[Updated as of 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 12]
Last Friday, a bus carrying 26 UAB residents from the Department of Pediatrics was involved in an accident following a retreat at Camp McDowell. In total, 20 of them have now been examined, treated if necessary, and released from UAB Hospital. Six residents were treated at Cullman Regional Medical Center with four of them released on Friday, and two others were transferred to UAB care that evening. Currently, three patients are still at UAB Hospital, and their conditions range from good to fair.
The School of Medicine leadership is extremely grateful to everyone who has been involved in the care for its residents and their families during this difficult time. Special thanks go out to the faculty and residents from the Department of Surgery and the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery as well as the entire Emergency Department who made sure the ED could accommodate and treat any of the residents who needed to be admitted at UAB Hospital. Thanks also go to the faculty, fellows and staff in the Department of Pediatrics for the support they have shown their colleagues in numerous ways — by providing coverage and showing thoughtfulness to them and their families. The Department of Radiology also leapt in to assist by working efficiently through an inundation of imaging studies.
School of Medicine alumni have stepped in to help by offering to work shifts and overnights for the affected residents. Even outside of UAB, pediatric residency programs from all over the country have called and emailed to send their thoughts and prayers and offer their assistance. Additionally, the staff and leadership of Children’s of Alabama have been steadfast in their support and embrace of our residents.
The reaction to this crisis is further evidence of the commitment to each other that members of the UAB community share. The School of Medicine will continue to provide updates on the status of the individuals who remain in treatment.