prestigious honor.”
The late J. Jack Kirschenfeld, M.D. and Wickliffe J. Many, M.D.UAB honorees in the Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame Class of 2026:
- The late J. Jack Kirschenfeld, M.D. – Professor in the UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine and director of the Montgomery Internal Medicine Residency Program, remembered for his leadership in medical education and training in the River Region.
- Wickliffe J. Many, M.D. – Dean of Medicine for the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Montgomery Regional Medical Campus, recognized for his commitment to expanding medical education and addressing physician workforce needs in Alabama.
- Maria Rodriguez Shirey, Ph.D. – Dean of the UAB School of Nursing, honored for her leadership in advancing nursing education, research and workforce development.
- Ray L. Watts, M.D. – President of UAB and a leader in neurology and academic medicine. His tenure has been marked by major growth in UAB’s research enterprise, health care system and educational programs.
Founded in 1997, the Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made outstanding and enduring contributions to health care in the state.