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Written by Kiara Harris

Pictured Above (L to R): Jeremey Walker, M.D., (Assistant Professor, Infectious Diseases), Aditi Jani, M.D., (Chief Medical Resident), Director of Housestaff Starr Steinhilber, M.D., (Assistant Professor, General Internal Medicine), and Mauricio Khan, M.D., (Infectious Diseases Fellow)  

Medical school students face unique challenges throughout each phase of their learning process. Principles for maintaining mental wellness and improving professional skills such as ethics or applying for residency are often left out of textbooks.

We are delighted to announce that Elizabeth Westfall, MPH, will be the new Division Administrator for Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine (PACCM), effective June 13, 2022. 

Pictured Top (L to R): Landon Wood, Valerie Winston, Samuel Boadu, MPH; Bottom (L to R): Claire Auriemma, MBA, MPH, Tatiana Torres Herman, Ph.D., and Carolyn Walsh, MA

The Heersink School of Medicine Staff Diversity Liaisons group was established to represent the shared interests of staff in creating a workplace that celebrates equity and inclusion. The group aims to create a community where people of all ages, genders, backgrounds, educational experience, and work responsibility are both recognized and valued.

The Department of Medicine has six staff liaisons serving as a part of the larger group: Claire Auriemma, MBA, MPH, Samuel Boadu, MPH, Tatiana Torres Herman, Ph.D., Carolyn Walsh, MA, Mischell Massey, and Landon Wood. These individuals are committed to making a school-wide difference, and advocating for the interests of the staff within the Department of Medicine.

The Department of Medicine is delighted to announce four recipients of the Walter B. Frommeyer Jr. Fellowship in Investigative Medicine for 2022. This annual research award is designed to foster the development of outstanding physician-scientists by supporting an intensive, mentored research experience.

The Department of Medicine is delighted to celebrate Corene Knight, Administrative Office Specialist IV in the Division of Nephrology, as the quarterly winner of the DOM STAR Award for Staff Excellence.

Faculty, staff, and colleagues sent raving nomination letters detailing Knight's amazing contributions to UAB. Nominator Dr. Norman Seay explains, "Corene has been an amazing administrative assistant–very prompt, dependable, and organized. She demonstrates utmost professionalism and is very patient. All the while so kind. I don't know what I would do without her!"

Another colleague states, "Corene has been a welcomed addition to Nephrology. She is very reliable, efficient and always ready to assist when needed. Corene provides excellent care for our patients as well as clinical and administrative support for our physicians. I am so happy she is a part of our team. She is well-deserving of this nomination."

Thank you, Corene, for your impact on those around you. Congratulations for being named DOM's STAR Award Winner for Staff Excellence! 

Pictured Above (L to R): Dr. Donna Porter, Sarah Minor, Bonnie Zarzaur, Megan Pickering, Dr. Michael Saag, Maddie Brooks, Mary Thielen, Sydney Grooms, Eboni Austin, Jennifer Wilson, DNP, Doug Royal, and Shane Wiley

The Department of Medicine is delighted to celebrate Mary Thielen, Program Director II of the Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) Program in the Division of Infectious Diseases, as the Fall 2022 Quarterly winner of the DOM STAR Award for Staff Excellence. 

Faculty, staff, and colleagues sent raving nomination letters detailing Thielen's incredible contributions to UAB, especially as a fully remote employee. Nominator Dr. Michael Saag explains, "Mary has become an invaluable team member during her time at the UAB CFAR, leading several initiatives exemplifying the highest levels of excellence in all that she does."

Another colleague, Dr. Donna Porter states, "I have interacted with many administrators and Mary is clearly one of the top achievers. She conducts herself in the highest level of professionalism, treating others with courtesy and civility. The day-to-day operations are impeccably organized and interactions with her are always efficient and productive. Mary exemplifies many of UAB's Shared Values daily and we can't think of anyone more deserving of the STAR recognition."

Congratulations, Mary, and thank you for your wonderful contributions and impact on those around you. This is one of three awards that were given this quarter. We had so many amazing nominations, we couldn't choose just one! 

Pictured Above L to R: Aaliyah Spivey, Emily Welch, Aquila Brown, Dr. Mona Fouad, Kaitlyn Waugaman, and Erin CarleyThe Department of Medicine is delighted to celebrate Aquila Brown-Galvan, Program Director II in the Division of Preventive Medicine, as the Winter 2022 Quarterly winner of the DOM STAR Award for Staff Excellence. 

Faculty, staff, and colleagues sent raving nomination letters detailing Brown-Galvan's incredible contributions to UAB. Nominator Kaitlyn Waugaman explains, "Ms. Brown-Galvan understand the value of diverse and inclusive perspectives and adapts her communication style to ensure that all perspectives are included in the decision-making process. I consider Aquila a friend, mentor, and coach. She pushes me out of my comfort zone, asks questions that encourage me to think through my assumptions and mental models, affirms my strengths, and shares fresh perspectives."

Another colleague, Katie Michaels states, "After a grant submission training we took together, Aquila consistently ensured that we were able to work in tandem to assist faculty members in future grant submissions. If I ever had a question or needed clarification on a topic, Aquila consistently provided feedback and encouragement."

Thank you, Aquila, for your wonderful contributions and impact on those around you. Congratulations for being named DOM's Winter 2022 Award Winner for Staff Excellence!

The Department of Medicine is delighted to celebrate Jamie White, Program Director II in the Division of Infectious Diseases, as the Fall 2022 Quarterly winner of the DOM STAR Award for Staff Excellence.

Faculty, staff, and colleagues sent raving nomination letters detailing White's impeccable contributions to UAB. Nominator Dr. Jodie Dionne explains, "Jamie has excelled in each of her tasks and she consistently goes above and beyond to make sure that every single task is completed with precision and accuracy and on time (if not ahead of time)."

Another colleague, Brittany Martin, states, "Jamie is the program director for a group of Infectious Diseases faculty that each have robust research portfolios in multiple African countries (as well as their domestic projects). As such, many unique issues come up with these projects often. Jamie is constantly seeking innovative, fast, and effective solutions to these problems. She will go to the ends of the Earth to make sure the faculty have everything they need to effectively conduct their research projects to improve the future of global health."

Thank you, Jamie, for your impact on those around you. Congratulations for being named DOM's STAR Award winner for Staff Excellence! This is one of three awards that were given this quarter. We had so many amazing nominations, we couldn't choose just one! 

Pictured Above (L to R): Dr. George Solomon, Angela Thomas, RN, deNay Kirkpatrick, DNP, and Dr. Gretchen Winter

The Department of Medicine is delighted to celebrate Angela Thomas, Nurse Coordinator of the UAB Bronchiectasis Program in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy & Critical Care Medicine, as the Summer 2022 quarterly winner of the DOM STAR Award for Staff Excellence.

Faculty, staff, and colleagues sent raving nomination letters detailing Thomas' impeccable contributions to UAB. Nominator Dr. Marty Solomon explains, "I have never been so impressed with a team member to provide seamless care for complex patients."

Another colleague states, "She forges an atmosphere of trust and respect with each team member and patient."

Thank you, Angela, for your impact on those around you. Congratulations for being named DOM's second quarter STAR!

Written by Sarah L. Minor

Pictured Above (L to R): Ladonna Elliott, Dr. Qing Zhao, Wayne Duck, Dr. Doug Morgan, Shane Wiley, and Dr. Chuck Elson

The Department of Medicine is delighted to celebrate Lennard "Wayne" Duck, Scientist I, in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology as the inaugural winner of the DOM STAR Award for Staff Excellence.

With over 29 years experience in laboratory research at UAB, Wayne has truly made a lasting impression on his colleagues as not just a scientist, but also as a friend.

Wayne conducts research in the areas of molecular biology and microbiology. According to Dr. Chuck Elson, two recently awarded NIH grants can be directly attributed to Wayne's efforts, and "he will be essential for the successful completion of both of them."

Above: Steve Rowe, M.D., MSPH, Professor in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine

Steve Rowe, M.D., MSPH, has accepted the position of Chief Scientific Officer for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - the world's leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis - effective July 1, 2022.

We are pleased to recognize the following providers for the exceptional care provided to patients in 2021. The providers being recognized scored an average of 98% or higher in care satisfaction, based on patient feedback from a survey which ranks them in the top 25% of providers for the following metrics:

By Kiara Harris

Above: Hernando Carter, M.D., and Adrienne Carter, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professors in General Internal Medicine  

It was a patient who regularly attended her scheduled appointments but refused to take her medication that left Dr. Hernando Carter perplexed.

“I want to make sure my natural methods are working,” the patient explained.

Above: Orlando Gutiérrez, MD, MMSc, Professor and Director in the Division of Nephrology

Orlando Gutiérrez, MD, MMSc, will become the director of the UAB Division of Nephrology, effective October 1, 2021. Dr. Gutiérrez is Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology and the Hilda B. Anderson Endowed Chair in Nephrology. He currently serves as Associate Division Director and Deputy Director of UAB’s Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS). Dr. Gutiérrez will build UAB’s extraordinary programs in nephrology and kidney science on the remarkable foundation developed under the leadership of Anupam Agarwal, MD.

Above: Bassel El-Rayes, MD,  Director in the Division of Hematology and Oncology

The DOM is delighted that Bassel El-Rayes, M.D., will serve as the next Director of the Division of Hematology and Oncology. He will also serve as the deputy director for the The O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB - effective March 1, 2022. Dr. El-Rayes is the John Kauffman Family Endowed Professor for Pancreatic Cancer Research at Emory University School of Medicine where he serves as Professor of Hematology and Medical Oncology and Vice Chair for Clinical Research in the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology. He also serves as Director of Clinical and Translational Gastrointestinal Malignancies Program and Associate Cancer Center Director for Clinical Research in Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute.

Above: Timmy Lee, MD, Professor in the Division of Nephrology

Timmy Lee, M.D., will serve as the next Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Medicine. In this role, Dr. Lee will build the culture of inquiry in the department and grow high-impact research across all divisions.

Above: Erin Snyder, MD, Associate Professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine

Erin Snyder, MD, will serve as the first Physician Director for Ambulatory Care in the Department of Medicine. In this new role, Snyder will work with Vice Chair for Clinical Programs, Elizabeth Turnipseed, MD, and stakeholders across the enterprise to improve access to care for our patients, to enhance use of our ambulatory clinics, and to increase ambulatory practice revenue relative to costs.

Above: Kelly Godby, MD, Associate Professor in the Division of Hematology and Oncology

Kelly Godby, MD, has been named Interim Director for the Division of Hematology and Oncology in the UAB Heersink School of Medicine. As Interim Director, Godby will take the reigns from outgoing Division Director Ravi Bhatia, MD, who will continue to provide leadership of division research programs, serving as Interim Director for Research. Godby will work closely with Bhatia, Division Administrator Will Callans, DOM leaders, and leaders of the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center and Cancer Service Line to provide stable, collaborative leadership while we complete the national search for a permanent Division Director. 

Above: Kevin Schwalbach, M.D., Chief Medical Resident (2020-2021)

After Kevin Schwalbach, M.D., received his Bachelor of Science from DePaul University in Minnesota, he was unsure of where his love for science would lead him. He spent the next four years in basic science, studying the development of zebrafish and stickleback fish. Though he enjoyed the research, he realized collaboration and connection were missing from his career. It became clear to Schwalbach that all roads led to medicine.

Above: Lynn Matthews, M.D., MPH, Associate Professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases

Lynn Matthews, M.D., MPH, has been named Associate Director for Global Health Partnerships and Research in the UAB Heersink School of Medicine. In this role, Matthews, who is associate professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases, will leverage her considerable experience leading NIH-funded research programs and collaborations in South Africa and Uganda to advance the priorities of the UAB SOM Global Health Initiative.

Above: Mark Dransfield, M.D., Division Director of Pulmonaray, Allergy, and Critical Care and Professor. 

The Department of Medicine is delighted to announce Mark Dransfield, M.D., will serve as the next Director of the UAB Division of Pulmonary Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine.

Above: Elizabeth Jackson, M.D., FACC, FAHA, Interim Director for Cardiovascular Disease and Professor. 

Elizabeth A. (Lisa) Jackson, MD, FACC, FAHA, will serve as the Interim Director for the UAB Division of Cardiovascular Disease, effective September 1. She will succeed Dr. Sumanth Prabhu, who has led the Division with distinction over the past decade to capture national recognition and achieve regional dominance. 

Above: Vibhu Parcha, M.D., Instructor of Cardiovascular Disease, and clinical research fellow.

One might wonder what type of environment is necessary for an institution to not only attract great physicians and researchers but also produce them.

For Muslims worldwide, Ramadan is an annual religious observance that involves prayer, fasting and celebration of community. As a Muslim, Aadia Rana, MD, Associate Professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases, observes Ramadan every year. She offers this insight into how Ramadan is celebrated and its importance to her personally and professionally.

L to R: Karen MacPherson Harrison, Registered Dietician and Certified Diabetes Educator and Amy Warriner, MD, Professor and Medical Director for UAB Weight Loss Medicine Clinic

The UAB Diabetes Prevention Program is now recognized as a fully accredited program site since opening in July 2019.