Explore UAB

More than 1,200 interns, residents and fellows train in every medical specialty at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and at regional campuses in Montgomery, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa and Selma. Each year, a class of trainees graduate and a new class joins UAB, setting off on their trainee experience, whether it be a one-year fellowship program or a seven-year residency.

Following a 50-year career as a basic and translational scientist, UAB Department of Neurosurgery Professor Emeritus G. Yancey Gillespie, Ph.D., will retire on June 30, 2022.

Sabrina Famuyiwa - clinical research coordinator I

Sabrina obtained her bachelor's in public health from UAB in May 2020 and is currently working on her master's in epidemiology. Previously, she served as a public health educator for the Alabama Department of Public Health as well as a compounding pharmacy technician for the UAB Kirklin Clinic.

Sabrina has conducted several literature reviews and has been extremely involved in community-based participatory research efforts, including gathering and analyzing qualitative data. Her research focus includes reproductive health in rural, underserved communities. She looks forward to exploring the long-term outcomes of spina bifida patients in her new role.

In her free time, she enjoys roller-skating, weightlifting, plant admiration, and spending time with her dog, Sued!

The UAB Department of Neurosurgery, under the executive direction of James Markert, M.D., is looking beyond the possibilities of today, asking what we can do to bring new hope to patients diagnosed with complex neurological disorders.

These bold questions inspire how our scientists and physicians develop ambitious research agendas that may lead to groundbreaking advances in patient care. Because of your partnership, our surgeon-scientists have access to more of the resources they will need to conduct cutting-edge translational research, mentor the next generation of leaders in the field, and provide world-class care to patients from throughout the region.

Our priorities include endowments, research and education, state-of-the-art programs and technology, and bringing research to the bedside. You may give through endowments, planned gifts, or through a gift of stock. 

For additional information regarding gifts to the UAB Department of Neurosurgery, please contact Jennifer Philpot, Director of Development. We thank you for your support.

More than 1,200 interns, residents and fellows train in every medical specialty at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and at regional campuses in Montgomery, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, and Selma. Each year, a class of trainees graduate and a new class joins UAB, setting off on their trainee experience, whether it be a one-year fellowship program or a seven-year residency.

Spinal vascular lesions are rare yet treatable. Good patient outcomes depend on quick recognition of stepwise symptoms and referral to specialists who can use advanced imaging and other tests. UAB Department of Neurosurgery Assistant Professor, Jesse Jones, MD,  and UAB Department of Neurology Associate Professor, Will Meador, MD, discuss the most advanced diagnostic, treatment, and recovery techniques in neurosurgery. 

The UAB Department of Neurosurgery is spotlighting staff to focus on the importance of hobbies for stress relief, wellness, and self-care. The goal of the series is to connect individuals across the department by highlighting their hobby as it relates to mental, physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, social, and financial wellness.

UAB Department of Neurosurgery PGY1 Resident Andrew Hale, M.D., Ph.D., was awarded a $25,000 grant from The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation (TAAF) for his study titled "Multi-omics analysis elucidates the genetic basis of Vein of Galen Malformation."

UAB Department of Neurosurgery employees attended the 20th Annual Neurosurgery Executives' Resource Value & Education Society (NERVES) conference in Philadelphia, PA this April.

Immunotherapy is the most promising avenue of research for treating deadly brain tumors. James Markert, MD, and M. R. Chambers, DVM, MD, are leading clinical trial research on therapies using oncolytic viruses and checkpoint inhibitors as part of an ongoing NIH-awarded UAB Specialized Program of Research. 

UAB Department of Neurosurgery Assistant Professors Jakub Godzik, M.D., M.S. (left), and Marshall Holland, M.D., M.S. (right), were awarded a UAB Faculty Development Grant.

Procedures for brain tumors, epilepsy, and movement disorders require a precise and conservative approach so as not to damage functioning brain tissue. UAB Hospital neurosurgeons can now check their work as they operate in a new intraoperative MRI suite—the first in Alabama.

After many dedicated years of service to his patients, fellow faculty, and trainees, Barton L. Guthrie, M.D., is retiring from the UAB Department of Neurosurgery. Guthrie has either been a student or a faculty member at UAB for over 40 years.

University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery Professor Kristen Riley, M.D., and Assistant Professor Nicole Bentley, M.D., conduct the first radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedure to treat epilepsy on Alabama native Ashley Williard.

Anna Traywick, PA - inpatient advanced practice provider (APP)

Anna is a native of Alexander City, AL. She graduated from UAB in 2017 with her bachelor's in biomedical sciences and most recently graduated from the UAB Physician Assistant Studies program in 2021. Prior to attending graduate school, she worked in pain management and vascular services as a medical and OR assistant in the Birmingham area. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, attending concerts, and playing guitar and piano. She is excited about the opportunity to stay in Birmingham and join the neurosurgery team at UAB!

Anna Dodd, PA - spine advanced practice provider (APP)

A former professional musician, Anna changed careers in her thirties and attended the UAB Physician Assistant Studies program. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, singing, and refereeing her two dogs and two cats. 

Starris Kidd - BSHA intern

Originally from Sylacauga, Alabama, Starris is a senior majoring in healthcare management and plans to graduate this August. In her free time, she likes to read, crochet, and play with her guinea pig! She will work alongside Kirsten Yelvington.

Chloé Bunn - education administrator

Chloé was previously a program coordinator in the UAB Graduate Medical Education Department for four years. She received her bachelor's degree in healthcare administration from the University of South Alabama and plans on graduating with her master’s in health administration from Louisiana State University- Shreveport, this spring. Outside of work, Chloé enjoys being with her family, spending time on the lake, hiking when the weather is nice, and spending time with her dog, Emmie Grace.

Department of Neurosurgery Assistant Professor Matthew J. Nelson, Ph.D.,  has received a K01 grant funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for his study titled "Neurophysiological mechanisms of language comprehension".

Department of Neurosurgery Professor M. R. Chambers, DVM, MD, together with Associate Professor of Microbiology, Jeremy Foote, DVM, PhD, has published, “Evaluation of immunologic parameters in canine glioma patients treated with an oncolytic herpes virus” in the Journal of Translational Genetics and Genomics.

Department of Neurosurgery Communications Director Marissa Keppley, MBA, recently presented her capstone project for the UAB Blaze Academy.

UAB Department of Neurosurgery Residents Dagoberto Estevez-Ordonez, M.D. (PGY-4) and Andrew T. Hale, M.D., Ph.D.  (PGY-1) have been named abstract award winners by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.

Former resident, Christopher Shank, M.D., has been recognized for leading the Joint Commission certification initiative in NeuroTrauma, as the medical director at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth.