Michael B. Faircloth, M.D., medical and laboratory director of UAB Student Health and Wellness, has been named interim chair for the Department of Family and Community Medicine, effective April 1. “It is a distinct privilege to be given this opportunity and I look forward to collaborating with administration, faculty and staff across the UAB campus,” Faircloth said. “I am honored to follow in the footsteps of Dr. Michael Harrington, who leaves a lasting legacy of excellence and leadership.”
T. Michael Harrington, M.D., who led the department as chair for 25 years, stepped back from the leadership role earlier this year. He will continue practicing medicine and conducting research in the School of Medicine. A national search for a permanent chair is expected to begin in July 2017.
Faircloth is heavily involved with campus-wide initiatives to improve student wellness. He serves as UAB Family and Community Medicine APT Committee chair, UAB Strategic Goals Committee member and UAB Clinical Physician Advisory Group member. He’s also a member of the UAB SHW Transgender Transition team, ADHD Assessment and Treatment group and the Eating Disorders Treatment Plan team.
He also worked as part of the School of Medicine LCME Reaccreditation team in 2013.
Faircloth came to UAB as an assistant professor in Family and Community Medicine in 2007, before rising to the rank of associate professor in 2011. He earned his medical degree at the UAB School of Medicine in 1990 and completed his residency and chief residency at UAB as well. After finishing residency training in 1993, he entered private practice before returning to the university.